| = (| Vol. 14, No.3 Lid nal >. [a4 tu 7p) Lud Li. ol a = “OC = © ala = Li. 10F United States Department of the Inter W ashington, D.C. UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR OSCAR L. CHAPMAN, Secretary A REVIEW OF DEVELOPMENTS AND NEWS OF THE FISHERY INDUSTRIES @ Oyen esREVIEW FISH AND WILDLIFE SERVICE ALBERT M. DAY, Director PREPARED IN THE BRANCH OF COMMERCIAL FISHERIES A. W. Anderson, Editor R.T. Whiteleather, Associate Editor J. Pileggi , Assistant Editor Applications for COMMERGIAL FISHERIES REVIEW, which is mailed tree to members of the fishery industries and allied interests,should be cddressed to the Director, Fish and Wildlife Service, United States Department of the Interior, Washington, 25, D.C. The contents of this publication have not been copyrighted and may be reprinted freely; however, reference fo the source will be appreciated. The Service assumes no responsibility for the accuracy of material from outside sources. The printing of this publication has been approved by the Director of the Bureau of the Budget, December 15,1949 a CONTENTS COVER: EXPLORER READY FOR BRAILING. BLUEFIN TUNA IN THE PURSE SEINE OF THE WESTERN THIS VESSEL WAS USED BY THE SERVICE'S BRANCH OF COMMERCIAL FISHERIES IN 1951 TO EXPLORE THE COMMERCIAL POSSIBILITIES OF A BLUEFIN-TUNA FISHERY IN THE GULF OF MAINE. REPORT ON 1951 EXPLORATORY BLUEFIN-TUNA FISHING IN THE GULF OF MAINE, BY JOHN J. MURRAY eee et # @ RESEARCH IN SERVICE LABORATORIES: ...sseseeeees TECHNICAL NOTE NO. 18 - PROXIMATE COMPOS!T!ON OF THE CLASSIFIED TRIMMINGS FROM PINK SALMON, BY H. W. MAGNUSSON AND R. K. WHITAKER .-0-e- TRENDS AND DEVELOPMENTS: .esceeecscecacnccccece ADDITIONS TO THE FLEET OF U. S. FISHING VES- SELS: NOVEMBER AND DECEMBER 1951 AND ANNUAL TOTALS TO47=-S1 cence cv ereceraceresaresoscceseceres JANUARY 1952 .occccecccersoresereccsscrescece ANGLERS!' FISHING LICENSE SALES BREAK ALL REC- ORDS wccccerecnccesasrerescrerssesoresereses CALIFORNIA FISH AND GAME DEPARTMENT YELLOW- TAIL STUDY wonereceserererssecvccrvensscsces FISH AND WILDLIFE SERVICE PERSONNEL CHANGES: ASSISTANT DIRECTOR TO RETIRE ...s+e-e- JOHN L. KASK APPOINTED ASSISTANT DIRECTOR .. FEDERAL PURCHASES OF FISHERY PRODUCTS ... METAL CANS--SHIPMENTS FOR FISH AND SEA FOOD, 1951 .cccccvccccrervccccessccesesescccsaseces MICHIGAN'S GREAT LAKES COMMERCIAL FISH PRO- DUCTION, 1951 .. eerie NORTH PACIFIC EXPLORATORY FISHERY PROGRAM: JOHN N. COBB TO EXPLORE SHRIMP RESOURCES IN SOUTHEASTERN ALASKA ...e.seeseecccceces STUDY ON HANDLING AND FREEZING SHRIMP AT SEA SIN TATED iecieictsisiers efetsorie steele nfetcie(n e’niciers WHOLESALE AND RETAIL PRICES: REVISION OF WHOLESALE PRICE INDEX AFFECTS FISH AND SHELLFISH INDEXES ....sceseeceeces WHOLESALE PRICES, JANUARY 1952 ...scecereres RETAIL PRICES, JANUARY 1952 .... ee es PAGE 20 23 27 FOREIGN: peisecteie« INTERNATIONAL: SUBAREA 5 PANEL OF NORTHWEST ATLANTIC FISH- ERVES! | COMMISSION) MEETS os cecloecesccicecisise ANTARCTIC WHALING SEASON ENDS MARCH 5 ..... AUSTRALIA: FISHERIES PRODUCTION DECREASING (1950-51) . COLOMBIA: THREE TUNA VESSELS FOR SEMIOFFICI AL FISHING GONBANYarehosinteactoatciole wis aisiela lave ieeiaie stare ciote lettre DENMARK: AUTOMATIC MARINE FIRE ALARM INSTALLED ON DANISH FISHING VESSELS ..cse.ccececerecece INDIA: WEST BENGAL TO INCREASE FISH SUPPLY WITH CURES SAL Dpcteintetetotatee acts oiaieretatole eteialvtatsvereteciereis REPORT ON DEEP-SEA FISHING IN BENGAL WATERS IN 1951 JAPAN: JAPANESE WILL NOT FISH FOR CRABS IN BERING SEAMEHISESEASON iatelsisietclstcleicineis einielaiainiete steele MAJOR PROBLEMS CONFRONTING INLAND SEA FISH- ERBENDectcinte eisremiocs's pismiets cinyecielc(e'clezerecimeisiante ANTARCTIC WHALING EXPEDITIONS ....ccececece MEXICO: RESTRICTION OF AMERICAN FISHING ACTIVITIES OFF LOWER CALIFORNIA URGED BY MEXICANS ... TEMPORARY CLOSED SEASON FOR PACIF1C COAST SHRIMPuraeehs eis «ciclo s NORWAY: NORTH NORWAY'S FISHING INDUSTRY DEVELOPMENT PLANNED ee ee ee ee ee iy ee ry CONTENTS CONTINUED ON PAGE 67 er PAGE 1 PAGE 47 47 March 1952 Washington 25, D.C. Vol.14, No.3 REPORT ON 1951 EXPLORATORY BLUEFIN-TUNA FISHING IN THE GULF OF MAINE By John J. Murray* TABLF OF CONTENTS PAGE PAGE PART | - COMMERCIAL ASPECTS OF THE NEW ENGLAND BLUE- PART || - LOG OF FISHING TRIPS (CONDENSED) (CONT. ) FINETUMA FISHIN gcocdseccondungscosnsouLecoosdcon 1 TRIP 12 INTRODUCTION 2... cece ec eee ree weet wr eee eet erent eres 1 TRIP 12 BACKGROUND OF TUNA PURSE SEINING IN NEW ENGLAND . 4 TRIP 12 EQUIPMENT AND OPERATIONAL PROCEDURE OF THE 1951 TRIP 13 EMALOAMMIONS “ssdoovopcospounon duoodpnsc Oddo odo 4 RESULTS OF SCOUTING AND SE!INING OPERATIONS ...... 6 PART | 11 - DESCRIPTION OF TUNA PURSE SEINE AND OUTLOOK FOR ESTABLISHMENT OF A NEW ENGLAND BLUE- ACCESSORY EQU! PMENT 14 FIN TUNA PURSE-SEINE FISHERY 2... cece ee eeeeeeenee 8 WEBBING hivevescicletevoiereite hn ieteis 15 Cond LINE casbocnocoso4e 15 PART || - LOG OF FISHING TRIPS (CONDENSED) 1 Ua WWENREM se Gooonuocouasodoendosocbe seenbsaooda 16 TRIP NO. 1 11 BURSIING WARRANGEMENTimretteicierersteielslaveleiaieterstnicteteveterelereieis 17 TRIP NO. 2 ...e 11 BREAST LINES 7 TRIP NO. 3 11 CORK-LINE PURSING 7 TRIP NO. 4 12 Ciing sao noodeancooneS socdouGonbOJoDNNAOOd0RO060 19 PART I - COMMERCIAL ASPECTS OF THE NEW ENGLAND BLUEFIN- TUNA FISHERY INTRODUCTION The initial phase of the bluefin-tuna exploratory fishing operation was con- ducted in the Gulf of Maine during the summer and early fall of 1951 by the Ex- ploratory Fishing and Gear Development Section, Branch of Commercial Fisheries, U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Additional explorations will follow the initial work reported herein. Development of a Gulf of Maine commercial tuna fishery has long appeared as a definite possibility. It is known that bluefin tuna (Thunnus thynnus) arepres- ent in New England waters during certain seasons of the year, appearing annually in scnools which have been observed between June and October over areas ranging from the waters southeast of Cape Cod tothe shoresof Nova Scotia in the north. Knowledge of the movements, abun- dance, and availability of thesefish for commer- cial fishing operations is lacking. Harly in 1950, interest in the possibility of establishing a tuna-processing industry uti- lizing Maine sardine-canning plants duringperi- ods of normal off-season shutdowns led to an appropriation by Congress for the investigation of the commercial potentialitiesof bluefin tuna in the Gulf of Maine. Successful establishment : cee of such a fishery wouldsubstantially contribute FIG. 1 - WESTERN EXPLORER LEAVING to year-round employment in the sardine indus- Beet FOR FISHINME GROUNDS, AUGUST try now operating on a seasonal basis. i #% FISHERY METHODS AND EQUIPMENT SPECIALIST, EXPLORATORY FISHING AND GEAR DEVELOPMENT SECTION, BRANCH OF COMMERCIAL FISHERIES, U. S. FISH AND WILOLIFE SERVICE, COLLEGE PARK, MARYLAND. Vol. 14, No. 3 COMMERCIAL FISHERIES REVIEW ~80 343M S1IOOHDS WNNL 3Y3HM SY3NV GNY SL3S 4O NOILYI07 ONIMOHS “NOI LVY3dO DNIHSI4 ANOLVHOIdxS YNNL-NIJS3N18 JO V3Y¥Y - 2 “Dig VILOODS VAON *IS6T uy Teroydxy Wieysey fq pe4oao> Waie seso[sue suyT Uex01g epwoder 46 peisodes STOOUIE ¥ ‘Tetodxq Tiejsey Aq pewudye STOOYude wIMy Jo GUoy{WIOT aqewyKouddy “Teiojdey Wojwoy fq apwa eyog aNaoaT S a < T ue¥ Uoy 40H Sd {UTAUW ‘oH e GQnv1NO0U “G3140d3Y YO GIAYIS March 1952 COMMERCIAL FISHERIES REVIEW 5 The principal objectives of the program are: 1. TO DETERMINE THE LOCATION, EXTENT, AND RANGE OF BLUEFIN—TUNA CONCENTRAT1ONS {IN NEW ENGLAND COASTAL WATERS DURING THE SUMMER AND FALL SEASONS. 2. TO DETERMINE WHETHER THE BLUEFIN TUNA ARE CONSISTENTLY AVAILABLE IN SUFFI - CIENT QUANTITIES TO WARRANT EXPANDED COMMERCIAL FISHING OPERATIONS. 3. TO TEST VARIOUS FISHING METHODS AND EQUIPMENT AND TO DETERMINE THE MOST EFFICIENT METHODS FOR CAPTURING TUNA IN COMMERCIAL QUANTITIES. In view of the proven effectiveness of purse seining inthe capture of pelagic fish, especially successful in the Pacific Coast tuna 3 fishery, this method was selected for use dur- ; ing the 1951 season. TheM/V Western Explorer, ; which had engaged in some seining operations ‘ f for bluefin tuna fromthe port of Gloucester, Mass. , during 1958, was chartered for afour- £ month period. A tuna purse seine measuring 550 fathoms in length and 33 fathoms indepth was shipped fromCalifornia, and an experienced tuna-sein- ing captain, Sam Braco, and three fishermen were hired for the operation, Additional experienced mackerel-seine fishermen were recruited in Ma- sachusetts to complete a full crew of ten men. The initial trip started on June 23 and op- / erations were completedon October 3. During pi that period, eight trips were completed and B 180,000 pounds of bluefin tuna were seined. y The smallest catch was seined in the vicinity of Boon Island, Maine, on August 24 and com- prised 41 large tuna with an average weight of 230 pounds each. The largest catch was made FIG. 3 - MASTHEAD MAN ON LOOKOUT FOR TUNA on September 17 in the waters approximately SOEs: 60 miles southeast of Cape Cod Light, and totaled 120,000 pounds of tuna withan average weight of 35 pounds. FIG. 4 = TUNA SCHOOL IN CAPE COD BAY, JULY 1951. (NOTE THAT SCHOOL CAN BE SEEN ALMOST IN CENTER OF PHOTOGRAPH. ) 4 COMMERCIAL FISHERIES REVIEW Vol. 4, No. 3 BACKGROUND OF TUNA PURSE SEINING IN NEW ENGLAND Table 1 - U. S. Landings of Bluefin Tuna, 1950-1950__ | a aia ines b —pereriepaeirey ——_permepian io able 2 - Bluefin-Tuna Landings by Coast _| Total ||Year| Coast | Coast _| Total M/V Western Explorer at l (ISS te ine n Thousands of Pounds (In an or Dig Gloucester Massachusetts 1938L/ 17,728 12,694 18,925 25,173 18,358 561 1,071 3,534 21,921 21,925/1936 23 »216}}1935 JULY 19 weccecccercecccece eoeesceseseeeoeees eeeeerereseeeeees ereeeseseerseresar U/NO FISHERY STATISTICAL 2/PRELIM|NARY. B/NOT AVAILABLE. SOURCES: 1930-38: BUREAU OF FISHERIES, U.S. DEPARTMENT OF COM- MERCE, FISHERY INDUSTRIES OF THE UNITED STATES, ANNUAL REPORTS; SURVEY CONDUCTED. eeeeeeeeeeseesesen 1939-49: FISH AND WILOLIFE SERVICE, U.S. OEPARTMENT OF THE IN- e@eeereoerer see eeeos TERIOR, FISHERY STATISTICS OF THE UNITED STATES, ANNUAL REPORTS. TRIPS LANDED ON AUGUST 1 AND AUGUST 17 WERE FROM CAPE COD BAY. ALL OF THE OTHER CATCHES WERE MADE IN IPSWICH BAY. IN SEPTEMBER THE VESSEL TURNED TO MACK EREL FISHING, AND WAS SOLD TO CANADIAN INTERESTS IN JANUARY 1939 FOR EMPLOY- MENT IN THE NEWFOUNDLAND HERRING FISH- ERY. NOTE: FROM BOSTON DAILY FISHERY PROD- DUCTS REPORTS |ISSUED BY THE MARKET NEWS SECTION OF THE SERVICE'S BRANCH OF COM- MERCIAL FISHERIES. FIGURES ARE DAILY HAILS AND MAY VARY SLIGHTLY FROM AC- TUAL WE!IGH-OUTS. For many years various people have called attentionto the numbers of bluefin tunathat appear each yearin New England's coastal waters. Although interest in a potential tuna fishery has been stirred by this knowledge, no extensive organized ef- forts have ever been made by industry to exploit this resource. Bluefin-tuna pro- duction in the area has been limited to catches made by small fishing boats and by the fish traps locatedin Cape Cod Bay. Some steps by industry aimedat greater utilization of the fishery were undertaken from 1937 to 1941 when from two to five com- mercial fishing craft operated from the port of Gloucester and achieved fair success in capturing tuna by purse-seining methods. Included in this fleet during the 1938 sea- Keeneven ss 35° Prue ery son was the M/V Western Explorer, a Pacific Saas Coast-type tuna purse seiner, equipped with ea OST RS ae a large tuna seine and accessory fishing SET Sta ea char ASOT SOS ee ee equipment proven successfulin Pacific Coast tuna seining. Other vessels used mackerel seines. Most successful of these was the Santa Maria. (Catch records of the Western Explorer and the Santa Mariaare shown in tables 2 and 3.) Totals ... EQUIPMENT AND OPERATIONAL PROCEDURE OF THE 1951 EXPLORATIONS The 75-foot Pacific Coast purse seine-type Western Explorer was eauipped with a large tuna seine, set and hauled from a turntable on the stern. The vesselrep- resented a distinct departure from the New England-type mackerel seiner, Full engine controls, a pilot wheel and compass located both in the pilothouse and out- side on the bridge forward of the house, allowed the boat to be operated fromthis spot while cruising and setting for fish. The deckhouse, located well forward, provided galley accommodations and berths for ten men on the main deck, while on the top deck a small cabin aft of March 1952 the pilothouse provided space for the captain's berth, a chart table, and radiotelephone. A depthindicator was part of the vessel's equip- ment, with the record- ing dial mountedin the wheelhouse, A small radio direction finder was also installed in the wheelhouse. The ship was pow- ered with a 200 horse- power Diesel engine, which also furnished the power for operation of the purse winch lo- cated midships aft of the deckhouse. The was recruited from At- lantic Coast mackerel fishermen. Personnel of the U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service were aboard the vessel on all trips andassisted the crew during sein- ing operations. Program plans en- visaged operations under conditions close- ly akinto current com- mercial practices of the New England mack- erel-seining fleet. COMMERCIAL FISHERIES REVIEW 5 " Oe : : FIG. 5 - SETTING SE!NE FROM TURNTABLE (NOTE PURSE LINE IN LEFT- HAND CORNER, FIG. 6 = SKIFF HOLDING END OF SEINE WHILE SETTING. OF SEINE. A tie: hold provided space forapproximately 75 tons of iced fish. A standard Pacific Coast-type tuna purse seine, measuring approxi- mately 330 fathoms in length and 33 fathoms in depth, stretched-mesh measure, was employed. Details of the nets construction are included in the section entitled"Description of Tuna Purse Seine and Accessory Equipment." Normally, tuna seiners carry 11 crew members, and the Western Explorer had facilitiesfor this number of men. A captain and three fishermen were recruited fromthe Pacific Coast tuna fishery while thebalance of the crew FIG. 7 - SKIFF MAN MAKING FAST THE EXTENSION PURSE LINE TO END 6 COMMERCIAL FISHERIES REVIEW Vol. Tp Now Sr Reconnaissance cruises were carried out in Gulf of Maine waters from July to October. Spotting areas where tuna were found in commercial abundance, and tests on the ef- fectiveness ofa large tuna purse seine in capturing bluefin tuna schools were conducted. Before setting, the schools were circled slowly by the seine —— - . boat at a distance of ——— aw Sa 100 to 200 yards to —_ : = = determine the size of = ~ the school, direction Se ; aS and naeenean of the fish FIG. 8 - PURSE RINGS AND LEAD LINE STRETCHED OUT ON DECK AFTER - : PURSING. andinspection of water currents in relation- ship to the wind, If this maneuver left the school undisturbed, it augered well for a successful set. An agreement between the Fish and Wildlife Service andmany of the New England mackerel purse-seine operators provided for the mutual relay of visual observa— tions regarding the locations of tuna and mackerel schools. Results of this agree- ment proved valuable in locating both tuna and mackerel, and contributed much to the success of the Western Explorer in keeping in contact with tunaconcentrations. This phase of the program grew with each trip, necessitating a day-long radio watch to handle the calls coming from seiners, draggers, and sports fishermen from Cape Cod all along the coast and as far north as Nova Scotia. RESULTS OF SCOUTING AND SEINING OPERATIONS The Western Explorer left Boston for her initial trip on June 23and completed eight trips before returning to Boston on October 3. The vessel spent 81 daysat sea, steaming a total of 695 hours, and covering over 4,700 nautical milesin Gulf of Maine waters. Bluefin-tuna schools were observed on all voyages. A total of 12 sets was made, eight of which yielded 180,000 pounds of bluefin tuna. These fish were landed at Gloucester, Massachusetts. In two of the unsuccessful sets, the schools were completely surrounded by the seine but the fish were lost because the lead line fouled on the bottom and the ship's main clutch failed to operate the purse winch. Observations made duringthe season disclosed bluefin-tuna schools ranging : ; FIG. 9 = TUNA IN SEINE BEFORE BRAILING. POLE over a wide area, extending from a point 1S USED TO HOLD SEINE OPEN DURING PART OF approximately 60 miles southeast of Cape THE OPERATION. March 1952 COMMERCIAL FISHERIES REVIEW v Cod Light to the waters around Boon Island, Maine--a distance of 110 nautical miles. Reports on tuna schools sighted by fishing craft operating in Gulf of Maine waters extended this range of occurrence to areas close to Nova Scotia shores--over 200 nautical miles east and south of the New England Coast. Small-size fish comprised the great majority of the tuna captured and ob- served in the area. Only a small percentage (6 percent) of the total catch was composed of fish over 50 pounds live weight, with catches of fish in the 25- to 33-pound live-weight size range predominating, Visualobservations of tunaschools and actual measurements of fish captured in coastal waters east and southof Cape Ann Light reveal that no large fish were found below this point. Conversely, no small fish were found in the coastal waters and north of Cape Ann. There appeared to be a distinct separation of the small- and large-size groups, roughly coincid- ing with the inshore waters northeast of a line extending east-south-east from Cape Ann Light. However, this generalization cannot be applied to offshorewaters in view of reports received from creditable sources of tuna schools composed of small-size fish, observed north of Cape Ann Light on Fippennies Ledge, Cashes Ledge, and Jeffrey Bank. While bluefin tuna in varying degrees of volume were observed over a wide range during the program, sizable concentrations of schooling fish adaptable to commercial seining were located in four distinct areas. The South Channel area lying between Cape Cod and the southwestern edge of Georges Bank supported large quantities of tuna during the latter part of August, the month of September, and early October. In this region, water depths range from 50 to 100 fathoms. Employment of large seines (measuring not less than 300 fathoms in length and 30 fathoms in depth) is indicated for best results in sein- ing the large schools comparablein size to those observed here during September 1951. FIG. 10 - BRAILING TUNA FROM SEINE. 