iy § AYC¢LES X COMMERCIAL FISHERIES i wn ie" vs vy Vol.14, No.5 | MAY 1952 FISH and WILDLIFE SERVICE United States Department of the Interior | : Washington, D.C. UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR OSCAR L. CHAPMAN, Secretary FISH AND WILDLIFE SERVICE ALBERT M. DAY, Director <=, COMMERCIAL B FISHERIES A REVIEW OF DEVELOPMENTS AND NEWS OF THE FISHERY INDUSTRIES PREPARED IN THE BRANCH OF COMMERCIAL FISHERIES Ty ars) A. W. Anderson, Whiteleather, Assistant Editor Editor Ro. Wo Associate Editor J. Pileggi, Applications for COMMERCIAL FISHERIES REVIEW, which is mailed free to members of the fishery industries and allied interests, should be addressed to the Director, Fish and Wildlife Service, U. S. Department of the Interior, Washington 25, D.C. The contents of this publication have not been copyrighted and may be reprinted freely; however, reference to the source will be appreciated. The Service assumes no responsibility for the accuracy of material from outside sources. The printing of this publication has been approved by the Director of the Bureau of the Budget, December 15, 1949. CONTENTS COVER: HAULING THE GILL NET ABOARD THE SERVICE'S EX- PLORATORY FISHING VESSEL JOHN N._COBB DURING THE 1951 NORTH PACIFIC ALBACORE TUNA EXPLORATION (SEE PP. 1-12 OF THIS ISSUE). PAGE NORTH PACIFIC ALBACORE TUNA EXPLORATION--1951, BY EDWARD A. SCHAEFERS .crcececcccereces 1 * * k& e * : PAGE }FOREIGN (CONTD): RESEARCH IN SERVICE LABORATORIES: *....... 13 BRITISH WEST INDIES: TECHNICAL NOTE NO. 20 - FEDERAL SPECI- FISH-OIL |NDUSTRY PLANNED .......... 31 FICATIONS FOR FISHERY PRODUCTS ........ 14 CANADA: TRENDS AND DEVELOPMENTS: .......0-+-e00-- 17 ATLANTIC COAST FILLET PRODUCTION ADDITIONS TO THE FLEET OF U. S. FISHING GREATER’ IN? TOSI ssi ceeaemecce en ee mee WESSELS Soo bod Nee ce er a et erie a cat GREAT BRITAIN WILL NOT PURCHASE FEDERAL PURCHASES OF FISHERY PRODUCTS . 17 CANADIAN CANNED SALMON IN 1952 ..... 33 FISH CANNERY iN SAMOA OFFERED AMERICAN NOVA SCOTIA HALIBUT CATCH DROPPED PAGE FPNSint SCWITRS ocodageedooucccsacacccone IS IN WE cosaoosadoccconaDcdouGsoece «SSI MAINE SARDINE PACK Ciseut SEA HER- NEWFOUNDLAND INTERESTED IN SWEDISH RING) , IGM ceacoascvnsoon0s sooooce Il) FISHING VESSELS AND METHODS ....... 34 METAL CANS--SH| PMENTS- FOR FISHERY PROD- COSTA RICA: WeiS 5 FEERWARY IGE sococooccsacacacce IO INTERESTED IN DEVELOPING FISHING NORTH ATLANTIC FISHERY INVESTIGATIONS: INDUSTIRYaienetelenevel tevatevel- Rel Nelchekciot-tekeleh et mmmeS Aa HADDOCK CATCH ON GEORGES BANK TO DE- ECUADOR: GHEASE IN WES2 Goscod0000000dcc000000 GO) SHRIMP FISHERY TO BE DEVELOPED ..... 35 PACIFIC COAST HAL!BUT FISHERY: |! CELAND: FISHING REGULATIONS FOR 1952 ANNOUNCED. 21 TRAWLERS SEAMEN'S LABOR DISPUTE CATCH AND SEASONS, 1950-51 ........... 25 SYayllaiantr aodgcoucc0dcccgenoagnec00 =) U. S. CANNED TUNA AND TUNA-LIKE FISH IRAN: PACK. IQS sooogs0coccco00s00000ncc000 ZS CASPIAN FISHERIES CONCESSION TO 0 WHOLESALE AND RETAIL PRICES: RUSSIA EXPIRES THIS YEAR ....e-0e20- 36 WHOLESALE PRICES, MARCH 1952 ......... 27 JAPAN: RETAIL PRICES, MARCH IE2 Goovosceoadayn 2) CANNED AND FROZEN TUNA EXPORTS TO FOREIGN: ... cgooc008 conooocococodacdo SO) UNITED STATES RESTRICTED ....2.+20- 3/7 INTERNAT | ONAL: OCEAN FISHERY COMMISSION ESTABLISHED INTERNATIONAL SEAWEED SYMPOS1UM AN- TO ASSIST IN RESTRICTING JAPANESE NOUNCED ey erereleteielens . cucooocegocce SO FISHING OPERATIONS ..cocsesceserecee 38 FOOD AND AGR| CULTURE ORGANIZATION : MEXICO: LATIN AMERICAN FISHERIES COUNCIL MAZATLAN SHRIMP FISHERIES ACTIVITIES DRAFT AGREEMENT SENT TO INTERESTED DECREAS Fimereteytctohedeet tellelatellelelelsielafel fel MEMBER SGOVERNMENIT: avers erejetelilsl-loyeratel a) SO, NORWAY: BRAZIL: LOFOTEN COD FISHERIES YIELD BELOW EXPANDS FISHERY INDUSTRIES ..