8 COMMERCIAL FISHERIES REVIEW Vol. 14, No. 3 Varying amounts of small bluefin tuna were observed in the Cape Cod Bay re- gion (comprising roughly the waters southeast of a line extending from Race Point Light northwesterly to the shore near Marshfield, Massachusetts) from late June until early September. The average schools observed contained between two and eight tons of 25- to 35-pound fish with occasional appearances of schools esti- mated to contain as high as 40 tons. Comparatively shallow depths (ranging from 8 to 28 fathoms) and heavy mud-bottom conditions preclude employment of deep, heavily leaded seines in this region. From observations gathered during the course of operations, it appears that a small seine not over 225 fathomsin length and 15 fathoms in depth is required for efficient operation in Cape Cod Bay. Located near Cape Cod Bay and extend- ing northeasterly towards Cape Ann for ap- proximately 15 miles is the small fishing bank Stellwagen, but more generally known as Middle Bank. On five separate occasions schools of bluefin tuna were sighted near Stellwagen. Large bodies of bluefin tuna were sighted on the night of September 11 near the southern tip of the bank by the Gloucester mackerel-seining fleet. Generally smooth bottom and averagedepths of over 28 fathoms along tre bank's perimeter indicate favorable conditions for tuna seining dur- ing periods of seasonal abundance. Scouting operations in the waters be- tween Isle of Shoals, NewHampshire and Boon Island, Maine, located many schools of tuna during July and August. One successful set was completed on August 24 and 41 largetuna (averaging approximately 230 pounds each) were captured. Rocky-bottom conditions and shallow depths are prevalent in thisvicinity, restricting the use of purse seines over 20 fathoms in depth. Indications are that shallow seines of heavy large mesh twine would prove effective in seining the small schools of large-size bluefin found in this area during the summer months. FIG. 11 = DECKLOAD OF LARGE TUNA TAKEN OFF BOON ISLAND MAINE, BEING COVERED FOR PROTECTION FROM THE SUN. Surface water temperatures were recorded at regular intervals during the operations. Over 200 readings were taken, with emphasis on securing maximum coverage ofwaters in the immediate vicinity of school and individual tuna. Seasonal records exhibit a range of 220 F., from a minimum of 52° F. to a maximum of 74° F. Both schooling and individual bluefin tuna were observed in waters with temperatures as low as 58° F. and ranging upward to a maximum recording of 74° F. Temperature readings taken in waters lying north and east of the Isle of Shoals-Boon Islandregion were found to be consistently lower than those obtained from the waters south and east of Cape Ann, Massachusetts. OUTLOOK FOR ESTABLISHMENT OF A NEW ENGLAND BLUEFIN TUNA PURSE-SEINE FISHERY The results obtained during these operations demonstrate that bluefin-tuna stocks in concentrations of commercial size amenable to purse seining were present in Gulf of Maine waters from late June to early October. March 1952 COMMERCIAL FISHERIES REVIEW 9 SS E 8 Win: eat [ee $ FIG. 12 - PREPARING TO STOW DECKLOAD OF BLUE- FIG. 13 - CREW REPILING NET ON TURNIABLE FIN TUNA IN VESSEL'S HOLD. AFTER MAKING SET. The success of the purse seiner employed in completing eight sets with an average haul of 22,500 pounds per set shows that the schools could be effectively fished. On 10 sets, out of a total of 12 made during the season, the schoolswere completely surrounded by the purse seine and subsequent loss of two of the encir- cled schools was due to failure of fishing equipment. Generally, the fish were fairly regular in their behavior and there was no difficulty in surrounding them with the seine. Concentrations of tuna in volume attractive for seiners were found in four general areas--South Channel Region, Massachusetts Bay (Stellwagen Bank), Cape Cod Bay, Isle of Shoals-Boon Island region. Tuna schools varying in size from an estimated 2 tons to 200 tons were ob- served from the Western Explorer within a radius of 60 miles from Cape Cod Light. Over ‘500 tons is a conservative estimate of the amount of fish observed in the schools sighted. Conditions appear favorable for purse-seine operations in the South Channel area and around Stellwagen Bank where deep and heavy seines may be used without danger of fouling on the bottom. Large seine boats are indicated for use herein recognition of the size of the schools observed in the area in September 1951, Cape Cod Bay presents possibilities during late June and July for a limited number of small seine boats employing shallow, lightly-leaded seines not over 225 fathoms in length. The length of time required to operate the gear and bail the catch would be limiting factors in production due to the prevalence of small schools noted here and the necessity for more sets per payload. Conditions observed in waters northeast of Cape Ann, Massachusetts, differed sharply from those noted in the area south and east from this point. Small schools composed of large fish (weighing between 200 and 300 pounds) were found between the Isle of Shoals, New Hampshire, and Cape Neddick, Maine. With one or two ex- ceptions, all schools were in shoal waters overlying rocky bottom. On two occa- sions, schools estimated to contain 10 tons of fish were sighted in deep water south-east of Boon Island. Invariably, the schools could be found on good fish- ing days surfacing north or south-west of the Island in depths varying from 7 to 15 fathoms. While seining in this area presents difficulties not found in south- ern Gulf-of-Maine waters, it appears that operations by persons familiar with local conditions, using shallow seines constructed of heavy twine withextra large meshes, could operate with reasonable success. 10 COMMERCIAL FISHERIES REVIEW Vol. 14, No. 3 FIG. 14 - PREPARING TO UNLOAD TUNA CATCH IN PORT. The difficulties attendant upon one boat in attempting to scout pelagicfish over an area approximating 20,000 square miles are obvious. While the Western Explorer was accorded excellent cooperation by the New England fishing fleet in spotting and reporting tuna schools, unquestionably a much greater measure of success would have been attained if additional tuna seiners had been active in the area. A distinct advantage to tuna seiners operating in the Gulf of Maine is the relatively short distances between fishing grounds and landing ports. Within a distance of 100 nautical miles from areas where tuna schools were found, four major landing ports are located. Under such conditions, mechanically-refrigerated seiners, while desirable, are not a necessity and crushed ice affords a reliable and inexpensive means of preserving fish catches. After proper handling and adequate icing, bluefin tuna caught during the season were kept as long as seven days with little loss of quality. The fish were not gutted, and reports from boats who dressed their tuna catches, showed that this period could be safely ex- tended for from three to four days without danger of spoilage. Despite loss of many fishing days due to heavy fog and strong winds, it was not felt that weather conditions encountered during the season differed greatly from normal seasonal patterns. Weatherwise, purse seining differs from practi- cally all other types of fishing in relation to conditions under which fishing operations may be prosecuted. Fairly calm weather is required for successful purse-seine operations. Operators in this fishery would be compensated for loss of fishing time regularly experienced each fishing season due to weather by heavy production during brief fishing periods. While no attempt has been made here to evaluate any of the economic aspects for the successful establishment of a tuna industry in New England, experience gained from the limited work carried on in the area indicates that the basic raw material in the form of available stocks of bluefin tuna may be found in the coastal waters during the summer months. March 1952 COMMERCIAL FISHERIES REVIEW 11 PART II - LOG OF FISHING TRIPS (CONDENSED) TRIP 1, JUNE 23-JULY 2 June 23: Cleared Boston harbor and set course for Cape Ann Light. Received reports that school tuna were sighted in Ipswich Bay on June 21 and on Cashe Ledge June 22. Masthead watch kept, but saw no tuna. Anchored in Ipswich Bay. June 24-27: Scouted waters between Isle of Shoals, New Hampshire, and Monhegan Island, Maine. Weather unsettled with light fog and fresh easterly winds. No tuna schools sighted. June 28: School containing about 5 tonsof tuna sighted N NW. of Boon Island, Maine. Fish 200- to 300- pound class, milling over rocky bottom in 12 to 16 fathoms of water, Weather favorable. Surface water temperature 589° F, Tuna remained at surface over 30 minutes swimming slowly. Water shallow and bot- tom too rocky for set. June 29: Small school medium-large tuna sight— ed SE. of Boon Island in 18 fathoms over fairly smooth bottom. Made preparations to set, but school sounded. Sea calm with gentle winds. Surface tem- perature 57° F. June 30: Large school of tuna estimated at 30 tons ‘sighted in afternvon SE. of Boon Island in 38 fathoms. Fish sounded before set could be made. Same size school sighted 2 hours later in same gen- eral area. Set made but fish changed directionand escaped. uly 1: Small school of tuna sighted SW. of Boon ae over rocky bottom in 12 fathoms; too shallow to set. July 2: Fresh NW. winds, rain, and fog. Too choppy to spot fish. Returned to Boston. Summary of Trip: Six schools of tuna sighted within 2 miles of Boon Island, Maine. Four small schools over rocky bottom; too. shallow to set. Two large schools in deeper water. Made 1 unsuccessful: set. Vessel under way 94 hours, cruised about 600 nautical miles between Boston and Monhegan Island, Maine. TRIP 2, JULY 7-15 July 7: After minor changes to gear and 2-day delay due to bad weather, left Boston. Set course for Cape Cod Bay after receiving reports from other trawlers. that scnools of tuna were seen there. Cruised 4 hours between Wood End-Race Point and Peaked Hill Bar Buoy. Saw many small schools of tuna. Fish small, average about 25 pounds. Larg- est school estimated about 2 tons. Tuna very er- ratic and not at surface long enough for set. Cruised north to Stellwagen Bank and sighted school estimated at 10 tons. Prepared to set but fish sounded. Ten small schools seen before dark, but too wild for seining. July 8: Sighted many small schools, all wild and not at surface long enough to make a set. July 9-10: Fresh south winds prevented scout- ing. uly ll: Scouted in the vicinity of Jeffreys ete 15 miles NE. of Cape Ann Light. Small schools of tuna sighted but not at surface long enough for seining. July 12: Proceeded to Cape Cod Bay. wind precluded scouting. July 13: Set made at 6:30 A.M.; caught 8 tons of tuna (from 25-35 pounds) off Wood End Light, Cape Cod Bay, in 18 fathoms, Made another set in after- noon on school of about 10 tons in about same loca- tion but shallower waters (15 fathoms). Lead line fouled in muddy bottom for 4 hours. Net ripped and all but 3 tons of tuna escaped. Anchored in Prov- incetown harbor to repair seine. July 14: Set made in early morning on school of 10 tons in 13 fathoms about 3 miles off Truro shore, Cap Cod Bay. Lead line again~fouled onmuddy Fresh NW. bottom. Seine ripped and tuna escaped. July 15: Proceeded to Gloucester to discharge catch and to Boston to repair seine. Summary of Trip: Twenty-two thousand and four hundred pounds | of bluefin tuna caught in 2 sets. One other set unsuccessful due to fouling on md bottom. Average weight of fish 30 pounds. Surface water temperatures ranged from 56° F. in Boon Is- land-Isle of Shoals area to 74° F. in Cape Cod Bay. Vessel under way 83 hours; covered about 600 nauti- cal miles between Boon Island, Maine, and Cape Cod. ARUP A Shar UL Yee2o—73) July 25-26: Resumed operations in Cape Cod Bay after modifying seine for shallower waters. One web strip was removed reducing depth of seine from 33 to 27 fathoms. Approximately 1/3 of sinkers re- moved and replaced by 200 small, oval cedar floats to provide rolling motion to lead line. Fresh NE. and SW. winds hindered scouting. July 27: Made set on school of about 5 tons of tuna in morning off Wood End Light in18 fathoms. Complete miss as tuna changed course and evaded net. Made second set in afternoon and caught 7 tons of tuna (25-30 pounds) in 8 fathoms over smooth, sandy bottom. July 28: Weather unfavorable for fishing. July 29: Three schools of tuna sighted at noon off Wood End Light in 8 to 15 fathoms. Set made on largest school of about 40 tons, and fish surrounded perfectly. Main winch clutch broke down during pursing operations and lead line fouled in mud bottom, tearing net and allowing tuna to escape. July 30-31: Proceeded to Gloucester to unload catch and to Boston to repair seine. Summary of Trip: Three sets made in Cape Cod Bay. One caught 13,730 pounds tuna (25-30-pound class), one a conniese miss, and one set on 4Otons lost because of mechanicai breakdown. Surface water temperatures ranged from 62° F. on Stellwagen Bank to 72° F. in Cape Cod Bay. Vessel under way 53 hours; steamed about 360 miles. TRIP 4, AUGUST 4-14 August 4-5: Searched waters in vicinity of the Isle of Shoals and Boon Island. No tunasighted. Radio reports indicated tuna schools still in Cape Cod Bay. August 6: Cruised outside Cape Cod pastNauset Buoy and Chatham without sighting tuna. Small schools of tuna (20 to 30 fish) observed inside Race Point in late afternoon. Fish appeared to be chasing small bait fish. Too wild for seining. August 7: Scouted waters outside Cape Cod without success. Sighted 6 schools off Wood End Light in afternoon and set on small school in 13 fathoms. Caught 5 tons, average weight 30 pounds. August 8-9: Heavy fog prevented extensive scouting. Many small schools seen in Cape Cod Bay, but too small to warrant setting. August 10: Fog cleared enough for one set off Barnstable Shore, Cape Cod Bay; 2 tonsof tuna caught (30-pound average) in 13 fathoms. August 11-14: Heavy fog impeded scouting. Proceeded to Gloucester to discharge catch. Summary of Trip: Thirteen thousand and six hundred pounds tuna taken in 2 sets, Average weight about 30 pounds. Surface water temperatures ranged from 60° to 71° F, Vessel under way 68 hours cov- ering about 450 nautical miles between Boon Island, Maine, and Chatham, Massachusetts. ‘TRIP 5, AUGUST 16-28 August 16-17: Ledge, small fishing bank about 40 miles E. by S.of Eastern Point, Mass. Fresh winds and rough seas. No tuna sighted. August 18-19: Set course for Monhegan Island, Maine, after receiving reports that tuna were seen there by small-boat fleet. Scouted vicinityof Boon Island en route. No tuna observed. Received report from trawler which sighted large schools of tuna about 56 miles S. by W. of Seal Island, Nova Scotia. Weather fair, so set course for Seal Island. Arrived in area of report after 20 hours steaming. Fresh Nw. winds and choppy seas prevented effective scout- ing. Weather forecast unfavorable. Returned to Maine coast and anchored near Mt. Desert Light. August 20-23: Scouted NE. along Maine coast toward Grand Manan Island. Strong tides in Grand Nanay Channel. Surface water maximum temperature 54° Fe reports from fishing craft indicated school of tuna near Boon Island. Set return course and*scouted areas around Matinicus and Monhegan Islands with no success. COMMERCIAL FISHERIES REVIEW Scouted in vicinity of Fippennies Heavy fog eneountered, no tunasighted. Radio Vol. 14, No. 3 August 24: Sighted small school of tuna in 30 fathoms about 2 miles SW. of Boon Island in morning. Made a set, but missedthe school. Caught 5 tons of large tuna (230-pound average) in second set in 24 fathoms. Surface water temperature 61° F. Sighted at least 6 moderate-S8ized schools in afternoon SE. of Boon Island, swimming slowly but over rocky bottom too shallow to set (11-19 fathoms). August 25-28: Scouted Isle of Shoals, Ipswich Bay, and Boon Island areas. Weather poor. No tuna sighted. Returned to Gloucester todischarge catch. Summary of Trip: Nine thousand and twenty pounds tuna (average weight 230 pounds) caught in one set. One other set unsuccessful. Vessel under way 130 hours; covered about 1,000 nautical miles between Eastern Point, Mass., and Grand Manan Is- land, Canada. TRIP 6, AUGUST 31-SEPTEMBER 15 August 31-September 5: Scouted offshore in vicinity of Fippennies Ledge. Failure of genera- tor and air compressor forced return to port. Searched waters outside of Cape Cod Bay between Cape Cod Light and Chatham. Sighted only few scattered tuna. NW. winds and light fog hindered scouting. Weather colder and unsettled. Searched Ipswich Bay and Isle of Shoals-Boon Island area. Small schools of tuna observed on 3 occasions. Fish moving rapidly and not at surface long enough for set. Weather unsettled. September 6-10: September 11: Received radio reports from 2 Gloucester fishing vessels that large schools of tuna sighted off Race Point at 0200 September 10. Proceeded to area and kept night watch, but saw no tuna. Heavy fog prevented effective scouting. September 12-15: Covered area near Boon Is- land and around Stellwagen Bank. No tuna seen. Weather very unsettled. Returned to port for re- pairs to generator. Summary of Trip: Unfavorable weather com- bined with mechanical breakdowns caused loss of considerable fishing time. Vessel covered 850 nautical miles in 122 hours of sailing between Cape Porpoise, Maine, and Chatham, Mass. Surface water temperatures ranged from 61° F. near Boon Island on September 12 to 68° F. in Cape Cod Bay on September 3. No sets made. Few smallscattered schools of tuna sighted for brief periods. TRIP 7, SEPTEMBER 16-19 September 16: Set course for area approxi- mately 60 miles SE. of Cape Cod Light, following reports from trawlers stating large schools of tuna there. Tuna feeding on scrap fishfrom trawl catch. Some vessels caught good amounts of tuna on hand lines baited with fresh herring. Catches of 15 tons and 13 tons by this method reported. March 1952 September 17: of Cape Cod Light in morning. Weather fair, slight- ly overcast sky, gentle southerly wind, calm sea, surface water temperature 689 F. Made seton large school of tuna estimated to contain over 200 tons. Necessary to cut school in half toavoid overloading seine. Trapped over 100 tons of tuna, but about 50 tons lost when cork line sank under heavy load and portion of net tore; 60 tons of tuna brailed in 4 splits. Fish averaged 33 pounds. During set, waters in vicinity "alive" with tuna; 10 large schools ob- served in course of 30 minutes. September 18: Completed brailing and icing catch. Headed for port 15 hours after dropping skiff at beginning of set. Unloaded catch at Gloucester. Summary of Trip: Sixty tons of tuna (average 33 pounds) caught in one set 56 miles SE. of Cape Cod Light. Vessel under way 32 hours; covered ap— proximately 256 nautical miles. ‘TRIP 8, SEPTEMBER 23-OCTOBER 3 September 23: Set course for area 56 miles SE. of Cape Cod Light where large catch was made on Tri 7. September 24: Many schools of tuna sighted in pepeenier Table 4 - Record of Sets Woiond in Direction ‘athoms'| A Off Wood End Light, Cape Cod Bay 3 Miles Off Truro Shore, Cape Cod Bay ie Beas Off Wood End Light, (Cape Cod Ba: iS Miles Off Barn- stable Shore, Cape (Cod Ba 2 Miles SW. of Boon Island, Maine of ed b al a ns | ee COMMERCIAL FISHERIES REVIEW Arrived at position 56 miles SE.| late afternoon. rd of Sets, June 30 to October 17 Depth Surface Water Temperature} Set 0 x B ° . a 8 : ow 13 Schools estimated to contain 10-15 tons tuna in 25-50-pound class. Fish moving too fast and not staying at surface long enough for set. Weather unfavorable in evening. Proceeded to Prov- incetown for shelter, Operations curtailed by ex- Strong NW. and SW. Offshore operations impossible. September 25-29: tremely unfavorable weather. winds. September 30-October 1: Searched waters off- shore SE. of Cape Cod. No tuna sighted. Surface temperatures much colder, 529-549 F, Weather un- settled, moderately choppy seas. October 2: Received radio report of school tuna on Jeffreys Ledge, about 27 miles NE. of East- ern Point Light. Set course for that area. October 3: Attempted scouting Jeffreys Ledge. Strong NE. wind and fog forced termination of oper- ations. Docked at Boston in evening. Summary of Trip: Worst weather of season en- countered. Fresh to strong NW. and SW. winds and some fog. Weather unfavorable for purse seining on 7 out of 11 days. No sets made. School tuna sighted offshore from Cape Cod Light, but too wild for sein- ing. Vessel under way 92 hours; covered about 600 nautical miles from 60 miles SE. of Cape Cod to Cape Ann, Mass. nin (oles LD Sees Time of Size of Catch School (in tons)|(in tons) Remarks School changed course during set and es- caped. each. Seine hung up on mud bottom; lost most of school. Lost school when seine fouled on bottom and tore. Missed school. Fish averaged 30 lbs. each, Perfect set on large school; winch clutch broke while pursing; entire school lost. Fish averaged 30 lbs. each, Cut school in half and trapped an es- timated 120 tons in seine. Lost 60 tons over cork line and through web failure. Fish averaged 33 lbs. each. 14 COMMERCIAL FISHERIES REVIEW Vol. 14, No. 3 PART III - DESCRIPTION OF TUNA PURSE SEINE AND ACCESSORY EQUIPMENT. Purse seining is probably the most efficient and productive method currently employed for rapidly capturing large quantities of pelagic fishes. During 1947 the purse-seine fisheries in the states of Washington, Oregon, and California Va counted for 57 percent of the total catch of fishery products in that region. Tuna fishermen have practically standardized on construction of tuna seines, using cotton-web strips 100 meshes deep of 43 inches stretched-mesh size (No. 42- or 48-thread seine twine) for the main body of the net, and a strip 50 meshes deep of 8 inches stretched-mesh size (No. 60- to 96-thread seine twine) for the bottom or lead-line strip. Variation of the mesh size and thread size is normal procedure in hanging a seine, depending on the size and species of tuna for which the seine is to be used, and the size of the purse seiner employed. When stretched out, a tuna purse seine has the appearance of a long shallow blanket of webbing, buoyed on top by corks or floats strung on a strong rope at- tached to the webbing and weighted on the bottom with a light rope strung with lead sinkers. Attached to the lead line by means of short ropescalled "bridles" and suspended at regular intervals below the lead line are circular metal rings through which a strong wire cable or "purse line" is woven. Following setting and encirclement of the schooling tuna, the "purse line" is used to draw together the bottom of the seine, and successful completion of this operation leaves the fish catch safely impounded in the seine, with their only escape route being over the top of the cork line. With the aid of a power boom, simultaneously part of the seine is repiled on the turntable at the stern of the boat and the fish catch is concentrated in one section of the seine. The concentrated fish are brailed from the seine into the ship's hold