-....... 31 AVERAGE melelsleiareidlcielsialettsielelstelteisteiteliar SO CONTENTS CONTINUED ON PAGE 57 eu" cw COMMERCIAL F May 1952 Washington 25,D.C. Vol.14, No.5 NORTH PACIFIC ALBACORE TUNA EXPLORATION-- 1951 By Edward A. Schaefers* INTRODUCTION In search of information on albacore tuna (Thunnus germo), an extensive area in the northeastern Pacific Ocean has been explored each year since 1949 by the Exploratory Fishing and Gear Development Section of the Branch of Commercial Fish- eries, U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service. The objectives of the explorations have varied somewhat from year to year, but in general, knowledge has been sought con- cerning the migration habits, range, and areas of concentration of this commer- cially-important fish. In addition, experimental fishing gear of possible appli- cation to the fishery has been tested. The first exploration was carried out with the Service's fishing vessel Oregon during the late summer and early fall of 1949 (Powell and Hildebrand 1950). The Second was made withthe Serv- ... a ice's vessel John N. Cobb, and , | was an extended operation lasting } from June 12to September 28, 1950 (Powell, Alverson, and Livingstone 1952). The third exploration (from June 11 to August 10) was made in 1951 when the John N. Cobb was again used to study albacore tuna. The 1951 exploration was not ex- tended through the entire albacore season because of previous plans to use the John N. Cobb in deep- water dragging operations starting in late August (Alverson 1951). This report deals only with the actual period of exploration. — ee se At the present time, definite Fic. 1 - ALBACORE AND BLUE SHARK ENMESHED IN GILL knowledge concerningthe migrations NET BEING HAULED ABOARD THE JOHN N. COBB. and distribution of albacore in the northeastern Pacific Ocean does not exist. The 1949 and 1950exploratory work indicated that considerable variation may be expected in the geographical location of available concentrations of albacore from one year to another, This was sub- stantiated by the results in 1951. Albacore have been taken commercially in the North Pacific off the coasts of Oregon and Washington since 1937. An all-time high of 34 million pounds was landed at Oregon and Washington ports in 1944, but the catch has declined to less than 15 million pounds annually since 1945 (Powell and Hildebrand 1950). The 1951 landings FISHERY METHODS AND EQUIPMENT SPECIALIST, EXPLORATORY FISHING AND GEAR DEVELOPMENT ‘SECTION, BRANCH OF COMMERCIAL FISHERIES, U. S. FISH AND WILDLIFE SERVICE, SEATTLE, WASHINGTON. *NOILVYOTdX3S JYNODVEIV 1G61 3HL ONIYNG GOD “N NHOF 3HL AM NOILVY3dO 4O VaNV - Z ‘DIS fot orel [a9 ei or! Jog rer oC! Vol. 14, No. 5 COMMERCIAL FISHERIES REVIEW VINAOIIIVD NO94IYO Ang soo> Yy3aAIy Mv ISIS OONVI8 “2 ot? jiodmMean NO9IdO PuDdjjog saMal “PH yoow Dd) IL ad a DOSY on NOLONIHSYM %<5= “AINE FLVT NI '3OVN FHFK SFIHILVI ONTO Tal FYOOVaTY LSId FYIHN SI VIYY az0VHS S3BAISONdX3 ~ = = ~ ) ~L J3S L3N-1119 © a 2 LIS JNI1-9401 © a es or -3ny-9 Aqnp ‘NOILYYFdO JO VaaY —— - a e & kymp-tt aun ‘NolLvdado 40 ¥Ia¥ — ayinas ) \) GNI997 ’ wt + ri NOLONIHS' laces HELIS 0140431, b> aN 4aanoduDX. orci ot ual jooL lozci Bua May 1952 COMMERCIAL FISHERIES REVIEW 3 of albacore in these two states were very low, amounting toapproximately Bape eee pounds as compared with 1950 landings of approximately 10,500,000 pounds, OBJECTIVES AND PLAN