with a dip net. PURSE SEINE BOAT ~, — — KK CORK LINE > LEAD LINE PURSE LINE FIG. 15 - DIAGRAM OF PURSE SEINE WHEN SET. ————————— es I/EISHERY STATISTICS OF THE UNITED STATES STATISTICAL DIGEST SERVICESUaas OF . NO. 21., U. S. FISH AND WILDLIFE March 1952 COMMERCIAL FISHERIES REVIEW 15 The tuna seine used by the Western Explorer was of the standard type used by the California tuna-seining fleet, and when hung ready for fish- ing the net had the following dimensions and components. WEBBING The body of the net con- sistedof fivehorizontal strips of cotton webbing approximately 330 fathoms in length, laced together forming a large rec- tangle. From the cork line down, the first four strips : ee : (each 100 meshes in depth) were Fic. 16 - HANGING SEINE. LACING TOGETHER WEB STRIPS of No. 42-thread medium-laid IN MIDDLE OF SEINE. cotton seine twine, 43 inches stretched mesh. The lead-line strip (50 meshes in depth) was of No. 84-thread medium-laid cotton seine twine, 8 inches stretched-mesh. Before lacing thestrips together, they were treated with net preservative to protect the webbing and re- tard deterioration. Depth of the seine was approximately 33 fathoms stretched- mesh measure after hanging operations were completed. In accordance with accepted practice, the seine was hung with the cork line a trifle shorter than the webbing, and the lead line about ten percent shorter than the cork line. This was accomplished by measuring ten fathoms on the cork line and nine fathoms on the lead line. Then ten fathoms of 43-inch meshwas meas- ured off along the selvage of the top web strip, stretching the netting taut, and adding 6 extra 43-inch meshes (stretched allowance) and dividing this slack evenly along the cork line. By tracing the straight mesh down across the web strips to the lead line strip selvage and fastening this point to the nine fathoms of lead- line rope, an extra fullness is obtained in order to insure a proper pursingoper- ation. Thus the actual ten fathoms of lead-line webbing is secured tonine fathoms of rope. Later in the season the depth of the seine was decreased approximately six fathoms by the removal of an entire web strip. CORK LINE The number of cork floats used to buoy the net is quite variable, depending on the size of the net, size of tuna to be fished, and current and tidal charac- teristics of the waters in which the seine is to be operated. Generally, there are from 14 to 20 corks to each fathom of cork line, following the basic principle that sufficient floats should be uniformly distributed along the entire cork line to assure that ample buoyancy is provided to keep the net afloat withthe cork line at the water's surface. The seine used in this operation had approximately 16 corks to each fathom of cork line. The corks were disc-like in shape (6 inchesin diameter and 2 inches thick) with a hole in the center for insertion of a manila rope 23 inches in circumference. The corks were usually spaced in three groups of four, each composing a "sausage" of twelve corks. Corks were hung by picking up two 43-inch meshes of the top web strip with 2l1-thread fine manila and placing four corks directly above the two meshes, then 16 COMMERCIAL FISHERIES REVIEW Vol. 14, No. 3 passing the manila line under the corks and hitchingit firm- ly to the cork line. This pro- cedure was repeated for two more four-cork groups, thus completing a "sausage." Be- tween "sausages" a space of 16 inches was left on thecork line. LEAD LINE The leads or sinkers were evenly distributed along a 21- thread manila rope attached to the bottom web section. The leads wereoval shaped weighing four ounces each and provided with a 5/8-inch hole through the longitudinal axis for insertion of 2l-thread manila rope. This heavily-weighted line insures that the net will sink quickly to the limit of its depth following setting of the seine and encirclement of the schooling fish. Leads were hung fn groups of threes. withapprox- imately 38 leadsto each fathom of lead line. Heavy-tarred seine twine wasused for hang- ing, with each tie on the lead line about 7 inches apart and each 8-inch mesh picked up twice by the hanging twine. During actual fishing opera- tions, it was found that the lead line was too heavy for efficient operation. Early in the season the seine was OF CEDAR FLOAT USED TO LIGHTEN LEAD LINE WHEN USED ON overhauledand from 14 to 16 MUDDY BOTTOM. leads removed from each fath- om of lead line, and small cedar floats placed along the lead line at regular in- tervals. This arrangement proved helpful when working the seine in shallow water and on soft and muddy bottom, och ‘\ ‘ FIG. 17 - ARRANGEMENT OF CORKS ON CORK LINE. Galvanized-iron purse rings, measuring 93 inches out- side diameter, 3 inch thick, and fitted with a small closed loop wereuniformly distributed along the entire length of the lead line. Each ring was fas- tened at the loopto the middle of a 15-foot long "bridle." The "bridles" were made from 18-thread manila rope and the ends were made fast to the lead line with several hitches of heavy-tarred seine twine. A distance of 123 feet was left between "bridle" ends on the lead line and the same distance ; : was left between consecutive "bridle" lines. Seventy lead-line purse rings were used in hanging the seine. \ ~ «Af \ \ FIG. 19 - LEAD-LINE PURSE RING AND BRIDLE. March 1952 COMMERCIAL FISHERIES REVIEW 17 PURSING ARRANGEMENT The purse line of galvanized steel wire measured about 330 fathoms in length and wasdivided into three sections. The two end sections were ap- proximately 115 fathoms longof 1/2-inch diameter wire, while the middle section was of 5/8-inch- diameter wire, 100fathoms in length, joined to the end sections by means of swing links. This divi- sion of the cable facili- tated handlingand coiling the wire after pursing was completedand assured that mer 30 r SURE ING the stronger middle sec- = turouGH PURSE BLOCKS. tion of the cable would & be in a position to support the weight of the purse rings and lead line when hoisted inboard by the power boom. BREAST LINES During the haul it was necessary tolift the lead line up to the corks by pulling up the breast lines, the lower ends of which were fastened to the bottom of the net at a point about 1/2 to 1-1/2fathoms from the lead line, while the top \ \ L AAS FIG. 21 - BREAST LINE AND BREAST RING. ends were tied loosely to the cork line. The breast lines were of 2 1/2-inch-circumference manila rope, while the breast rings were made from 7/16-inch galvanized iron and measured 4 inches inside diameter. The breast lines were passed through a seriesof metal rings fastened directly along the end of "upand down" lines on the extreme ends of the seine. CORK LINE PURSING Along the entire length of the cork line, approximately 80 bridle ropes were spaced about 4 fathoms apart. Each bridle was from 18 inches to 20 inches long, made from 18-thread manila rope FIG. 22 - CORK PURSE LINE AND BRIDLE. with a 7/16-inch by 4-1/2 inches 18 COMMERCIAL FISHERIES REVIEW FIG. 23 - MAIN DECK OF WESTERN EXPLORER SHOWING PURSING WINCH AND PURSING DAVIT. fastened to the cork line while the other end is hitchedloosely to the cork line in a spot within reach of the bow man who controls the pursing by meansof the bow anchor winch. When the corks gather around the boat, the loose endof therope is pulled in and this procedure tends to keep the corks gathered at the bowof the boat and fastened securely. The same procedure is followed whenthe corks bunch around the stern of the boat,with the exception that the line isthen pursedon the pursing DIAN LINK. ‘a oes rs > 4 Po ne ‘ FIG. 25 = RINSING WEBBING IN BLUESTONE SOLUTION (COPPER SUL- PHATE) PRIOR TO STORING SEINE FOR WINTER. Vol. 14, No. 3 galvanized purse ring attached in the middle by means ofa half hitch, Thebridles are necessary in order to facilitate net operations. Upon completionof the setting of the net, the corks havea tendency to gather around the bow and stern of the boat, bunching up thenet and impeding dry- ing up operations. About 30 fathoms of 2-1/2-inch- circumference manilarope is a permanent fixture through approximately seven purse rings, cov- ering a section of the net about 30 fathoms long. FIG. 24 - SKIFF END OF SEINE SHOWING "CANA- winch instead of the anchor winch. An additional 30 fathoms of 1/2-inch wire is used upon completion of the setting to speed the transfer of the skiff endof the mainpurse line to the pursing winch. Be- forethe circling maneuver of the seiner around the school fish is completed, one end of the wire at- tached toa light heaving line by a snap-hook ar- rangement is passed through the forward pursing davit outside the rigging and given to the bow man. When the seiner approaches March 1952 COMMERCIAL FISHERIES REVIEW 19 the skiff, the bow man throws the heaving line to the skiff man who secures the wire to a short pennant made fast to the cork line and signals to the winchman, who purses the wire on the winch and pulls the cork line up to the vessel's rail. Upon reaching the rail, the cork line is made fast to the main rigging, the main purse line is released from a device called a "Canadian Link," and both ends of the purse line are pursed simultaneously until the purse rings are safely up to the pursing davit. SKIFF The heavy, flat-bottom skiff used to assist in fishing operations is an im- portant part of a purse seiner's equipment. In addition to its use in starting the seine off the turntable while setting the seine, the skiff is used to support the net during hauling and brailing operations and as a tow-off boat to swing the purse seiner away from the net in the event that the action of the wind or tide places the boat in a position making hauling operations difficult or imvossible, Practically all the skiffs employed in the California tuna fishery are equipped with either gasoline or Diesel engines, The skiff furnished with the Western Explorer was not powered and in the interest of efficiency and ease of-handling, a built-in well was constructed and a heavy-duty outboard motor was installed. This motor proved invaluable in the course of fishing operations. The skiff meas- ured 22 feet in length with an 8-1/2-foot beam and was constructed of heavy tim- ber (see figure 7). ACKNOWLEGMENT To the Captains and crew members of New England fishing craft for valuable assistance accorded the Western Explorer in reporting locations of tuna schools. PACKAGED FISH--1951 Production of fresh and frozen packaged fish (fillets, steaks, and split butterfly) in the continental United States during 1951 totaled 205,486,068 pounds, valued at $59,487,098 to the processor. This represents an increase of 7 percent in quantity and 11 »ercent in value as compared with 1950. The principal items procuced were ocean perch (rosefish) fillets, (75,023,366 pounds, valued at $18,732,729) and haddock fillets (50,830,527 pounds, valued at $14,545,679). The total production of groundfish (cod, cusk, haddock, hake, pollock) and ocean perch (rosefish) fillets during 1951 amounted to 148,786,162 pounds, valued at $38,463,887. Imports of these fillets during the year amounted to 87,042,081 pounds. It is estimated that 620,000,000 pounds of round fish were required to produce the 205,486,068 pounds of packaged fish produced in 1951. --C.F.S. No, 7355 20 COMMERCIAL FISHERIES REVIEW Vol. 14, No. 3 February 1952 REFRIGERATION: Freezing Fish at Sea, Defrosting, Filleting, and Refreezing the Fillets: Shipyard work was completed on repairs to the main engine and the auxiliary equipment on the trawler Delaware. The vessel will be dry-docked short- ly for hull and underwater repairs. Further work will include expansion of the frozen-fish storage area and improvements in the fish-freezing equipment. (Boston) HHH HH NUTRITION: Chemical and Physical Properties of Fish and Shellfish Proteins; During the last month work was initiated on the development of a method for the determination of drip in fish. Factors affecting the quantity of drip are being studied. The work should provide much needed information on the water retentiv— ity of fish proteins and should serve as a basis for more fundamental studies. Several procedures for determining drip in frozen fish have been proposed. One method is to thaw the fishery product in the open air and collect the liquid which remains, The amount of the liquid or the loss in weight of the fish repre- sents the drip. There are many variations to this general method. Another pro- cedure is to expose under pressure a uniform cut section of the fish. The water is pressed out and discarded. The loss in weight of the fish section is consid- ered the drip. All present methods are rather empirical and are apparently only of value for control work. It is our purpose in this work to develop a method for determining dripwhich will not alter the physical condition of the fish and which will approach condi- tions similar to those that occur in the normal handling of the fish. The pres-— sure method for drip is, therefore, automatically eliminated from consideration. Experience gained so far has indicated that under similar thawing conditions: (1) the amount of water released from fillets of the same species of fish varies from fillet to fillet; (2) spoiled fillets release more water than fresh ones; (3) the amount of water released will vary from one species of fish to another; (4) there is little difference in the amount of water released from large andfrom small Pacific oysters; and (5) within certain limits, there is little difference in the amount of water released from thawed oysters which were frozen at different rates, (These are preliminary results and, of course, must await further verifi- cation.) Further studies on the factors affecting dripin'fish indicatethat the amount of water released under similar controlled conditions from the thawed head por- tions of frozen fillets was not significantly different from the thawed tail por- tion of the same frozen fillets. The results were an average of 2.8 percent water from the head portion and 3.3 percent water (or "drip") from the tail portion. March 1952 COMMERCIAL FISHERIES REVIEW 21 Additional studies are being carried out on the factors affecting the quan- tity of "drip" in an effort to provide basic information which will lead to a standard method for the drip determination. (Seattle). HEHEHE BYPRODUCTS: Vitamin Content and Nutritive Value of Fishery Byproducts: Studies on the unknown growth factors in fishery byproducts were continued. Tests on the rockfish liver dialysate were made to determine whether it contained growth factors measured by the microbiological method. The cultural medium used was that described by Flynn, Williams, O'Dell, and Hogan, in the journal Analyti- cal Chemistry 23, 180 (1951). The test organism was Lactobacillus casei. When this medium was supplemented with the rockfish liver dialysate at con- centrations ranging from 1 to 300,000 parts per million, a considerable increase in the growth rate of L. casei was noted. The maximum increase in growth was between 45-50 percent over the unsupplemented medium. The next step will be to determine whether this growth factor also applies to tests with chicks. A large batch of fish livers is being processed and it is expected that the finished dialysate will soon be ready for chick tests at Washington State College. This demonstration that fish-liver dialysate contains a factor or factors which greatly stimulate the growth of Lactobacillus casei makes it possible to begin further fractionation experiments on the dialysate. These experimentswill be directed toward the purification and eventual isolation of the unknown factor which shall be referred to in these reports as the L. casei fish factor, Ulti- mately, it is hoped that the L. casei fish factor will be shown to be the same factor as the one in fish meal which stimulates chick growth. There are in general threetechniques whichcan be used to purify and isolate naturally-occurring compounds on a micro scale. These techniquesare: fractional precipitation, absorption chromatography, and partition chromatography. The most common is fractional precipitation. If it is possible to find a precipitant for the L. casei fish factor, then considerable purification of the factor can be made rather easily. A solvent which has been used extensively to precipitate the vitamins belonging to the water-soluble class is acetone. Consequently, an ex- periment was carried out to determine if the L. casei fish factor could be pre- cipitated with acetone. Ten ml. volumes of a fish liver dialysate were placed in each of two 100-ml. centrifuge tubes which had been previously weighed. Hight volumes (80 ml.) of acetone were slowly added with stirrings The covered tubes were stored in a refrigerator for a week, The tubes were centrifuged for 10 min- utes at 2,000 rpm. and the supernatant liquid was decanted off. The residual acetone was removed with a slow stream of filtered air. The tubes were placedin a vacuum desiccator for two weeks. They were then weighed. The precipitate in each centrifuge tube was dissolved in water and quantita- tively transferred to a 10 ml. volumetric flask. The flasks were diluted to the mark with distilled water. The L. casei assay procedure was then carriedout with aliquots of the acetone-insoluble fraction added to the basal medium. The assay was made in triplicate. The results show that the L. casei fish factor is present in the acetone- insoluble fraction and that maximum growth is obtained with approximately 0.02 g. of the acetone-insoluble material. HHHHR 22 COMMERCIAL FISHERIES REVIEW Vol. 14, No. 3 Riboflavin and niacin assays were completed on products from one pilchard meal plant which used an air-lift drier. The results are as follows: CHOMP OW Sa LaraOnay r-Lift Drier Reduction Plant Raw Sardines eerressseeseeos PRESSE CAKOGweteleialejajsicle.e!slefais\areie Sol CKWabtOLeatsisicisiclcleiaisisisieleleiets MGA erelslolslalaieiniciaieinistninivinielaiciviate (Seattle) HHH EH ANALYSIS AND COMPOSITION: Composition and Cold-Storage Life of Fresh-Water Fish, Additional data on the composition of sheepshead and blue pike were ob-— tained and are presented in the following tables. Composition of Sheepshead (Aplodinotus grunniens) Weight of Fillet Yield Sample Fish in in Proximate Composition in Percent Number Grams Percent Ash = eee ° ANmDrFoOUNNAG- Length of Weight of Fish in Fish in Centimeters Grams . ‘em (ey- 8 ONOoOnPFPON OM SERRBBREBE (Seattle) March 1952 COMMERCIAL FISHERIES REVIEW 23 TECHNICAL NOTE NO. 18 - PROXIMATE COMPOSITION OF THE CLASSIFIED TRIMMINGS FROM PINK SALMON ABSTRACT SAMPLES OF TRIMMINGS FROM PINK SALMON WERE SECURED FROM A KETCHIKAN, ALASKA, CANNERY DURING EACH OF THREE CANNING SEASONS. THE TRIMMINGS WERE SEPARATED INTC EIGHT COMPONENTS: HEADS, COLLARS, FINS, TAILS, LIVERS, EGGS, MILT, AND DIGES- TIVE TRACTS. THE PROXIMATE COMPOSITION - OIL, PROTEIN, ASH, AND MOISTURE - WAS DETERMINED FOR EACH CLASSIFIED PORTION. INTRODUCTION Progress toward the goal of complete utilization of the wastes from Alaskan salmon canneries has been slow, partly because the problems involved and partly because the prospects were not fully known. Therefore, an important phase of the Ketchikan Fishery Products Laboratory program has been research to secure basic technical data concerning the raw material. Data on the available quantities of each of the separated parts of the salmon cannery trimmings have been reported (Magnusson and Hagevig 1950). The present paper reports on an incidental analytical study of trimmings from the most abundant salmon, the pink or humpback (Oncorhynchus gorbuscha) . The pink salmon raw materials had been collected at a Ketchikan cannery during three seasons in connection with other research projects. It was believed that it would be of interest to determine the proximate composition of these lots of trimmings even though it was realized that the batches of trimmings available for analysis were not necessarily representative of all types of pink salmon cannery waste available in southeastern Alaska. The proximate composition - oil, protein, ash, and moisture contents - was determined for each of eight sorted components of the trimmings: heads, collars, fins, tails, livers, eggs, milt, and digestive tracts. EDIBLE PORTION APPROX: 70% OF FISH FOR HUMAN FOOD AS CANNED FISH be MILT (MALE) aw SSS DIGESTIVE TRACT 2h COMMERCIAL FISHERIES REVIEW Vol. 14, No. 3 SOURCE OF SAMPLES During 1946, 1947, and 1948 several representative samples of trimmings were secured at a Ketchikan, Alaska, salmon cannery which handled only trap-caught fish. The collections were made from the flumes that carry the trimmings away from the butchering and cleaning equipment--the "header" and "Iron.Chink." The trimmings were allowed to drain free of excess water and were transported immedi- ately to the laboratory, where they were carefully sorted. The "header" section of the waste was hand-butchered to separate the head from the collar portion. That part of the liver, if any, in the collar was removed and added to the liver portion of the Iron Chink trimmings. The portion "fins" included the ventral fins of the fish with the adjacent skin and flesh as cut by the Iron Chink. The collar portion included the pectoral fins. Each season's composite sample repre- sented trimmings from a minimum of 100 fish. The separated trimmings collected in 1946 were finely ground and well mixed, and then representative samples were sealed in half-pound cans. Some of the canned samples were preserved by process— ing for 90 minutes at 242° F., and the remaining samples were preserved by stor- ing at 0° F. Since the processed samples were packed in hermetically-sealed con- tainers, it is unlikely that processing would affect the proximate composition of the material in the cans; therefore, no differentiation was indicated in the data for the processed and the frozen samples. Trimmings collected in 1947 and 1948 were frozen and stored in five-gallon cans at 0° F. Later the material was partially thawed and then ground and mixed. Representative samples were taken for immediate analysis or saved in sealed one-pound cans stored at 0° F. All analyses were carried out during the summer and fall of 1948. ANALYTICAL METHODS Association of Official Agricultural Chemists. Each sample to be analyzed was transferred, as completely as possible, from the can to a blendor jarand thorough- ly blended to a creamy fluid or a uniform paste. Portions of this blended sample were weighed out for the subsequent analyses. Oil content was determined by the method of Stansby and Lemon (1937), modi- fied according to the recommendations of Voth (1946). The sample, in a paper thimble, was extracted with acetone in aBailey-Walker apparatus. At the end of two hours the acetone was changed and the extraction was continued for another 14 hours. The combined acetone solutions were evaporated on a steam bath and then placed in a vacuum oven at 100° C. for three hours at less than 25 mm. Hg. pres-= sure. The residue was treated with anhydrous ethyl ether to dissolve the oil. The ether solution was filtered through sintered glass into a weighed flask; the ether was evaporated; and the residue was dried at 100° C. to constant weight. The residue was calculated as oil. Nitrogen content was determined by a modified Kjeldahl method (A.0.A.C., 1945 A) using a selenized granule as catalyst. The protein was computed by mul- tiplying the nitrogen content by the commonly-used factor, 6.25. For the ash determination (A.0.A.C., 1945 B) the sample was weighed into a silica crucible, dried at 130° C. for at least one hour, carefully carbonized over a Bunsen flame, and then heated at 550° C. for three hours, or until constant weight was reached. The residue was calculated as the ash. A modification of Veschezerov's method (Tubis 1943) for moisture determina- tion was used. The sample was weighed into a tared aluminum dish containing 10 March 1952 COMMERCIAL FISHERIES REVIEW 25 grams of washed and muffled sand. The sample and the sand were well mixed. After a preliminary drying in an air oven at 100° C. for 1.5 hours, the drying was completed at 135° C. for one hour. The loss in weight was calculated as moisture. DISCUSSION OF PROCEDURES AND RESULTS Table 1 - Proximate Composition of Classified Table 1 presents the Pink Salmon Trimmings from Trap-Caught Fish results of the proximate at Ketchikan, Alaska analyses of the pink salmon Parts Season trimmings samples for each of the Lot Proximate Composition of three seasons. Each value Trimmings | Number in the table is the average Percent |Percent|Percent|Percent | of triplicatedeterminations on a composite sample of the samples taken at intervals p 710.9 during the season at the one 10. cannery. The three results tobe acceptable were required to have a difference range of less than the following: oil, 0.25 percent; protein, 0.2 percent; moisture, 0.2 percent; ash, 0.15 percent. Most of the triplicates ex- hibited ranges of less than half these limits. = = perpen e ee je ° The analytical proce- dures employed gave satis-— factorily reproducible re- sults, However,the proximate analysis totals (oil, pro- tein, ash and moisture) fre- quently exceeded 100 percent, The excess was often much more thancould be attributed to the ,limits ofthe analyti- “THIS PORTION INCLUDED THE VENTRAL FINS WITH THE ADJACENT | CAl procedures. The "oil" SKIN AND FLESH AS CUT BY THE |RON CHINK. as reported here probably NOTE: - INDICATES NO DATA. included substances not strictly oil, yet extractable by acetone and soluble in ether. For example, cho- lesterol was probably a minor constituent of all the "oils" and the egg "oil" was probably about one-third lecithin (Jones, Carrigan, and Dassow1948),. The Kjeldahl procedure fairly accurately determines the total nitrogen content of a sample. However, the "protein content" data obtained by multiplying the nitrogen content figures by a constant factor (6.25) are subject to criticism. A B C A B C A = B 10 C 13. A B C A B C A B C ee a ar) nw WwW Pe OOnN O @ Hho @ AJ~ 10 Hla NI Ow ONIN =| As the proximate totals for milt were especially high, over 103 percent, a sample of milt was subjected to a more detailed analysis. The milt was twice ex- tracted -- 3 hours and 21 hours --with acetone. The two extracts were combined and the acetone removed by evaporation on a steam bath. Anhydrous ethyl ether was added to dissolve the oil residue. The ether insolubie matter was treated with, and appeared to dissolve completely in, water. The three separate fractions (1) acetone insoluble residue, (2) ether-insoluble residueof the acetone-soluble 26 COMMERCIAL FISHERIES REVIEW Vol. 14, No. 3 material, and (3) ether-soluble portion of the acetone-soluble material, were dried in a vacuum oven. The nitrogen and ash contents of each were nee deter- mined, The proximate composition data, expressed as percentages of the wholeraw milt sample, are summarized in table 2. The data demonstrate that the factor used for converting nitrogento pro- tein, 6.25, is far too large for use with milt. This would be expected since fish milt is un- usually richin arginine, an amino acid with a high percentage of nitrogen. Judging from the data in table 2, the difference between the dry matter and ash, or 14.8 percent, is the maximum which the pro- tein content could be. Therefore, the assay fig- ure of 17.0 percent for protein is too high, and 14.8 the conversion factorfor this sample of milt cannot be higher than Table 2 - Proximate Composition of Solvent-Separated Fractions of Pink-Salmon Milt Proximaite Composition in Percen of the Whole Raw Milt Total of (aes Oil Ash Protein Fraction of Acetone-Insoluble Residue Ether-Insoluble Residue of the Acetone-Soluble Material X6625 or about 5.5. The nitrogen content of the ether-soluble portion indieStes that, if the nitrogen were present only as lecithin, then this phospholipid made up about half of the total "oil" in the milt. LITERATURE CITED ASSOCIATION OF OFFICIAL AGRICULTURAL CHEMISTS AMOUNTS OF SEPARATED PARTS. COMMERCIAL FISH- 1945 A. METHODS OF ANALYSIS, SIXTH EDITION. PUBLISHED IES REVIEW, VOL. 12, NO. 9, SEPTEMBER 1950, BY THE ASSOCIATION OF OFFICIAL AGRICULTURAL PP. 9-12. CHEMISTS, POST OFFICE BOX 540, BENJAMIN FRANKLIN STATION, WASHINGTON, D.C., CHAPTER STANSBY, MAURICE E. AND LEMON, JAMES M. 2, SECTION 26, P. 27. 1937. QUANTITATIVE DETERMINATION OF OIL IN FISH FLESH. |NDUSTRIAL AND ENGINEERING CHEMISTRY (ANAL. ED.), 1945 B. IBID. CHAPTER 24, SECTION 4, P. 360. VOL. 9, PP. 341-343. (CF. JOURNAL OF THE ASSO- CIATION OF OFFICIAL AGRICULTURAL CHEMISTS, VOL. JONES, G. |VOR; CARRIGAN, EDWARD J.; AND DASSOW, JOHN A. 27, P. 237 (1944) ). 1948. UTILIZATION OF SALMON EGGS FOR PRODUCTION OF CHOLESTEROL, PROTEIN, AND INDUSTRIAL FAT. TUBIS, MANUEL DEPT. OF COMMERCE, |NOUSTRIAL RESEARCH AND 1943. REPORT ON TOTAL SOLIDS AND ETHER EXTRACT IN FISH. DEVELOPMENT DIVISION, CONTRACT CAC 47-17 RE- JOURNAL OF THE ASSOCIATION OF OFFICIAL AGRICUL- PORT, PART 11, PP. 9-32. (ALSO COMMERCIAL TURAL CHEMISTS, VOL. 26, P. 226. FISHERIES REVIEW, VOL. 12, NO. 11A, NOVEMBER 1950 - SUPPLEMENT, PP. 8-14.) VOTH, MENNO 0. 1946. REPORT ON ETHER EXTRACT IN FISH. IBID, VOL. 29, MAGNUSSON, H. W. AND HAGEVIG, W. A. P. 46. 1950. SALMON CANNERY TRIMMINGS. PART | - RELATIVE --H. W. Magnusson, Chemist, Fishery Technological Laboratory, Technological Section, Branch of Commercial Fisheries, U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Kast Boston, Massachusetts R. K. Whitaker, Chemist, Formerly with the Alaska Fisheries Experimental Commission, Experimental work accomplished at Fishery Products Laboratory, Ketchikan, Alaska--operated jointly by the U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the Alaska Fisheries Experimental Commission. March 1952 COMMERCIAL FISHERIES REVIEW 27 6) —_ AND : rt DEVELOPMENTS eee eee ae aS over——-the same as in November 1950. California and the East Coast of Florida led with 7 vessels each, followed by Maryland, Virginia, and Louisiana with 4 vessels each. During the first eleven months of 1951, a total of 747 vessels were documented for the first time as fishing vessels, compared with 768 vessels for the same period during 1950. Vessels Obtaining Their First Documents as Fishing Craft, November and December 1951 and Annual Totals 1947-51 Talom t Maw 1951 | 1950 | 1951 | 1950 | 1951 | 1950 | 1949 1947 Section New England .eccee Middle Atlantic .. Chesapeake cecceee South Atlantic ... Gulf sccccccscvcece Pacific Coast cece Great Lakes eoceas Alaska @eeeesevaeao ee os Hawaii e@ceescveccce Puerto Rico .wecece Unknown eoeceocaocece = = = =e = Ss 1 = Zs Total ....... | 52 | 52 | 33 | 44 | 780 [812 f,002 fl,164- 300 _| NOTE: VESSELS HAVE BEEN ASSIGNED TO THE VARIOUS SECTIONS ON THE BASIS OF THE!R HOME PORT. N/DATA FOR SOUTH ATLANTIC AND GULF COMBINED PRIOR TO 1950. 1IaOoPrPOnNNoF During December 1951, a total of 33 vessels of 5 net tons and over received their first documents as fishing craft--11 less than in December 1950. The West Coast of Florida led with 6 vessels, followed by Washington with 5 vessels, and Vir- ginia and Louisiana with 4 vessels each. During 1951, a total of 780 vessels were documented for the first time as fish— ing vessels, compared with 812 vessels during 1950, and 1,002 in 1949 (see table). Of the total vessels documented in 1951, 459 were built in 1951, 65 in 1950, and the rest (256) in years prior to 1950. A oe 3 oe wn WW OW JANUARY 1952: A total of 35 vessels of 5 net tons and over received their first documents as fishing craft during January 1952--15 less than in January 1951. The East Coast of Florida led with 8 vessels, followed by California with 5 vessels, and Maryland, Georgia, Louisiana, and Alaska with 3 vessels each. 28 COMMERCIAL FISHERIES REVIEW Vol. 14, No. 3 Vessels Obtaining Their First Documents as Fishing Craft, January 1952 Section INGW ENETANG ccecccccccccccccccccccccccesessvecceseceeso MAGHOWAGNANE UC cise a.niceje ovjeeleisis «166 e\sle cislcie «/¢.cieieieis e'sis clelaie Chesapeake” eccccccccccessccccccccceccscccescccecavecsue SOUGHOACLEHGAC es (fresh whole weight). Consequently, on the aa basis of the fresh whole weight of the fish, Australia produced less than half the quan- AUSTRALIAN SPINY LOBSTER FISHING BOAT tity consumed during the year. TAKING ON POTS AT SOUTH FREMANTLE. In the production of crayfish, Western Australia produces more than half the to- al and in that State a substantial improvement over 1949-50 figures has been made. Declines in Tasmania, South Australia, and New South Wales, however, offset the in- crease in Western Australia. The outlook for prawn (shrimp), however, is satisfactory, as indicated by in- creases in New South Wales, Queensland, and Western Australia, the only States which fish then. Oyster production is being retarded by labor difficulties. The general state of production in the inshore and demersal fisheries emphasizes the importance of developing tuna and other pelagic fisheries. NOTE: VALUES CONVERTED TO U.S. DOLLARS ON BASIS OF ONE AUSTRALIAN E = US$2.28. March 1952 COMMERCIAL FISHERIES REVIEW 41 Colombia THREE TUNA VESSELS FOR SEMIOFFICIAL FISHING COMPANY: The first of three fish- ———_,_, ee. according to the January 10 issue of the Géteborgs Handels & Sjofartstidning quoted by an American consular dispatch from Goteborg. In addition to the three ves- sels, an entire fish plant is go- ing to be shipped to Colombia. It consists of a canning factory With a capacity of 10 metric tons of fish daily, refrigerated rooms for about 350 tons of fish, a deep-freezer plant with a capa- city of 5 to 7 tons per day, a fish-oil and fish—meal factory for up to 1,000 sharks per day, transport apparatus for the fac— tory, etc. The cost of the plant and vessels will be about $850,000, with the vessels costing about US$170,000 each. The completed vessel (The : Albacora) oe 160 oe BOWELS TYPE OF TUNA VESSEL BUILT BY SWEDISH SHIPYARD FOR tons, is built of pine on a frame semjorriciAL FISHING COMPANY IN COLOMBIA. of oak. The deckhouse and the machinery are placed in the forepart of the ship. Main dimensions are: length over— all about 83 feet, length between perpendiculars about 70 feet, beam 25 feet, height at the side 11.6 feet, maximum draft 11.3 feet. The main engine is a two-cylinder, 2-phase semi—Diesel engine with air—pressure starter and electric ignition. At 300 revolutions per minute, it develops 170 h.p. and operates a two-blade bronze propeller with turnable blades, The auxiliary en- gine consists of a two-cylinder, two-phase engine of 32 h.p. It also operates the freezing compressor, a 10 kw. generator, and a fire pump. In the engine room there is also a powerful pump which circulates the water in the big tank on deck which will contain live bait for tuna fishing. Tne hold is insulated and is provided with a freezing plant of the freon type for freezing the fish. A comparatively large quantity of ice will also be carried on each trip for rapid cooling of the catch. The principal catches will consist of tuna caught on hooks and short fishing rods by fishermen on platforms on the outside of the vessel. The frames of the plat- forms consist of perforated rubber tubes to provide water under pressure to be used in bait fishing for tuna along the same lines as the Japanese, basically to save bait. The vessel is also equipped for fishing with different types of seines andnets, and also for trawling. The Albacora was scheduled to leave in about mid-January 1952 for Buenaventura, Columbia, under the command of a Swedish captain and six Swedish assistants. De- livery of the two remaining vessels, the Alcatras and the Delphin is scheduled for February and March. As soon as the first vessel has been turned over to the owners 42 COMMERCIAL FISHERIES REVIEW Vol. 14, No. 3 in Colombia, the crew will fly back to take over the third vessel, while the sec- ond one will have another crew. The journey to the Pacific coast of Colombia is estimated to take around eight weeks. Normally, the Albacora will have a crew of 12 during fishing trips of at least 14 days, including the journey to the Galapagos and back. wer Denmark AUTOMATIC MARINE FIRE ALARM INSTALLED ON DANISH FISHING VESSELS: A newauto-— matic marine fire-alarm system has been installed on a number of small Danish wooden fishing vessels, reports the December 15, 1951, issue of The Fishing News, a British fishery periodical. Developed by a Danish firm, the efficiency of this installation was demonstrated in London in mid- December. A tray of methylated spirits was lit in a large room and within 20 seconds the alarm bells were ringing. The system is based on the rapid rise of temperature in a confined space. Small coils of wire expand in an attachment fitted to the deckhead and contact is made through a mag- netic spring arm, the alarm bell being run off an ordinary accumulator. In the Danish M.F.V.-type fishing ves- sels already fitted with this system, four WARINERET RE ALAR REE CHENTCUMG REE transmitters are installed--one in the wheel- = Jpansm) tter. ; house, one in the engine room, one in the crew's quarters, and one in the pantry. Alarm bells are fixed fore and aft. Danish insurance companies are allowing a 4-percent discount on the first premi—- mum for vessels fitted in this way. India WEST BENGAL TO INCREASE FISH SUPPLY WITH U. S. AID: The Central Government of India has announced that, with United States aid, W West Bengal would acquire five new fishing trawlers and a cold storage plant. It is hoped that this will aid in increasing Calcutta's fish supply, points out a February 11 dispatch from that city. KHER H HK REPORT ON DEEP-SEA FISHING IN BENGAL WATERS IN 1951: In December 1950 the with the help of Danish personnel, states a January 24 American consular dispatch from Calcutta. Up to the end of December 1951, the two Danish trawlers bought by the State Government made 19 trips, in the course of which investigations were carried out March 1952 COMMERCIAL FISHERIES REVIEW 43 in 11 fishing grounds and a total of 299.7 long tons of fish were caught. Of the total catch, 12 percent was first-quality fish, 85 percent edible varieties of so- called second quality, and 5 percent sharks, rays, swordfish, and the like. The total price obtained by sale of the catches was Rs.126,067 (about US#26,474). The total capital outlay for the project until the end of December 1951 was Rs.1,172,923, (about US$246,314) and the recurring expenditure incurred until that date Rs.205,098 (about US#$43,070) . The Danish expert and three other Danish personnel have been released and the training of Indians to replace the Danish crew is reported to have "made progress," according to a press report in The Statesman of January 21. The State Goverrment is reported to be considering the increase of the existing fleet of trawlers by five in order to maintain a regular flow of fish supplies. In the State Government's opinion, the data so far obtained give reasonable cause for hope that marine fish- ing can be undertaken in the Bay of Bengal on a commercial scale ard that private enterprise would be attracted to that sphere. The West Bengal Government is also considering the training of Indians under the guidance of Japanese experts. The fish supplies obtained during 1951 as a result of the operation of the Danish trawlers touched only the fringe of Calcutta's fish-supply problem. Accord- ing to press reports it would appear that Calcutta needs nearly as much fish daily as the trawlers caught in a whole year. The normal daily fish requirements of Cal- cutta alone are estimated at about 576,100 pounds. NOTE: VALUES CONVERTED TO U.S. DOLLARS ON BASIS OF ONE INDIAN RUPEE = 21 U.S. CENTS. ee Japan JAPANESE WILL NOT FISH FOR CRABS IN BseRING SEA THIS SEASON: The Japanese do not intend to take part in crab fishing in the Bering Sea this season, according to a declaration to that effect by the Minister of Agriculture and Forestry and the Director of the Fisheries Agency. A Department of State report fram Tokyo states an official release to that effect has been issued in Japan and has appeared in the Japanese press. The Minister of Agriculture and Forestry remarked that fishing for crabs inthe Bering Sea before the fisheries treaty was ratified was detrimental to Japanese in— terests and would antagonize American fisheries interests. se Z KEK HK HK MAJOR PROBLEMS CONFRONTING INLAND SEA FISHERMEN: The fishing population in 11 prefectures bordering on the Japanese Inlend Sea was estimated by a Government of- ficial at 260,000, states a Jamary 21 American consular dispatch fram Kobe. Generally, the officials consider that there is an over-abundance of Japanese labor involved in fishing and that this has contributed to same extent to the rela- tively poor standard of living. Since the decontrol of the price of fish in April of 1950, the prices of some of the better fish have almost doubled while, on the other hand, many of the common fish, such as sardines, have declined from 30-50 percent in price. In consideration of the rising costs of materials fishermen require, particularily manila rope and fuel oil, the margin of profit for the fisherman has not been improved. The inde— pendent nature of the men whose livelihood is fishing was given as one of the most Significant reasons why any program attempting to form cooperatives is generally unsuccessful. Lh COMMERCIAL FISHERIES REVIEW Vol. 14, No. 3 Some of the major problems confronting the fishing industry in the region can be listed as: (1) Lack of balance between the fishing population and the fish re—- sources; (2) Raising