OF 1951 EXPLORATION In order to compare fishing results with those of 1950, the 1951 exploration commenced at approximately the same date in June, and early-season fishing oper- ations were carried on in the same region off southern Oregon as in the previous yearo This paper reports the results of the 1951 exploration and briefly compares the 1950 and 1951 fishing results obtained by the John N. Cobb off the coasts of Oregon and Washington. The 1951 exploration was carried on in the offshore waters of Oregon and Washington from June 11 to August 10. Aside from the main purpose of attempting to intercept the albacore in the early stages of their migration off Oregon and to gather comparative fishing information, there were several secondary objec- tives. These were to fish experimentally with gill nets and floating stainless- steel long-line gear in order to ascertain the feasibility of using such gear for capturing albacore commercially, and to make daily broadcasts to the commercial fleet regarding offshore weather conditions, surface water temperatures, and con- centrations of albacore. Another secondary objective was to tag albacore, both as a possible means of tracing their migration and to test a newly-developed ex- perimental streamer-type tag (Alverson and Chenoweth 1951). During the cruise, certain oceanographic and biological observations also were recorded, including salinities, surface and subsurface water temperatures, and lengths, weights, and feeding habits of the albacore taken during the fishing operations. For purposes of clarity this report on the 1951 albacore exploration is ar- bitrarily divided into two parts; a first phase from June 12 to July 3, and a second phase covering the period from July 6 to August 9. Most of June 11 and August 10 were spent in the Strait of Juan De Fuca, as the vessel proceeded to and from Seattle. July 4 and 5 were spent in Astoria, Oregon, obtaining supplies. RESULTS OF FIRST PHASE OF 1951 EXPLORATION AND COMPARISON WITH 1950 RESULTS OF FIRST PHASE (JUNE 12-JULY 3, 1951): The John N. Cobb leftSeattle on June 11, Actual trolling operations commenced on June 12 as the vessel headed for an area approximately 370 miles west of Cape Blanco, Oregon, where some ofthe early catches of albacore were made in June 1950. Surface water temperatures varied from 52° to 55° F. until the vessel was approximately 310 miles west of the Siuslaw River, Oregon, when a gradual warming of the water was noted. Water of 57° F. was encountered on June 14 approximately 370 miles west of Cape Blanco, Oregon. Fishing was then carried on until July 1 in an area extending from the Oregon-California boundary north to the Siuslaw River and as far as 500 miles off- shore, Surface jigs were trolled almost continuously during daylight hours; and three nighttime gill-net sets and three daytime floating long-line sets were made during this first phase of the 1951 exploration (see figure 2). No albacore were captured in this area, although on June 29 while trolling approximately 450 miles west of the Siuslaw River, one albacore was brought to the stern of the vessel on trolling gear before the fish broke loose. 