the standard of living for fishermen and lowering their opera— tion costs; (3) Assisting those in the fishing industry to accumulate sufficient capital in order that they can replace their equipment on a rational basis; (4) En- couraging a cooperative movement in order that the local fishing industry can attain greater economy; (5) Assisting fishermen to provide a higher education for their children in order that they may eventually seek employment in other fields and thus eliminate the excess fishing population; (6) Stabilizing the price of fish at a competitive level and expanding refrigerating and fish processing facilities; (7) Attempting to provide better ports anc harbors to protect fishing boats during the typhoon season: and (8) Attempting to lower interest rates on loans made to fisher— men. Reports indicate that the quantity of fish caught in the Kobe area of Japan has been steadily increasing and compares favorably with prewar statistics. ANTARCTIC WHALING EXPEDITIONS: The Jzpanese Antarctic whaling expedition for the 1951-52 season consists of three fleets, reports the October 31 issue of SCAP's Natur::1 Resources Section Weekly Summary. Two will engage in baleen whaling (blue fin and humpback) and the third in sperm whaling. The first fleet to depart was headed by the Baikal Maru, a 6,000 gross-metric-ton factoryship, and consisted of five catchers and one tanker. This fleet departed Osaka on October 15, 1951. while tne Inter:ational whaling Convention limits the sea- son and the catch of bal- een whales, no such re- strictions are placed on sperm whales and the Japa— nese Government decided to dispatch this small fleet for the catching of sperm whales. Estimetes indi- cate that 500 sperm whales may be taken in approxi- mately 75 days of opera— tion. The next to depart was the Nisshin Maru, a newly-constructed factory- ship of 17,000 gross tons, accompanied by 1] catchers, two whale-towing boats, a 10,000 gross-ton tanker, two refrigerated whale-meat car- riers of the 10,000 gross-ton class, one of 3,000 gross tons, and four of 1,000gross tons. This fleet departed Yokosuka on October 25. The fleet engaged in sperm whal— ing from November 19, 1951, to January 1, 1952. On January 2, the baleen whaling season was officially opened and the fleet then engaged in baleen whaling. Esti- mates indicate that the following catch and products will be obtained: 200 sperm whales from which 1,900 tons of sperm whale oil and 1,200 tons of meat and other prod- ucts will be produced; 200 blue whales and 1,000 fin whales, camprising 900 blue— whale units ,2/ from which it is estimated 18,000 metric tons of whale oil and 19,400 J/ONE BLUE-WHALE UNIT EQUALS 1 BLUE WHALE, 2 FIN WHALES, OR 2-1/2 HUMPBACK WHALES. JAPANESE WHALE CATCHER. March 1952 COMMERCIAL FISHERIES REVIEW 45 tons of frozen and salted meat, blubber, and other food products will be obtained. Present plans are that operations will be completed by March 12, and the fleet will return to Japan by April 7, 1952. The last fleet left Japan from Osaka on October 31, 1951. This fleet is headed by the mothership Tonan Maru of 19,000 gross tons which was salvaged after having been sunk at Truk Island in 1943. The ship was salvaged in 1950 and recommissioned on October 18, 1951. This fleet was comprised of the mothership, 1] catchers, two whale-towing boats, one scout boat, one 10,000 gross—ton whale tanker, one 10,000 gross-ton refrigerated carrier, one of the 3,000 gross—ton class, and two of 1,000 tons. Estimates indicate that the following catch and production will be obtained: 230 sperm whales producing an estimated 2,185 metric tons of sperm whale oil and other products; 350 blue whales and 1,000 fin whales, comprising 850 blue whale units, producing 17,000 metric tons of whale oil, 7,700 metric tons of frozen meat, and 4,420 metric tons of salted products. Like the second, this fleet engaged in sperm whaling prior to the opening of baleen whaling on January 2, 1952, and expected to complete operations and return to Japan at approximately the same time. These three fleets of the 1951-52 expedition represent the sixth Antarctic whaling expedition dispatched from Japan(see table 1). The first expedition was Table 1 - Composition of Japanese Antarctic Whaling Expeditions, 1946-47 to 1951-52 Type of [ARRAT Sa OLLIE AAV ISES WEVA ALT RISE AO eI NIRS hae OIG Mia aes MER eeu REE Bee Vessel 1951-52 1950-51 1949-50 1948-49 1947-48 1946-47 Gross Tonnage -| (Metric Tons) ]No. 40,000 2 28,500 1,500 25,000 900 Gross Tonnage (Metric Tons)| No. Gross Tonnage (Metric Tons)|No. 20,000 28,000 700 20,000 700 authorized by the Supreme Commander for the Allied Powers in 1946 to assist inal- leviating the critical shortage of fats and oil in Japan. It was estimated that the expedition could provide 50 percent of all of the Japanese requirements for oil and fats for industrial and edible purposes. The authorization was in keeping with the scope of the Atlantic Charter and the Potsdam Declaration in that the Japanese were permitted access to a world resource on an equal basis with other powers and maxi- mum utilization was made cf equipment and personnel existing in Japan. In ensuing years the shortage of fats and oil in Japan remained critical and expeditions were authorized annually. Table 2 - Whale Catches by Japanese Antarctic Whaling Expeditions, 1946-47 to 1950-51 Species of Seen eS QS Total for Whale 1950-51 |1949-50 |1948-49 |1947-48 |1946-47 |15 Seasons No. No. a] se | IBNUA cqosoccaco0d0dD DDG GO 00O006O era 818 631 693 5,123 Ia, SooceoDDDDDDOODODDDOD000000 2,052] 1,056] 1,014 478 5,208 MMP DAC Ketetelelelelelelele/cleleyclelelelelelelole 9 67 - = 76 1,645[ 1,520] 1,175 || 8,994 | MemEUL Gogo p0od000000000000 Units} Units} Units] Units] Units Units Blue=-whale units L/ ecccccccccce {1,200.6 Il, 572.8)1,138.0 [1,014.0] 9351.0 |] 5,656.4 I/ONE BLUE-WHALE UNIT EQUALS ONE BLUE, TWO FIN, OR 2.5 HUMPBACK WHALES. SPERM WHALES ARE NOT CONVERTED TO BLUE-WHALE UNITS. The five expeditions produced 102,520 metric tons of whale oil and 148,332 met— ric tons of meat and other products. (Table 3.) The value of the whale oil isesti- mated at US$40,000,000 and that of the meat and other products at US#40,000,000. This estimate is based on the velue of food that would have been imported in place L6 COMMERCIAL FISHERIES REVIEW Vol. 14, No. 3 of the whale meat and other products supplied by these expeditions. Thus the prod- ucts of the five expeditions are valued at about US$80,000,000. Deducting 45,000,000 as the approximate cost of fuel oil and other material supplied fram United States funds, the products of the expeditions represented a direct saving to the United States taxpayer of not less than $75,000,000. The improvement in utilization of the whale carcass by the Japanese expeditions is outstending. Prior to World War II, the average production per blue-whale unit Table 3 -— Whale Products Produced by Japanese Antarctic Whaling Expeditions, sas. to ee Si EA Total for Product eee 50 5 Seasons sdoboGGDOagaDDOOOS ae aie Apobodbsaodboocccc: 3,815] 1,647 - - 5,462 25,060] 27,010 | 20,350 12,260 |} 102,520 29,659] 59,124 | 29,863 Peart 148 , 332 2 58,514] 67,781 | 50,2135 | 45,319 | 34,487 256,514 1/TERM WHALE MEAT INCLUDES OTHER PRODUCTS SUCH AS VENTRAL GROOVES, CARTILAGE, INTERNAL ORGANS, FLUKES, AND LIVER OIL. for Japanese fleets was 16 metric tons. The 1950-51 expedition raised the average production to 42 metric tons. Whaling fleets of other nations produce approximately 25 metric tons per blue-whale unit. Prior to World War II, Japan had the unenviable reputation of showing disregard for the conservation methods established by the International Convention for the Regulation of Whaling in which all the major whaling nations except Japan partici- pated. Since the first season in 1946-47, Japan has adheredmeticulously to the regu— lations and now has the highest record in the world for complete utilization of the whale carcass and for the least number of violations of the Convention. JAPANESE GOVERNMENT FY Mexico RESTRICTION OF AMERICAN FISHING ACTIVITI2S OFF LOWER CALIFORNIA URGED BY MEXI— CANS: The Mexican Government is being urged to "take steps to prohibit the capture of sardines in the most characterized phase of spawning in Mexican national waters and particularly in those which surround Cedros Island, Benitos Island, and SanJuan Vizcaino Bay." Former President General Abelardo L. Rodriguez, owner of a fishing canpany in Baja California, wrote two statements which appeared in El Heraldo de Baja California (Tijuana) on January 29 and 30, 1952. He further states that other- wise the imminent risk is run of having sardines "disappear as has occurred along the American Pacific Coast." These statements publicize the fear held by the Mexi— can fishing industry of American fishing operations in the waters off Lower Cali- fornia. Briefly, the statements cite studies prepared in the United States tending to show that the most important sardine spawning fields on the Pacific Coast lie off central Baja California, precisely within the area covered by the operations of the campany owned by General Rodriguez. Having established this point, he goes on to say that American tuna fishing vessels constantly obtain their bait in these spawn- ing grounds both in and out of the spawning season and, as a result, sardines are disappearing with a consequent serious threat not only to his company but also tothe over-all fisheries wealth of Mexico. He further urges the Mexican Government to take appropriate steps to safeguard this wealth even at the expense of foregoing the im- portant revenues obtained in San Diego and San Pedro, California, fran the sale of fishing permits to American vessels. March 1952 COMMERCIAL FISHERIES REVIEW 47 The Mexican Ministry of Marine is being urged to give some protection to the diminishing supply of Lower California sardines. During the past three months the Mexican Navy Department has purchased several small vessels from the United States Navy. Occasionally news items have appeared in the Tijuana and Ensenada newspapers indicating that these newly—acquired vessels are to be used to patrol the coast of Lower California where it is contended American fishing vessels constantly carry on fishing operations without appropriate Mexican permits, according to a February 4 American consular dispatch from Tijuana. In Tijuana the newspapers have readily agreed with General Rodriguez and in editorials have urged further protection of the Mexican fishing industry which he advocates. It would appear that restrictions against the operation of American fishing vessels in Mexican waters off the coast of Lower California may soon be expected, according to reports. fe se Me ae TY, tA EAN tae Za} TEMPORARY CLOSED SEASON FOR PACIFIC COAST SHRIMP: A 30-day temporary closed the coasts of Sinaloa, Sonora, and Baja California in the Gulf of California was announced in the February 7 issue of Mexico's Diario Oficial. The closed season entered into effect 30 days fran the date the order was published (March 8, 1952), states a February 7 American consular dispatch from Mexico City. The Mexican Navy Department announced that this closed season on shrimp fish- ing in Mexico's north Pacific coastal waters was in effect until April 8 by order of the President. The closure was effective in all Mexican territorial waters from San Blas, Nayarit, north to the United States border and includes both coasts of Baja California. Norway YORTH NORWAY!'S FISHING INDUSTRY DEVELOPMENT PLANNED: Subject to Parliamentary approval, the Norwegian Ministry of Fisheries has proposed various ways and means of improving the fishing industry in the three northern provinces, as part of the 10-year plan for economic development of North Norway, states the Norwegian Infor— mation Service in a January 31 news release. Major attention would be given to ex- pansion of the fishing fleet and processing plants. Plans call for acquisition of many more ocean—going fishing craft, and also several 280-foot draggers for use a- long the coast of Finnmark Province. High on the agenda, too, is improvement of fresh-water supplies and construc— tion of much-needed fishermen's cabins in the main ports of the Lofoten and Finn— mark fisheries. The Ministry further has proposed construction of a small ocean— research vessel, equipped with echo depth-sounder and sonar instruments, to track down the whereabouts of the herring, so that the research vessel G. O. Sars can de- vote its attention exclusively to investigating the migrations and habits of cod. ws WINTER HERRING SEASON STARTS: The 1952 winter herring fisheries, off the coast of Sunmmore Province in Jestern Norway, got off to a stormy, but very promising 48 COMMERCIAL FISHERIES REVIEW Vol. 14, No. 3 start on January 18, states the Norwegian Information Service in a January 31 news release. Following radio-telephone directions from the Norwegian ocean-research vessel G. O. Sars, an unprecedented number of fishing craft, including many purse seiners . : Ie cai Pe’ ie @ aa ye ry peeves Sai NORWEGIAN RESEARCH VESSEL G. 0. SARS. and drifters, ventured 45 nautical miles out to sea where they found waters teem— ing with sloe herring. Notwithstanding strong gales that caused heavy loss of valu— able gear, in one day more than 37,000 metric tons of herring—worth about 7 million kroner to the fishermen (US$980,000)—had been landed in Aalesund, main port of the western fisheries. That's a new record for one day. Kept constantly posted bj radio-telephone reports fran G.O. Sars, more than 1,000 fishing craft followed the herring toward the shore, fighting storms all the way. The total catch was estimated at over 116,000 tons—-twice as mich as at the same time last year--with a first-hand value of about 23 million kroner (US$3,216,780, Analysis shows that this year's herring has a fat content of 14.5 percent, or 1 per- cent higher than in 1950. Average weight is 11.75 ounces, which is notably more than last year. In the past 12 months, the Norwegian herring meal and oil industry has made great strides in eliminating some of the bottlenecks which have troubled production inthe past. To save valuable time, four large specialty transports, equivpedwith up-to-date loading and unloading facilities, ply back and forth between fishing grounds am the reduction plants in and aroum Aalesund. Two of the vessels are equipped with herring grabs, each capable of loading 4,000 metric tons a day. The other two feature huge suction pumps of American design, each with a capacity of 100 tons an hour. Total capacity of the four transports is thus about 10,000 tons a day. As many fishing craft still bring their catch directly to the wharves of the reduction plants, a number of these have recently installed herring grabs and ele- vators to speed up unloading. The productive capacity of the meal and oil plants has at the same time been increased by about 20 percent in an effort to keep abreast of deliveries. Accounting for 1,168,000 metric tons of the 1951 Norwegian landings, the her-— ring fisheries alone produced 100,000 tons more than the total for all fisheries in 1949. The winter herring fisheries landed a record high of 880,000 tons, beating the previous high in 1948 by well over 68,000 tons. Ke KX March 1952 COMMERCIAL FISHERIES REVIEW 9 gross value of 961 million kroner (US$124,405,590) in 1951, higher than ever before, states the Norwegian Information Service in a January 31 news release. The United States held its position as the largest buyer of Norwegian canned fish, mainly brisling sardines. Exports of quick-frozen fish to the United States increased substantially to a gross value of 10 million kroner (US{j1,398,600) as campared with 4 million kroner (US$559,440) in 1950. Nearly 60 percent of the total stockfish production was exported to Brazil in exchange for coffee. Other large stockfish buyers were Portugal, Cuba, and Spain. SM ‘Sale Sec ay sr se NEW WHALING AID INVENTED: Norwegian engineers have developed a compact elec— tronic instrument, named RADIM, which automatically calculetes the distance between two radio stations as far as 300 nautical miles apart, states a February 14 news release from theNorwegian Information Service. Specially designed for the Norwegian whaling industry, RADIM may help to speed up whaling operations by determining the distance from the floating: whale factory to a catcher boat which reports, by shortwave, the killing of a whale. A tug- boat can thus be dispatched directly to the spot where the whale has been killed, relieving the catcher boat of the job of hauling the booty back to the floating factory. Developed on the initative of Anders Jahre & Co., the first RADIM set is now being tested aboard the Kosmos IV, one of the largest Norwegian floating whale fac— tories. On the basis of experience during the current pelagic whaling season, RADIM will be perfected and put into production. Compact in size, RADIM works in conjunction with any ordinary marine shortwave set. It is operated simply by pushing a button. By recording the time lapse of a signal from one radio station to another, RADIM makes it possible to calcnlate the distance with an accuracy of one nautical mile. CE Netherlands WHALING INDUSTRY, 1950-51: Production and Prices: The only whaling company in the Netherlands reports that the total production from the 1950-51 catch was 15,287 long tons of whale oil, 2,066 tons of sperm oil, and 7 tons of vitamin oil, according to a December 6 American consular despatch from Amsterdam. The Nether— lands Government had contracted in advance to purchase the entire whale oil output at f1.1,223.50 (about US#318) per long ton. Most of the sperm oil was sold toGer— many, probably for use in the cosmetic industry. The average price obtained was fl. 900 (about US$234) per ton. The vitamin oil was sold to a domestic dealer. The entire fleet set out for the Antarctic, and the hunt for sperm whales be- gan on December 1, 1950. The actual whaling season opened on December 22 and closed 50 COMMERCIAL FISHERIES REVIEW Vol. 14, No. 3 on March 9, 1951, in accordance with the International Convention for the Regula— tion of Whaling. Although activities had to be suspended on several occasions be- cause of unfavorable weather conditions, the catch of the Netherlands whaling fleet Netherlands' Whale Oil and Sperm Oil 1946-51 Guilders Per Long Tons Long Ton Long Tons 1950-51] 15,287 1,223 2,066 5,353,317 1949-50] 13,030 925 843 3,242,008 948-49] 17,679 1,015 702 4,792,621 1947-48] 13,033 990 1,176 5,459,936 12,221 1,000 173 4,643,067 during the 1950-51 season was considered satisfactory. The expedition caught 303 blue whales, 829 fin whales, 262 humpback whales (equalling 822 whale units), 236 sperm whales, and one sei whale. Under the eight-year agreement with the Netherlands Goverment, the canpany will sell its entire output of whale oil to the Goverment at the prevailing world market price. The Government, moreover, has guaranteed minimum proceeds sufficient to cover operating costs, amortization, and a yearly dividend. If, in the case of a very disappointing catch, the Campany should be forced to have recourse to the Goverrment's guarantee, the dividend will be reduced according to specific scale. Fleet: The third remodeled Japanese whaler and the two converted British cor— vettes took part in the 1950-51 expedition. Since the catches of the two convert— ed corvettes had been very satisfactory, the company purchased two more British corvettes which were also converted to whalers. One was ready in time to join the 1951-52 expedition. Expansion of Fleet: The Willem Barendsz, one of the smallest factory whalers operating in the Antarctic, has a relatively small production capacity campared to motherships operated by other whaling campanies. The tendency of the International Convention for the Regulation of Whaling to shorten the whaling season convinced the Netherlands Whaling campany to consider expansion of the production apparatus. The original fleet of whale catchers, consisting of old vessels, has already been partly renewed and expanded. Additional expansion of the fleet is necessary but it would not be justified if new whalers were to serve an antiquated factory- ship. For some time, therefore, the Netherlands whaling company has been consider-— ing the replacement of the Willem Barendsz by a new large factory whaler. An ar- rangement has recently been reached with the Netherlands Goverrment making it pos— sible for this company to place an order for a new factory whaler. This ship, with a loading capacity of 26,500 metric tons and a displacement of 44,000 tons, has been ordered, and it is anticipated that the new whaler will be campleted in time to join the 1955-56 expedition. An article in a leading Amsterdam financial newspaper discussed the plans an- nounced by the Netherlands whaling company in detail and asserted that in spite of the seemingly favorable agreement reached between the Netherlands whaling campany and the Government, prospects for the future are rather uncertain. The article states that the projected size of the new factory whaler leaves no doubt of the possibility of a future annual production of over 20,000 tons of whale oil. It points out, how— ever, that the questions which have arisen are (1) whether future catches will not be reduced as a result of the increased number of participants in whaling expeditions and, (2) whether the figure of 16,000 blue-whale units, the maximum catch permitted March 1952 COMMERCIAL FISHERIES REVIEW 51 under the International Convention for the Regulation of Whaling, will not be lower- ed in order to provide for the proper conservation of whale stocks. Outlook for 1951-52 Season: On September 27, 1951, the Willem Barendsz left Amsterdam on its sixth expedition. The contract with the Netherlands Government for the oil price for 1951-52 has yet to be concluded. The present price for whale oil on the world market leads the company to expect that this year's price will behigher tnan last year's. ae St. Pierre-Miquelon DEVELOPMENT OF FISHERIES FACILITIES PLANNSD FOR ST. PIERRE: The main aspect which is expected to go into Eeodietion during the spring of 1952. Tne American Consulate at Halifax reports that these plans were revealed in the December 31, 1951, issue of St. John's (Newfoundland) Daily News. The new plant will be situated in the old cold-storage plant built in 1918 at a cost of a million dollars. The businessmen of St. eat like their friends on the southcoast NEWFOUNDLAND £ Newfoundland, know that their future in the d fishite industry lies in modern fresh fishing methods. During the past year the old cold— storage building has been completely renovated NOVA and reorganized for fresh-fish production. When in operation, the plant expects to be able to process all the fish produced on the islands and also that of several trawlers and draggers oper- ating from St. Pierre. SCOTIA In recent years, the curing of salt fish at St. Pierre has been improved with the intro- duction of fish dryers. There are five such dryers now in operation on the isiand. Al- though with the new fish plant in operationmost of the fish will be processed fresh, it is felt that there will be salt fish landed at St. Pierre |] Smee ——% for many years to come. At present the total : - catch of the shore fishermen is caught, cured, and marketed on a cooperative basis under govermment assistance and supervision. During the spring of 1952 St. Pierre will venture into the seal fishery. The M/S Miquelon owned and operated by the Government, and engaged in the passenger-— freight service with the mainland and the islands, will be equipped for the seal fish— ery. The ship is being sheathed with greenheart for the hunt and will be commanded by a Newfoundland sealing captain. A mixed French and Newfoundland crew will beused so that the islanders may learn the business of seal hunting. NOTE: ALSO SEE COMMERCIAL FISHERIES REVIEW, JANUARY 1950, P. 53. CEE United Kingdom FISH-WASHING DEVICE FOR TRAWLERS: A fish-washing device which is proving re- markably successful for use se aboard trawlers has been invented by W. H. Wood, a Hull tralwer skipper, states the December 8 issue of The Fishing News, a British fishery 52 COMMERCIAL FISHERIES REVIEW Vol. 14, No. 3 periodical. The new device has already been fitted on almost half of the Pritish distant—-water trawlers. Reports indicate that properly used the device is of real service in bulk fishing. The machine consists of a galvanized metal trough with removable end pieces. This travels on "tram lines" which are weld— ed to the deck stanchions. The transverse members on which the trough rests can be moved up and down along these lines so as to suit whichever of the three hatches is being used. It can be tilted either way so as to spill the fish either forward or aft. Jater is blown into the trough through two jets set at an angle, so that there is always 15 inches or so of fresh sea water in violent commotion. The fish, as they are gutted, are tossed into the trough and are thus washed completely externally and to a considerable extent internally while the blood in the cavity is still fresh and before congealing. Fish and water tumble out of the spillway, the water falling through the gantry and not reaching the hatch. There are certain limitations—fish need to besorted before they reach the holds, F!SH-WASHING DEVICE FOR TRAWLERS. and the machine, therefore, is most suitable for use on grounds where cod only are being caught. Where there are haddock or small cod as well, the practice is to deal with them separately. The necessary patent formalities have been complied with in all the main fish- ing cou.tries. An English company is acting as the sole concessionaire for the machine. March 1952 COMMERCIAL FISHERIES REVIEW 53 Department of Agriculture RAVISION OF DELEGATION OF AUTHORITY WITH RESPHCT TO FISHERY PRODUCTS PRODUCTION UNDER DEFENSE PRODUCTION ACT: Revision 1 to Defense Food Delegation No. 2 issued by by the Department of Agriculture on March 17 adds to the defense fishery authority delegated to the Department of the Interior the function of recommending to the Defense Production Administrator the issuance of certificates of necessity under Section 124 A of the Internal Revenue Code with respect to the production of fishery cammodities. 1950, Under the original Defense Food Delegation No. 2 issued October 13, certain authority under the Defense Production Act relating to the production of fishery commodities and products was delegated by the Secretary of Agriculture to the Secretary of the Interior. The full text of Revision 1 to Defense Food Delegation No. 2 follows: DELEGATION OF AUTHORITY WITH RESPECT TO FISHERY COMMODITIES OR PRODUCTS Defense Food Delegation No. 2 (16 F. R. 3311, 3519)* is hereby revised to read as follows: The Department of the Interior has certain responsibilities and exercises cer- tain functions with respect to the pro- duction of the Nation’s supply of fishery commodities. It is highly desirable in order to insure the necessary production that the exercise of all functions with respect to the production of fish be closely coordinated. To effectuate this purpose and to utilize to the fullest ex- tent possible the technical knowledge and experience of the fishery staff of the Department of the Interior, it is the pur- pose of the Secretary of Agriculture to delegate to the Secretary of the Interior certain defense functions delegated to the Secretary of Agriculture. Therefore, pursuant to the provisions of section 902 (b) of Executive Order 10161 (15 F. R. 6105), as amended, the Secretary of Agriculture hereby dele- gates, subject to the terms and condi- tions set forth herein, to the Secretary of the Interior the following functions vested in the Secretary of Agriculture by Executive Order 10161, Executive Order 10200, Executive Order 10281, and De- fense Production Administration Delega- tion No. 1, as amended (15 F. R. 6105, 16 F. R. 61, 16 F. R. 8789, and 16 F. R. 11245): (1) The priority and allocation func- tions set forth in sections 101 (b) and 102. of Executive Order 10161, as amended, with respect to the production of fishery commodities or products. (2) The claimant functions under sec- tion 103 (a) of Executive Order 10161, as amended, with respect to all materials 1 Originally published in 15 F. R. 6998. jand additional facilities requisite to the production of fishery commodities or products, but excluding tin container supply and materials and facilities used in common for processing of fish and other foods: Provided, That the Secre- tary of the Interior, prior to the exercise of this claimant function, shall, to as- sure full coordination, notify the Secre- tary of Agriculture of his intent to do so, and shall provide with such notice com- plete and detailed information as to the materials and additional facilities con- cerned. (3) Requisitioning functions under section 201 (a) of Executive Order 10161, as amended, with respect to the produc- tion of fishery commodities or products, except that with respect to the process- ing of fish the Secretary of Agriculture reserves the right to prohibit or modify the exercise of this function in any in- stance where, in his opinion, such action would interfere with or have an adverse effect upon the processing of other foods: Provided, That the Secretary of the In- terior, prior to the exercise of the requi- sitioning function, shall notify the Sec- retary of Agriculture of his intent to do so. The Secretary of Agriculture will consult with the Secretary of the In- terior in order to assure full coordination before exercising the requisitioning function with respect to food processing when he determines that such action may interfere with the processing of fish. (4) The function of certifying under sections 310 (b) and 311 (b) of Execu- tive Order 10161, as amended, with respect to loans required for the pro- duction of fishery commodities or products. (5) The function of recommending to the Defense Production Administrator ‘for the issuance of certificates under subsection (e) of section 124A of the Internal Revenue Code with respect to the production of fishery commodities or products, (6) Such functions relating to labor supply as are délegated to the Secretary f Agriculture under section 601 (b) of Executive Order 10161, as amended, with respect to the production of fishery com- modities or products. (7) The functions delegated to the Secretary of Agriculture under section 701 (a) (1) of Executive Order 10161, as amended, with respect to the production of fishery commodities or products. (8) The functions delegated to the Secretary of Agriculture under sections 902 (a), (b), (d) (1), (d) (2), and 904 of Executive Order 10161, as amended, with respect to the production of fishery commodities or products. The term “production” as used herein means the catching and harvesting of any form of aquatic animal or plant life and the processing thereof. The term “fishery commodities or products” as used herein means any edible or nonedible fish, any form of aquatic animal or plant life, or any other commodity or product, including fats and oils, of marine or fresh water origin, which is within the meaning of the term “food” as defined in section 901 (h) of Executive Order 10161, as amended. The funetions hereby delegated to the Secretary of the Interior shall be exer- cised with respect to the production of fishery commodities or products to fulfill the requirements for military, essential civilian, and foreign needs, as determined by the Secretary of Agriculture. Nothing herein shall be construed to delegate to the Secretary of the Interior functions vested in the Secretary of Agriculture with respect to (1) the dis- tribution in consumer channels of un- Sh COMMERCIAL FISHERIES REVIEW Vol. 14, No. 3 processed fishery commodities otter eee of pre nang. Lo, processed this revision. Gelivery to the initial purchaser; or (2) }fishery commodities or products. - es the distribution; procurement; inspec-} Nothing contained herein shall affect} Done ay washingtan: D. C., this 17th tion; container supply; specification of |the validity of any action taken pursuant |*"> 0! March 1952. product, container, standards, andjto Defense Food Delegation No. 2 prior] [SEAL] K. T. HutcHinson, Acting Secretary of Agriculture. NOTE: ALSO SEE COMMERCIAL FISHERIES REVIEW, NOVEMBER 1950, PP. 82-3. ® Department of Commerce NATIONAL PRODUCTION AUTHORITY ADDITIONAL CANS FOR CANNING CLAM CHOWDER: Upon application by individual packers of clam chowder, their quota for the canning of this product will be in- creased from 90 to 100 percent of their base—period use of cans. The National Production Authority in February informed the Defense Fisheries Administration of the Department of the Interior of this action. Canners of clam chowder under this action will be permitted the same increase that was recently al- lowed canners of non-seasonal soups. Canners of clam chowder wishing to receive an increase in their quota should file NPA forms NPAF-38 with the Chief, Metal Cans Section, Containers and Packaging Division, National Production Authority, Washing— tong2 5 eDiets sel ay sc 5p FT MY SPS UNRESTRICTED USE OF CANS MADE OF SECONDARY TIN-MILL PRODUCTS ANNOUNCED: Can- rers and other packers are authorized by the National Production Authority by Amend— ment 1 to M-25 to use cans made of secondary tin-mill plate for the packaging of any commodity without regard to can quotas or can specifications. However, the amend— ment, issued and effective March 13, does not change quota limitations and specifi- cations in the original can order. NPA explained that 103,000 tons of secondary tin-mill plate will be allotted to can manufacturers for the remainder of the first quarter and for the second quar- ter of 1952. The amendment allows canners and packers to use any quantity of second— ary tin-mill plate for the packing of any cammodity without having the material charg- ed against percentage quotas defined in the original order. Order M-—25 previously required users of cans made from waste-waste, mill accumulation plate, and other types of plate (except waste and black-plate rejects) to charge such cans to their quota. This amendment will be of particular interest to camners of fishery products falling within the "limited quota" categories of Order M—-25. The National Production Authority indicated that secondary tin-mill products are accumulating in mills because present outlets are inadequate. By making the al— lotments of these materials to can manufacturers, it will be possible to move the materials into useful channels, relieve storage problems, and avoid loss by rusting. The amendment requires that cans or parts of cans, or an equivalent quantity, made from any part of the secondary tin-mill plate allotted to a manufacturer must be of- fered to his packer or canner custamers on a pro-rata basis. As defined in the amend- ment, secondary tin-mill plate includes mill—accumulation plate, tin plate, waste— waste, unmended menders, and unassorted temper tin plate. March 1952 This amendment to NPA Order M-25 is found necessary and appropriate to promote the national defense and is is- sued pursuant to the Defense Production Act of 1950, as amended. In the formu- lation of this amendment there has been consultation with industry representa- tives, including trade association repre- sentatives, and consideration has been given to their recommendations. NPA Order M-25, as last amended January 22, 1952, is hereby further amended in the following respects: 1. Paragraph (e) of section 2 amended to read as follows: is (e) “Tin plate’? means steel sheets coated with tin, and includes electrolytic tin plate, hot-dipped tin plate, primes, seconds, unassorted, tin plate waste- waste, menders, unmended menders, and unassorted temper tin plate. Tin plate (except waste-waste) is furnished as “specification production plate”’ or “mill accumulation plate,’ and each such class includes primes, seconds, and unassorted. Specification production plate is plate produced against orders for specific end uses. Mill accumulation plate is plate arising in the production of specification production plate not applicable against such orders. COMMERCIAL FISHERIES REVIEW 2. Section 9 is amended by the addi- tion of a new paragraph, designated paragraph (e) and reading as follows: (e) Special allotments of can ma- terials. As used in this paragraph the terms ‘“allotment,’’ ‘controlled mate- rials,’ and “authorized production schedule” shall have the same meanings as in CMP Regulation No. 1. If the allotment or any supplemental allot- ment of controlled materials made to a can manufacturer for the first or second calendar quarter of 1952 includes in ex- press terms a specified weight of mill accumulation plate, tin plate waste- waste, unmended menders, unassorted temper tin plate, or ‘other coated sec- ondaries” (as defined in NPA Order M-24, as amended), for use by him in fulfilling his authorized production schedule, then, to the extent that he or- ders and accepts delivery of any such sec- ondary material and to the extent that ‘he manufactures cans or parts of cans ‘or both made entirely therefrom, he shall offer such cans and parts of cans so | manufactured, or an equivalent quan- | tity, among his customers on a pro rata ‘basis. If, upon the first or any subse- quent offering, any customer fails to | 55 order any cans or parts of cans repre- senting his pro rata share, the cans and parts of cans so unordered shall also be offered by the can manufacturer among his remaining customers on a pro rata basis. Any packer purchasing such cans or parts of cans may use the same, or an equivalent quantity, during any cal- endar quarter or quarters of 1952 for packing any product irrespective of the quota percentage limitations and the can material specifications of this order. The can manufacturer shall deliver to each purchaser of any cans or parts of cans supplied under this paragraph a certificate reading substantially as fol- lows: Certified for use in accordance with section 9 (e) of NPA Crder M-25. This amendment shall take effect March 13, 1952. (Sec. 704, 64 Stat. 816, Pub. Law 96, 82d Cong.; 50 U. S. C. App. Sup. 2154) NATIONAL PRODUCTION AUTHORITY, By JoHN B. OLVERSON, Recording Secretary. CONSTRUCTION REGULATIONS REVISED: A revised set of regulations covering the meth- ods of obtaining materials for industrial and commercial construction were announced on March 6 by the National Production Authority. The newbasic construction regulation (Revised CMP Reg. 6, March6, 1952) super- sedes CMP Reg. 6, as amended August 3, 1951; Direction 1 to CMP Reg. 6 as amended August 22; andNPA Order M-4A, as amendedAugust 20, 1951. The new regulation de- finesthe various categories of construction, establishesdollar and weight limits forthe self-certification procedures, and explains the rules limiting the right to commence or continue construction. All members of the fishery and allied industries who contemplate any construc-— tion (other than housing) are urged to obtain a copy of the new regulation before they commence construction. The Defense Fisheries Administration is charged with the responsibility for al— lotting controlled materials for all shore-side construction within the commercial fishing industries which exceeds the self—certification limits established in Re- vised CMP Reg. 6. Application for third quarter 1952 construction should have been submitted to the Defense Fisheries Administration on Form CMP-C by March 15, 1952, or as shortly thereafter as possible. In addition, Delegation 1, which delegates to other Government agencies the authority to administer the construction regulations on categories of construction within their respective jurisdictions, was amended to conform with the revised CMP Reg. 63 and housing construction has been separated and put under M-100. For details see: RevisedCMP Reg. 6 (Construction) ;M-4A Revocation andCMP Reg. 6 Dir. i Revocation; and Del. 14 AsAmended (Delegation of Authority to Make Allotment and Assign Ratings Under RevisedCMP Regulation No.6 and toProcess Applications Under NPA Order M-100);all dated Mar. 6, 1952. Also news release No. NPA-1963. NOTE: FULL TEXTS OF MATERIALS ORDERS MAY BE OBTAINED FROM NATIO'MAL PRODUCTION AUTHORITY, WASHINGTON 25, D.C., OR FROM ANY DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE REGIONAL OR FIELD OFFICE. 56 COMMERCIAL FISHERIES REVIEW Vol. 14, No. 3 Defense Production Administration LIST OF BASIC MATERIALS AND ALTERNATES—ISSUE NO. 5: "Extension of military production time schedules and an improvement in imports are helping to ease sup— plies of certain critical metals," the Director of the Conservation Division in the Defense Production Administration, said March 3 in releasing Issue No. 5 of the "List of Basic Materials and Alternates." Published bi-monthly, the list is a guide to industry, Government, and the military in purchasing materials and in the use of alternates and substitutes for materials in short supply. It categorizes those materials which are critical and those which are relatively easy to obtain for civilian use or mamfacture. About 400 items are classified into three groups. Group I lists those mate- rials which are "insufficient to meet the military and civilian demand" and include an asterisked group of "most critical" materials. Among items listed of general interest to the fishery and alliedindustriesare chlorine, freon, and sulfuricacid, but none of these items mentioned are considered "most critical." However, there are a number of metals included in this group, same termed "most critical," which might be used in construction work in the fishery industries. Group II is composed of those materials which are "in approximate balance for military and civilian demand." Items of interest to the fishery industries inthis group include acetic acid, cellophane, and other chemicals, same lumber and wood products used in construction and boatbuilding, paper and paperboard, as well as some metals. Group III includes those materials in "fairly good supply." These should be used wherever possible as alternates for materials in the other two groups, andin— clude plastic-type nylon, polystyrene, and lumber and wood products and metals used in construction or shipbuilding. Plastic—type nylon has eased from Group II to Group III. For details see: List of Basic Materials and Alternates (Issue No. 5) and Press Release DPA 254, dated Mar. 3. Copies of List are available at district and regional offices of the Department of Commerce, or fram Printing Services, Depart— ment of Commerce, Washington 25, D.C. © Economic Stabilization Agency OFFICE OF PRICE STABILIZATION "SALTED CODFISH" REDEFINED: The term "salted codfish" is redefined in Amend- ment 3 to Ceiling Price Regulation 51. This amendment issued by the Office of Price Stabilization on March 3 defines "salted codfish" as "fish cured in salt in a semi-dry, dry, or hardedried state commonly known as "bacalao" such as pescada, pollock, saithe, hake, haddock, cusk and ling. This term does not include boneless fillets of codfish." CPR 51 is a ceiling price order for food products sold in Puerto Rico. The amendment became effective March 8, 1952. The term "salted codfish" is redefined in order to clarify its coverage. It is intended to make clear that all fish cured in salt in a semi-dry, dry, or hard= dried state commonly known as "bacalao'' is covered by CPR 51 in Puerto Rico regard— less of the source of supply. Boneless fillets of codfish are not covered by the regulation and continue under Ceiling Price Regulation 9. March 1952 COMMERCIAL FISHERIES REVIEW D7 For details see: Amdt. 3 (Definition of Salted Codfish) dated Mar. 3, 1952, to CPR 51 (Food Products Sold in Puerto Rico). Ste #8 se 3K Kk a aK ty oe TEMPORARY SUSPENSION OF SHIFBUILDING INDUSTRY FROM PRICE CONTROL: Temporary suspension from price control of much of the shipbuilding industry was continued until May 13, 1952, by the Office of Price Stabilization, according to a February 25 announcement. The suspension applies only to sales of vessels over 65 feet in length and to their repair and conversion. A previous suspension action, which expired on February 13, 1952, had been taken in order to allow OPS time to develop a tailored regulation to meet the many and complex pricing problems of the shipbuilding industry. Because many of these pricing problems are still unresolved, it is necessary for OPS to provide a 90-day continuation of the suspension. The action is taken under General Overriding Regu- effective as of February 13, 1952. lation 9, Amendment 15, NOTE: FULL TEXTS OF PRICE ORDERS MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE OFFICE OF PRICE STABILIZATION, WASH- INGTON 25, D. C., OR FROM THE REGIONAL OPS OFFICE IN YOUR AREA. Eighty-Second Congress (Second Session) FEBRUARY 1952 Listed below are public bills and resolutions introduced and referred to com— mittees, or passed by the Bighty-Second Congress (Second Session) and signed by the President. However, the more pertinent reports, hearings, or chamber actions on some of the bills shown in this section from month to month are also listed. BILLS AND RESOLUTIONS INTRODUCED: Committee on Armed Services. Territorial Waters Boundaries: H. J. Res. 373 (Yorty) - Joint resvlution declaring | the bound- aries of the inland or internal waters of the Commercial Fishing Vessels--SafetyRegulations S. 2617 (Lodge) - A bill to provide for the safety of life and property by establishing certain rules and regulations for certain vessels engaged ii com- mercial fishing; to the Committee on Interstate and Foreign Commerce. Defense Production Act of 1950 Amendment: S. 2722 (Knowland) — A Senate bill to amend the De-_ fense Production Act of 1950; to the Committee on Banking and Currency. Defense Production Act Extension: S. 2594 (Maybank) - A bill to extend the provisions of the Defense Production Act of 1950, as amended, andthe Housing and Rent Act of 1947, as amended; to the Committee on Banking and Currency. S. 2645 (Maybank) - A bill to amend and ex- tend the Defense Production Act of 1950, as amended, and the Housing and Rent Act of 1947, as amended; to the Committee on Banking and Currency. H. R. 6546 (Spence) - Same as S. 2645; to the Committee on Banking and Currency. Fishery Products Distribution: H. R. 6862 (Kennedy) - A bill to further encourage the dis- tribution of fishery prcducts, and for other pur- poses; to the Committee on Merchant Marine and Fisheries. Transfer of Trawler "Delaware:" H. R. 6861 (Kennedy) = A bill to transfer the trawler Dela- ware from ats United States Army Quartermaster Corps to the Fish and Wildlife Service; to the United States to be as far seaward as is permis- sible under international law, and providing for a survey.of such boundaries to be madeby the U. S. Coast and Geodetic Survey in the light of the An- glo-Norwegian Fisheries case; to the Committee on the Judiciary. Water Pollution Control Act Extension: H. R 6856 (Buckley) = A bill to extend the duration of the Water Pollution Control Act; to the Committee on Public Works. CHAMBER ACTION: President'« Message on Extension of Defense Production Act: Senate and House received message from President recommending strengthening of and extension for 2 years of Defense Production Act; referred to Committee on Banking and Currency in each house. COMMITTEE MEETINGS: Fats and Oils Import Controls: The Senate Committee on Banking and Currency in =xecutive session on February 26 by vote of 7 to 5 ordered favorably reported back to the Senate without amendment S. 2104, to repeal section 104 of De- fense P-oduction Act of 1950, relative to import controls on fats and oils (including fish oils) and related products. (This bill was recommitted to the committee on January 30.) 58 COMMERCIAL FISHERIES REVIEW Vol. 14, Now 3 LANDINGS AND RECEIPTS In Millions of Pounds MAINE - LANDINGS MASSACHUSETTS - LANDINGS NOT INCLUDING IMPORTS BOSTON , GLOUCESTER , NEW BEDFORD , & CAPE COD 80 CUMULATIVE DATA 9S CUMULATIVE DATA JAN. FEB. MAR. APR. MAY. JUNE JULY AUG. SEPT, OCT. NOV. DEC. JAN. FEB. MAR. APR. MAY. JUNE JULY AUG. SEPT. OCT. NOV. DEC. NEW YORK CITY-RECEIPTS OF FRESH & FROZEN FISH CHICAGO - RECEIPTS OF FRESH & FROZEN FISH SALT-WATER MARKET WHOLESALE MARKET JAN. FEB. MAR. APR. MAY. JUNE JULY AUG. SEPT. OCT. NOV. DEC. JAN. FEB. MAR. APR. MAY. JUNE JULY AUG. SEPT. OCT. NOV. DEC. GULF - SHRIMP LANDINGS SEATTLE - RECEIPTS OF FRESH & FROZEN FISH HEARS OFF - FOR ALL USES WHOLESALE MARKET , LANDINGS , & IMPORTS UMULATIVE DATA CUMULATIVE DATA 10.5 ? . 1952 = 12.6 3 MQS. 1952 - 17. 3, 1951 - 9.8 3 1951 - 15.4 1 1951 - 92.3 JULY AUG. SEPT. OCT. NOV. DEC. JAN. FEB. MAR. APR. MAY JUNE JAN. FEB. MAR. APR. MAY. JUNE JULY AUG. SEPT. OCT, NOV. DEC. In Thousands of Tons CALIFORNIA - PILCHARD LANDINGS CALIFORNIA- TUNA AND TUNA-LIKE FISH 40 If CUMULATIVE DATA CUMULATIVE DATA SEASON = fo) b JULY AUG. SEPT. OCT. NOV. DEC. JAN. FEB. MAR. APR. MAY JUNE JAN. FEB. MAR. APR. MAY. JUNE JULY AUG. SEPT. OCT. NOV. DEC. March 1952 COMMERCIAL FISHERIES REVIEW 59 COLD STORAGE HOLDINGS and FREEZINGS of FISHERY PRODUCTS In Millions of Pounds U.S. & ALASKA - HOLDINGS OF FROZEN FISH U.S. & ALASKA - FREEZINGS CUMULATIVE DATA 3 MQS. 1952 - 3, 1951 - 2 1951 - 325.5 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. NEW ENGLAND - HOLDINGS OF FROZEN FISH NEW YORK CITY - HOLDINGS OF FROZEN FISH JAN, FEB. MAR. APR. MAY. JUNE JULY AUG. SEPT. OCT. NOV. DEC. JAN. FEB. MAR. APR. MAY. JUNE JULY AUG. SEPT. OCT. NOV. DEC. CHICAGO - HOLDINGS OF FROZEN FISH GULF - HOLDINGS OF FROZEN FISH (2) Onan Ff a nD VN wo oO 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 ALASK? - 5 HOLDINGS OF FROZEN FISH {°) JAN. FEB. MAR. APR. MAY. JUNE JULY AUG. SEPT. OCT. NOV. DEC. 60 COMMERCIAL FISHERIES REVIEW Vol. 14, Noe 3 CANNED FISHERY PRODUCTS In Thousands MAINE - SARDINES, ESTIMATED PACK L< PS JAN. FEB. MAR. APR. MAY. JUNE JULY AUG. SEPT. OCT. NOV. DEC. CALIFORNIA - TUNA AND TUNA- LIKE FISH JAN. FEB. MAR. APR. MAY. JUNE JULY AUG. SEPT. OCT. NOV. DEC. ay CALIFORNIA - MACKEREL CUMULATIVE DATA oF NS JAN. FEB. MAR. APR. MAY. JUNE JULY AUG. SEPT. OCT. NOV. DEC. WASHINGTON - PUGET SOUND SALMON JAN. FEB. MAR. APR, MAY. JUNE JULY AUG. SEPT. OCT. NOV. DEC. Standard Cases UNITED STATES - SHRIMP CUMULATIVE DATA 1950/51 SEASON, TOTAL JULY-JUNE - 817.08 JULY AUG. SEPT. OCT. NOV. DEC. JAN. FEB. MAR. APR. MAY JUNE CALIFORNIA - PILCHARDS BY TOTAL JULY AUG. SEPT. OCT. NOV. DEC. JAN. FEB. MAR. APR. mAY JUNE ALASKA - SALMON TOTAL 1950 SEASON - 3,219.7 *PRELIMINARY 7) Nu JAN. FEB. MAR. APR. MAY. JUNE JULY AUG. SEPT. OCT. NOV. DEC. STANDARD CASES Variety No.Cans Can Designation Net. wat. SARDINES 100 V4 drown 3 V4 ox. SHRIMP 48 _ 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. March 1952 COMMERCIAL FISHERISS R&VIEW 61 PRICES , IMPORTS and BY-PRODUCTS BOSTON - WEIGHTED AVERAGE PRICE MAINE - IMPORTS OF FRESH SEA HERRING ON NEW ENGLAND FISH EXCHANGE IN g PER POUND IN MILLIONS OF POUNDS CUMULATIVE DATA CUMULATIVE DATA . 195) - 39.6|— 2l 1950 - 39.2 1949 - 36.6 2 MQS. AWG. 1952 - 2 = 1s 12 JAN. FEB. MAR. APR. MAY. JUNE JULY AUG. SEPT. OCT, NOV. DEC. JAN. FEB. MAR. APR. MAY. JUNE JULY AUG. SEPT. OCT. NOV. DEC. Y A. In Millions of Pounds U.S. - IMPORTS OF FRESH & FROZEN « FILLETS U.S.- IMPORTS OF FRESH AND FROZEN SHRIMP_ FROM MEXICO CUMULATIVE DATA JAN. FEB. MAR. APR. MAY. JUNE JULY AUG. SEPT. OCT. NOV. DEC. In Millions of Pounds U.S.- IMPORTS OF CANNED TUNA LLo./ U.S.-IMPORTS OF CANNED SARDINES AND TUNA-LIKE FISH (Include in oil and not in oil ) CUMULATIVE DATA CUMULATIVE DATA 7 i} 2 mgs, 1952 - 3.9 Pi en Os ik—me 4a) qi2 1951 - 14.0 2 mgs. 1952 - JAN. FEB MAR. APR. MAY. JUNE JULY AUG. SEPT. OCT. NOV. DEC. JAN. FEB. MAR. APR. MAY. JUNE JULY AUG. SEPT. OCT, NOV. DEC. U.S. & ALASKA - PRODUCTION OF FISH MEAL U.S. & ALASKA - PRODUCTION OF FISH OIL IN THOUSANDS OF TONS IN MILLIONS OF GALLONS | 2.1 N Swe JAN. FEB. MAR. APR. MAY. JUNE JULY AUG. SEPT. OCT, NOV. DEC. JAN. FEB. MAR. APR. MAY. JUNE JULY AUG. SEPT. OCT. NOV. DEC. 62 COMMERCIAL FISHERIES REVIEW Vol. 14, No. 3 a FISHERY PUBLICATIO Recent publications of interest tothe commercial fishing industryare listed below. FISH AND WILDLIFE SERVICE PUBLICATIONS THESE PRCCESSED PUBLICATIONS ARE AVAILABLE FREE FROM THE DIVISION OF INFORMATION, U. S. FISH AND WILDLIFE SERVICE, WASH- INGTON 25, D. C. TYPES OF PUBLICATIONS ARE DES!GNATED AS FOL- LOWS: CFS - CURRENT FISHERY STATISTICS OF THE UNITED STATES AND ALASKA. SEP.- SEPARATES (REPRINTS) FROM COMMERCIAL FISHERIES REVIEW. Number Title Number Title CFS-695 — Massachusetts Landings, August 1951,14p. |CFS-726 - Meal and Oil, December 1951, 2 p. CFS-705 - Massachusetts Landings, September 1951, 14 pe Sep. 306 - Freezing Fish at Sea—New England: CFS-707 -— Maine Landings, September 1951, 4 pe Part 1 - Preliminary Experiments. CFS-708 — Meal and Oil, October 1951, 2 p. Fart 2 — Experimental Procedures and CFS-709 — Alabama Landings, October 1951, 4 p. Equipment. CFS-711 - Mississippi Landings, October 1951, 2 p. Part 3 - The Experimental Trawler CFS-714 — Massachusetts Landings, October 1951,14p. Delaware and Shore Facilities. CFS-716 - Maine Landings, October 1951, 4 p. Part 4 — Commercial Processing of Brine— CFS-717 -— Fish Meal and Oil, November 1951, 2 p. Frozen Fish. CFS-720 — Mississippi Landings, November 1951, 2 p. Sep. 307 - Technical Note No. 17—-Refractive Index CFS-725 - Maine Landings, November 1951, 4 p. of Free Oil in Canned Salmon. Sep. 308 — King Crab Recipes. THE FOLLOWING SERVICE PUSLICATIONS ARE AVAILABLE ONLY California Fisheries Trends and Review for 1950, by stocks of frozen fishery products; and imports. V. J. Samson, 31 p., processed, (Available free Included in the statistical tables are data on from the Market News Service, U. S. Fish and the landings and products of sardines by months Wildlife Service, Post Office Building, San Pedro, and areas; tuna production amd canned pack by Calif.) This is a review of the 1950 trends and months and species; landings and pack of mackerel conditions in the California fisheries, Among by months, areas, and species; production of mis- the subjects discussed are the pilchard (Cali- cellaneous fishery products; freezings; cold stor- fornia sardine) fishery (landings, ex—vessel age holdings; landings of market fishery products prices, canned pack, and canned sardine prices); at certain California ports; and imports of fish- tuna fishery (production and ex—vessel prices); ery products into Arizona and California. mackerel fishery; fishingseasons; freezings and March 1952 Studies of Georges Bank Haddock. COMMERCIAL FISHERIES REVIEW 63 THE FOLLOWING SERVICE PUBLICATIONS ARE FOR SALE AND ARE AVAILABLE ONLY FROM THE SUPERINTENDENT OF DOCUMENTS, WASHING- TON 255) Dolce Part I: Land- ings by Pounds, Numbers, and Sizes of Fish, by Howard A. Schuck, Fishery Bulletin 66, 29 Pey illus., printed, 20 cents, 1951. Presented in this paper is an outline of a study of Georges Bank haddock and also details of landings for the years of 1931 to 1948. The haddock has been New England's most valuable fishery re- source for nearly three decades. After 1929, production declined markedly and as a conse— quence a study of the resources was begun to determine what caused the decline, what could be done to maintain or increase production, and what prediction of future landings might be possible. This is the first paper of a series reporting the results of this study. Pounds, numbers, and average weights of fish, and size compositions of landings are given for scrod, for large, and for total haddock, as well as information on trends and seasonal cycles in the landings. While these data are presented primarily as background for further studtes, the averages and ranges are informative. The values presented are as nearly complete a rec- ord of the quantities of Georges Bank haddock that were landed and sold as can be readily assembled. Comparison of Haddock from Georges and Browns Banks, by Howard A. Schuck and Fdgar L. Arnold, Jre, Fishery Bulletin 67 (from Fishery Bulletin of the Fish and Wildlife Service, vol. 52), ll p., illus., printed, 15 cents, The purpose of this report is to show a comparison between the had- dock from Georges Bank and those from Browns Bank, two major fishing areas in the Northwest Atlantic Ocean. The comparison was made by means of data collected during a cruise of the Service's research vessel Albatross III in June 1949. Large differences were found in the age compositions of fish taken on the two banks. There were also highly significant differences in the average size of the same ages of haddock taken on the two banks. Thus there is a marked difference in the rate of growth of haddock from these two areas. These findings strengthen the concept that the bottom-dwelling stages of had- dock of these two banks are largely independent of one another, and substantiate the validityof studying separately the biological data of the two areas, DEFENSE FISHERIES ADMINISTRATION PUBLICATIONS THE FOLLOWING PUBLICATIONS ARE AVAILABLE FREE FROM THE DE- FENSE FISHERIES ADM!NISTRATION, U. S. DEPARTMENT OF THE WASHINGTON 25, D. C. Plan, DFA Material Bulletin - Number 1, 4 p., processed, revised February 1952. This is a re- vision of the leaflet issued as an aid to fish- ing vessel and plant operators experiencing dif- ficulty in obtaining materials necessary for the operation of their vessels or plants. (Also see Commercial Fisheries Review, January 1952, p. 55.) INTERIOR, Instructions for Purchasing New and Replacement En- gines for Fishing Vessels, DFA Material] Bulletin — Number 2, 2 p., processed, revised January 1952, This is a revision of the outline of procedures for purchasing replacement engines for fishing craft under CMP (Controlled Materials Plan). (Also see Commercial Fisheries Review, January 19525 Pe 556 MISCELLANEOUS PUBLICATIONS LIFE SERVICE, BUT USUALLY MAY Be OBTAINED FROM THE AGENCIES |S- SUING THEM, CORRESPONDENCE REGARDING PUBLICATIONS THAT FOLLOW SHOULD BE ADDRESSED TO THE RESPECTIVE AGENCIES OR PUBL! SHERS MEN-= T!ONED. DATA ON PRICES, Pacific Mackerel, 1939-40 through 1950-51, by John E, Fitch, Fish Bulletin No. 83, 77p., illus., printed, Bureau of Marine Fisheries, Department of Fish and Game, San Francisco, Calif., 1951. This is a report of an investigation of the Pa- cific mackerel (Pneumatophorus diego) which was inaugurated in July 1929. From the data obtained it was hoped to be able to formulate policies and recommend regulations which would be most suitable for a sustained mackerel fisheryat the highest level possible. A knowledge of the age composition of the catch is of extreme importance in a program such as this, and this publication IF READILY AVAILABLE, ARE SHOWN. presents data on the age composition of the southern California catch of Pacific mackerel from 1939-40 through 1950-51. The Pacific mackerel fishery in general, the fishing meth- ods employed, and localities where the mackerel fleet operates are also discussed in this re- port. It describes in detail the work being done on age determination of Pacific mackerel, and gives a historical review of the mackerel sampling procedure. The author states that "the future outlook for the Pacific mackerel fishery is not good. All signs indicate that the peak of abundance has been passed and the population is now at a low ebb and being re- duced to still lower levels." 64 ING THEM. (Alaska) 1950 Annual Report, Report No. 2, 70 pe, illus., printed, Alaska Fisheries Board and Alaska Department of Fisheries, Juneau, Alaska, 1951. A summary is given in this report of the activities of the Board and the Alaska Depart- ment of Fisheries for 1950, together with a fi- nancial statement, a chronological history of the salmon canneries in Western Alaska from1884 to 1950, a discussion of inspection and stream improvement, and a progress report on the troll salmon investigation. This reportalso contains statistics on the number of salmon canneries and pack (1941-1950); comparative values of canned salmon by species (1941-1950); production (quantity and value) of 25 Alaskan fishery prod- ucts (1939-1948); the number of salmon taken from 1905 to 1949 by gear and species in each geographic section of Alaska; and a discussion of the plans of the Department and its future outlook. Tenth Annual Report of the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission (to the Congress of the United States and to the Governors and Legis- lators of the Fifteen Compacting States), 48 p., printed, Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Com- mission, Mt. Vernon, N. Y., December 1951. In this annual report, the Commission reports pro- gress on fishery research projects initiated and carried on by the Commission and carriedon for it by the U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service. These include studies on clams, shad, explora- tory fishing for tuna off the New England and Carolina coasts, and freezing whole fish at sea. Under the North Atlantic Section of the report are included discussions of projects dealing with lobsters, haddock, clams, fishery laws, Atlantic salmon, herring, sea scallops, smelt, freezing fish in the round at sea, stripedbass, dams on the Connecticut River as they affect shad, survey of former shad streams in Maine, and exploratory fishing for tuna. Under the Middle Atlantic Section, there is a discussion of projects dealing with striped bass, fluke, Hudson River shad, fishery research programs in Delaware and New Jersey, Delaware River shad, conferences between New Jersey and Delaware Commissioners, hard clams in New Jersey, off- shore waste disposal, and Susquehanna shad. The Chesapeake Bay Section includesdiscussions of projects concerned with striped bass, crab, croaker, Chesapeake Bay shad, Chesapeake Bay Institute, Chesapeake Bay Authority, Amendment No. 1 to the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Compact, and Pamlico Sound shrimp. Under the South Atlantic Section, a discussion of the following programs is included: shrimp, co- operative research, exploratory fishing for tuna, and Pamlico Sound shrimp. Another sec- tion of the report deals with the International Commission for the Northwest Atlantic Fisheries, the marine fisheries pollution study, catch statistics, reciprocal warden act, fisheries education, Gulf and Pacific Coast developments, amendment to the Atlantic States Marine Fisher- ies Compact, fisheries research, and state leg- islation needed. COMMERCIAL FISHERIES REVIEW Vol. 14, No. 3 Australian Fisheries, Current Affairs Bulletin, vol. 9, no. 3, 15 p., illus., printed, 6d. (about 10 US cents). Commonwealth Office of Education, Sydney, Australia, Nov. 5, 1951. This report covers the present position and potentialities of the Australian fisheries. The general conclusions reached in regard tothe future possibilities of Australia's fisheries are: (1) the estuarine fisheries and demersal fisheries cannot be expanded, as the estuaries and the narrow continental shelf are already overfished; (2) the fresh-water fisheries can be expanded if fish conservation measures are rigidly enforced, soil conservation measures are adopted to reduce siltage, and fish culture in fertilized ponds is introduced; and (3) the pelagic fisheries can be creatly expanded, with varieties particularly suitable for canning, such as the tuna, pilchard, anchovy, and mack- erel present in large numbers inthe surrounding seas. Australian Journal of Marine and Freshwater Re- search, October 1951, vol. 2, no. 2, lhl p., plus plates, illus., printed, 7s. 6d. per issue (approx. 85 cents). Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organization, 314 Albert Street, East Melbourne, C2, Victoria, Australia. This particular issue contains the following articles of general interest: Races and Popu- lations of the Australian Pilchard, Sardinops neopilchardus (Steindachner), by M. Blackburn; Growth and Habits of the Sea Mullet, Mugil dobula Gunther, in Western Australia, by J. M. Thomson; and a Survey of the Inland Fisheries of the Territory of New Guinea and Papua, by W. H. Schuster. Bears Bluff Laboratories, 1948 to 1952, by G. Robert Lunz, Contributions from Bears Rluff Laboratories No. 13, 17 p., illus,, printed. Bears Bluff Laboratories, Wadmalaw Island, South Carolina, January 1952. This report brings up to date the operation of the labora- tories and facilities for research. It de- scribes the work being done for thedevelopment of the marine resources of the State of South Carolina, particularly in the field of oyster culture. Other studies on the blue crab, ef- fects of crab trawling in inshore waters onthe shrimp and small fish, and observations on the development of a salt industry are also de- scribed. No. 90, 53 p., illus., printed. Fisheries Re- search Board of Canada, Ottawa, Canada, 1951. Catch statistics for a 3l-year period, from 1917 to 1947, have been summarized graphically in this report to show variations in thecatches from the major fishing areas and to show the manner in which the catches have been utilized. The availability of these salmon has shown marked changes. Although che total pack of British Columbia pink salmon has not varied greatly, the catches in the northern areas of Mareh 1952 COMMERCIAL FISHERIES RiVIsw 695 LIFE SERVICE, BUT USUALLY MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE AGENCIES |1SSU- (NG THEM. the province have declined steadily. In contrast, chum salmon show no such definite trend but the catch has fluctuated considerably with three reg- ularly occurring periods of low production. Ap- proximately 95 percent of the pink salmon catch is canned, while only about 60 percent of the chums are used in this way. At present the re- mainder of the chum salmon are used fresh and frozen, though smaller amounts have from time to time been processed in other ways. This report describes factors affecting the fishery, and in- cludes data on the disposition of the catch, variation in size of fish, and a discussion of catch statistics. A Comparison of the Populations of Yellowfin Tuna, "Neothunnus macropterus", from the Eastern and Central Pacific, by H. C. Godsil and E. C. Green- handling, cost of marketing, storage, and trans- portation. The product is aimed at the native South African population. cation PP-F-38lc, dated February 1, 1952, 9 p., printed, 10 cents. General Services Administra- tion, Washington, D. C. (For sale by Superin- tendent of Documents, Washington 25, D. C.) The new specifications are for use by all Federal agencies for procuring fresh and frozen fish. Suppliers selling fresh and frozen fish to Fed- eral agencies are required to meet the specifi- cations as given. Explained are the require- ments; sampling, inspection, and test procedures; and preparation for delivery. Supersedes Fed- eral Specification PF-F-381b dated June 24, 1941. hood, Fish Bulletin No. 82, 37 p., illus., printed.|Government-Owned Inventions for Free Use, 104 p., Bureau of Marine Fisheries, Department of Fish and Game, San Francisco, Calif., 1951. The study reported upon in this publication was designed to test the preliminary conclusion that the stock of yellowfin tuna in the central Pacific differs from that of the eastern Pacific. This report discusses the methods of analysis, effects of freezing, comparison of central Pacific stock with that of eastern Pacific, and homogeneity of the central Pacific stock. Resultsof this study confirm the earlier findings and enhance consid- erably the probability that the central Pacific stock is distinct from and nonintermingling with that of the eastern Pacific. The Crab Fishery off Graham Island, British Columbia, to 1948, by Robert G, McMynn, Bulletin No. 91, 29 p., printed. Fisheries Research Board of Canada, Ottawa, Canada, 1951. A study of the past and present status of the crab fishery off Graham Island and the causes of fluctuations are presented in this report. Included in this pub- lication are descriptions of the fishing grounds types of gear used in the fishery, canning oper- ations, methods of investigation, tagging exper- iments, and general observations. Canned crab production statistics are given for the years 1927-47. The number of crabs caught each year in certain areas and the average daily catchper fisherman for the years 1933 to 1948 are also included. "Dehydrated Fish Fillets Could Become Popular in South Africa," article, The South African Ship- ping News and Fishing Industry Review, November 1951, vol. 6, no. 11, p. 63, illus., printed, 2s. (about 30 US cents). South African Trade News- papers (Pty.) Ltd., Cape town, South Africa. This article describes a new dried fish product known as "pressfish," which was developed after several years of research in collaboration with Norwegian fishing interests and Danish scientific institutions. The method of preservation cor- sists of dehydration and pressing. The keeping quality of the new product is claimed to be far superior to ordinary dried fish or "klipfish" and the flavor and nutritive value are retained in the "pressfish." It is sold in block form, made to standard dimensions. This greatlyreduces printed, $1.00. Government Patents Board, U. S. Department of Commerce, Washington, D. C., 1952. (For sale by Superintendent of Documents, Wash- ington 25, D. C.) This publication lists 2,339 United States-owned patents available without charge under nonexclusive, royalty-free license from the Government. These inventions cover a wide variety of products (including fishery prod- ucts) and processes, raw material uses, addition- al ways of producing already known results, and advances in methods and processes. Many of them require only a minimum of further technical de- velopment. This new guide is a fertile source of technical information for (1) manufacturers who are faced with production problems, and (2) scientists and technologists working on new re- search problems. The information contained in this publication is divided into two sections. The first lists the patents chronologically by United States Patent Office numbers, with the title of each invention, name of the inventoror inventors, name of the agency administering the patent, including the issuance of licenses, and one or more standard industrial classifications showing the major groups and sub-groups where the invention is applicable. The second section contains a cross-reference of the patents under 21 major classifications, by United States Pat- ent Office number. Since many patents areappli- cable under more than one industrial classifica- tion, a single patent may be found under several groups. The information contained in this publi- cation has been taken from the records of the Index of Inventions, Government Patents Board. It has been published as a service to American business, particularly to small manufacturers. Guide for the Prospective Exporter, 56 p., printed. Economic Cooperation Administration, Office of Small Business, Washington 25, D. C., 1951. This is a handbook on the principles of exporting, de- signed especially for the small businessman in- terested in tradingunder foreignassistance funds. JGulf States Marine Fisheries Commission Second An- nual Report 1950-51 (to the Congress of the United States and to the Governors and Legisla- tors of Alabama, Florida, Louisiana, Mississippi, Texas), 34 pe, printed. Gulf States Marine Fish- 66 COMMERCIAL FISHERIES REVIEW Vol. 14, No. 3 LIFE SERVICE, BUT USUALLY MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE AGENCIES 1SSU- ING THEM. eries Commission, 312 Audubon Building, New Orleans 16, La. Resumes of fisheries research activities of the various Gulf states are given in this report. Also included are short discus- sions of the reciprocal fishery agreements; shrimp and shrimp importationstudies; andinshore oceano- graphic survey of the Gulf; and marine fisheries student education. The report, in addition, summarizes the U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service activities in fishery research and explorations in the Gulf area, and contains a financial re- port of the Commission. (International Court of Justice) Fisheries Case (United Kingdom Vv. Norway), Judgment of December 18th, 1951 (Reports of Judgments, Advisory Opin- ions and Orders), Sales No. 74, 206 p., printed, in English and French. A. W. Sijthoff's Pub- lishing Co., Leyden, Netherlands. This booklet contains the judgment and opinions in the fish- erles case between the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, and the Kingdomof Norway filed by the former on September 28, 1949, before the International Court of Justice. The subject of the proceedings was "the validity or otherwise, under international law, of the lines of delimitation of the Norwegian fisheries zone laid down by the Royal Decreeof July12th, 1935, as amended by a Decree of December 10th, 1937, for that part of Norway which is situated north- ward of 66°28.8' (or 66928'48") N. latitude." Among other things, the application asked the Court "to declare the principles of internation- al law to be applied in defining the base-lines, by reference to which the Norwegian Government is entitled to delimit a fisheries zone, extend- ing to seaward 4 sea miles from those lines and exclusively reserved for its own nations, andto define the said base-lines insofar as it appears necessary in the light of the arguments of the Parties, in order to avoid further legaldiffer- ences between them." The Court found by ten votes to two "that the method employed for the delimitation of the fisheries zone by the Royal Norwegian Decree of July 12th, 1935, is not con- trary to international law; and by eight votes to four, that the base-lines fixed by the said Decree in application of this method are not con- trary to international Jaw." This publication, in addition to the judgment of the Court, con- tains the individual opinion of Judge Alvarez, the separate opinion of Judge Hsu Mo, and the dissenting opinions of Sir Arnold McNair and Judge J. E. Read. Japan's Fresh-Water Fisheries, by Donald L. McKernan, Preliminary Study No. 68, 44 p., illus., proc- essed, Natural Resources Section, Supreme Com- mander for the Alied Powers, Tokyo, Japan, De- cember 1951. (Reports may be purchased only in photostat or microfilm from the Office of Tecn- nical Services, U. S. Department of Commerce, Washington 25, D. C.) This report deals with a survey made during March-June 1950 for the pur- pose of determining methodsof increasing Japan's inland fisheries production. The author states that two methods of increasing the annual pro- duction of the inland fisheries of Japan appear practical: (1) by increasing the carp culture on inland waters; and (2) by inaugurating fish- eries management programs to protect and reha- bilitate the dwindling natural population and thus increase the productivity of the natural fisheries resources. Among the subjects covered are: carp fishery; trout culture; ayu (trout- like fish) fishery; eel culture; natural pro- duction from inland fisheries; production of bullfrogs; Lake Suway development; shellfish and seaweed culture; and fisheries administra- tion. (A summary of this survey appears in Commercial Fisheries Review, August 1950, pp. 48-19. (Oregon) Fish Commission Research Briefs, August 1951, vol. 3, now 2, 55 p., illus., printed. Fish Commission of Oregon, Portland 4, Oregon. Included in this edition of the "Briefs" in- tended to inform the public, industry, and other interested parties of the current studies of the Commission are the following: "A Study of the Bait Seine Fisheries of Oregon;" "Migration of White Sturgeon (Acipenser transmontanus) in the Columbia River;" "Spring Chinook Salmon Diet Experiments at the Bonneville Hatchery;" "Food of the Chinook nd Silver Salmon Taken off the Oregon Coast;" "Stream Improvement as Conducted in Oregon on the Clatskanie River and Tributar- ies;" and "Spring Creek Crayfish Migrations, 1949 and 1950." Purse Seines ami Other RoundhaulNets inCalifornia, by W. L. Scofield, Fish Bulletin No. 81, 87 p., illus., printed. Bureau of Marine Fisheries, Department of Fish and Game, San Francisco, Calif., 1951. This report summarizes the his- tory and development of the purse seine and other roundhaul nets in California. Among the subjects covered are: kinds and operation of roundhaul nets, net construction, early history of roundhauls in California, brief descriptions of early nets and modern roundhaul nets, recent developments in the operation and construction of roundhaul nets, and descriptions of sardine and tuna purse seines,. Frank G, Ashbrook, 260 p., illus., printed, $4.00. D. Van Nostrand Company, Inc., 250Fourth Avenue, New York, N. Y. This book contains chap- ters on fish production (pond fish, trout, and frogs) and fish-bait culture. Also included is a chapter on unusual fish and meats. Most of the book is devoted to poultry, game birds, fur animals, and other small animals. (Scotland) Second Annual Report of the Supervisory Committee for Brown Trout Research 1949-1950, 12 p., illus., printed. Freshwater and Salmon Fisheries Research, Scottish Home Department. His Majesty's Stationery Office, Edinburgh, Scot- land, 1951, 2s. 6d. (about 35 U. S. cents). Re- ports on the biology of trout and associated bottom studies, zooplankton and phytoplankton surveys, and fertilization experiments for the period November 1949 to October 1950. Mareh 1952 COMMERCIAL FISHERIES REVIEW 67 LIFE SERVICE, BUT USUALLY MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE AGENCIES |ISSU- ING THEM. (Colony of Singapore) Report of the Fisheries De- partment, 1950, by T. W. Burdon, 70 p., illus., printed, British Malaysian $1.00 (approximately US#0.35). Government Publications Bureau, Sing- apore, 1951. The year 1950 was of particular importance in the history of the Fisheries De- partment of Singapore as new staffand facilities were added for the purpose of obtaining detailed information required for developing the fishing industry, according to this report. Also, dur- ing 1950 the importation of fish into Singapore, particularly from Sumatra, was greatly reduced, and although total quantities of fresh fish pass- ing through auction markets were slightly higher than in the preceding year, there were indica- tions that the fishing industry was passing through a critical phase. Included in this re- port are discussions on the availability of fresh fish; inventory of the fishing industry (number of fishermen, licensed fishing boats, and gear); transport; marketing; price of fresh fish; price of producer goods; comparative level of fish prices and other commodities; trade in salted and dried fish; and trade in othermarine products. CONTENTS, CONTINUED PAGE FOREIGN (CONT.): NORWAY (CONT. ): WINTER HERRING SEASON STARTS ...s.eeeceecsereseses 47 EXPORTS OF FISHERY PRODUCTS AND BYPRODUCTS, 1951 49 NEW WHALING AID INVENTED ....... Wieleteieielatatstatave 5ad0 ZO) NETHERLANDS: WHALING INDUSTRY, 1950-51 ........0-0-- osgdduosao £©) ST. P|ERRE-M| QUELON: DEVELOPMENT OF FISHERIES FACILITIES ST. PIERRE .-cceeccees UNITED KINGDOM FISH-WASHING DEVICE FOR TRAWLERS ... FEDERAL ACTIONS: .ecccceceseccevevsere DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE: REVISION OF DELEGATION OF AUTHORITY WITH RESPECT TO FISHERY PRODUCTS PRODUCTION UNDER DEFENSE PRO- DUCTION ACT Cece nemewrcrccerseereeerecrssecerses OS DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE NATIONAL PRODUCTION AUTHORITY: PLANNED FOR ences esecesesseerereceres Ol Cre recccescses: Ol ae eerecesereses OS PAGE FEDERAL ACTIONS (CONT.): DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE (CONT.): NATIONAL PRODUCTION AUTHORITY (CONT.): CONSTRUCTION REGULATIONS REVISED ...seserereessss 55 DEFENSE PRODUCTION ADMINISTRATION LIST OF BASIC MATERIALS & ALTERNATES--ISSUE NO. 5 56 ECONOMIC STABILIZATION AGENCY OFFICE OF PRICE STABILIZATION SALTED CODFISH REDEFINED ........-- eee Nae 4) Ble) TEMPORARY SUSPENSION OF SHI PBU/LDING |NDUSTRY FROMMERIIGEMCONTIRO[metetteitatetettetsisisieleierieiseteteictestecie tmnt oI/; EIGHTY-SECOND CONGRESS (SECOND SESSION), FEB. 1952 57 GRUNER “soegosdoocdocoubodoonponbsvonuaodgendueoodeon, ee) EAND INGSANONREGEIPTIS emcee renter nietien ene So COLD STORAGE HOLDINGS AND FREEZINGS OF FISHERY PRODUCTS ....... CANNED FISHERY PRODUCTS ....... nongnoaadapadoodoses GD PRICES, IMPORTS, AND BYPRODUCTS .....e-+ee-sceseees 61 RECENT (FISKE? FUELIGMNONSS Goodoccocosnonosoadacaun C2 ADDITIONAL CANS FOR CANNING CLAM CHOWDER ,......+- 54 FISH AND WILDLIFE SERVICE PUBLICATIONS ........+-6. 62 UNRESTRICTED USE OF CANS MADE OF SECONDARY T)N- DEFENSE FISHERIES ADMINISTRATION PUBLICATIONS . 63 MILL PRODUCTS ANNOUNCED ....c-erecerererereceres 4 MISCELLANEOUS PUBLICATIONS ........% Seo eiiciry +. 63 A WORD WAS LEFT OUT ON PAGE 9 OF THE DECEMBER 195] ISSUE OF COMMERC] AL FISHERIES REVIEW. TENCE BEGINNING ON LINE 9 SHOULD READ IN THE FIRST PARAGRAPH OF THE SECTION HEADED (THE WORD OMITTED |S UNDERLINED): EFFECT OF |IMPORTS,, THE SEN- FORTUNATELY, BECAUSE OF THE HIGH LEVEL OF PROSPERITY IN THE UNITED STATES, THE GREAT QUANTITIES OF IMPORTS AND THE LARGE DOMEST!C PRODUCTION HAVE BEEN ABSORBED W1T HOUT PLACING UNDUE E- CONOMIC HARDSHIPS ON THE NEW ENGLAND LOBSTER FISHERMEN. Editorial Assistant--Ruth V. Keefe Illustrator--Gustaf T. Sundstrom Compositors--Jean Zalevsky, Dorothy Stein, Betty Coakley OK OK KOK OK OK Photograph Credits: Page by page, the following list gives the source or pho- tographer for each photograph in this issue. Photographs on pages not mentioned were obtained from the Service's file and the photographers are unknown. Cover page, pp. 1, 35, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 15, 16, 17, 18--Melvin E. Light; pe 35=--R. Stevens; p. 48--Fiskeridirektoratets Havforskningsinstitutt, Bergen, Norway. INTERIOR=-DUPLI CATING SECTION, WASHINGTON, D.C., JOBF 18461 ILIMUNIA 3 9088 01018 1378 Fishery Leaflet 343, "Floating Trawls,"is e description of the Danish floatin trawl. FLOATING TRAWLS This 5-page report gives the specifications of the Danish floating trawl together witha brief report on its operationand constructione A number of sketches snowing the construction of the trawl are included. THE DISTANCE BETWEEN BOATS IS ABOUT HALF THE LENGTH OF THE WIRE THE TRAWL IN OPERATION SIDE PIECE 52 FEET 182 FEET CHAIN OR LEAD COUNTERWEIGHTS It is believed by foreign observers that with modifications the floating trawl couid be employed in many coastal areas where herring have not been previously caught, and nay act as an excellent substitute for the drift net. There is also reason to believe that the Danish trawl may be employed in the cod fishery, and with some slight adjustmentsin the trawlit would be utilized forcatching whitefish. Copies of Fishery Leaflet 343 may be obtained free upon request from the U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Washington 25, D. C. oos’s - 2c6/e - BMNN Wtog CTOT °ON 3 FuLIed SS3NISNGE 1VIDISSO ‘DG ‘SZ NOLONIHSYM SDIAMRS 3SIN101IM GNY HSIS OO€$ “35visoOd 4O LNAWAVd YOIMALNI SHL AO LNAWLYVd3aG GQIOAY OL 3SN ALVAINd NOs ALTYNAd S31VLiS G3ALINN