1/ PRELIMINARY STATISTICS SUPPLIED BY THE MARKET NEWS SERVICE, U. S. FISH AND WILDLIFE SERVICE. POUNDAGES DO NOT INCLUDE |MPORTED ALBACORE. A COMMERCIAL FISHERIES REVIEW Vol. 14, No. 5 On July 1 trolling was continued on an eastward course from a position ap- proximately 240 miles west of the Siuslaw River. Surface water temperatures of 60° F, were encountered 95 miles off the Siuslaw River, but no albacore were taken on this inshore portion of the trip. On July 3 water temperatures as high as 59.5° F. were recorded 40 miles west of Tillamook Bay, Oregon. From June 14 to July 1, north to northwesterly winds were constantly pres- ent, sometimes reaching gale force, and often causing curtailment of gill-net and long-line operations. water temperatures in the area fished were as warm in the early phase of the 1951 exploration as they were in this same general area during the 1950 exploration at the corresponding time of the year, only one-albacore was hooked and no others were observed during this period in 1951, while 33 fish were boated and 11 more were lost from June 18 to June 30 the previous year. Several times in 1950 the wind shifted from a northerly to a southerly di- rection, whereas during the period from June 14 to July 1 in the 1951 exploration the wind blew continuously from a northerly to a northwesterly direction. The weather encountered during the early part of the 1950 exploration was not as ex- treme or as continuously bad as was the weather encountered in 1951. The fact that scattered albacore were taken in the early phase of the 1950 exploration and that signs of schooling were noted between July 7 and 14, con- trasted with the negative results of the early 1951 exploration and correspond- ingly poor fishing during July and August, may indicate that results of early scouting might be used as a method of predicting the approximate time of avail- ability of albacore off the coasts of Oregon and Washington. However, no defin- ite conclusions can be drawn from the work of only two seasons, especially with just one vessel, Future operations will continue to explore the feasibility of predicting the availability of albacore by early season offshore scouting. RESULTS OF SECOND PHASE OF 1951 EXPLORATION AND COMPARISON WITH 1950 RESULTS OF SECOND PHASE (JULY 6-AUGUST 9, 1951): From July 6 to August 9 the John N. Cobb pros- pected for albacore in an area from Cape Blanco to Cape Flattery at dis- tancesof from 46 to 275 miles offshore. No alba- core were captured until July 14, when three were taken in a gill=-net set 98 miles west of the Siuslaw River. Immediate trolling in the same area produced no albacore. On July 17 several small schools of jumping albacore were observed in an area approximately = a 135 miles west of Tilla- |FIG, 3 - REMOVING ALBACORE FROM THE GILL NET. ROLLER AT RIGHT mook Head, Oregon, but TAKES OFF FROM THE MAIN WINCH. no albacore were caught May 1952 COMMERCIAL FISHERIES REVIEW 5 by trolling. A gill-net set at night produced only five blue shark. On July 18, in this same area, a single albacore was caught by trolling. Albacore were not caught again until July 25, when 10 were taken by trolling off Tillamook Head in the vicinity of the explosives dumping area (see figure 2). A gill-net set in this same area, from 8:00 p.m. July 25to 5:00 a.m. July 26, netted 16 albacore; and during the day 37 were taken bytroll- ing. On July 27 and 28 the John N. Cobb continued to catch albacore in this same area, but the number taken was not com- mercially significant. On July 29 the vessel trolled north to aposition approx- imately 60 miles off Destruction Island. No albacore were taken on this northward run, which was made at normal trolling speed. The vessel on July 30, upon re- turning to the vicinity of theexplosives dump, found albacore to be still in the area. Catches by several hundred boats of the commercial fleet ranged from poor to fair. A scarcity of fish caused most of the fleet to head for shoreby Augustl. The John N. Cobb personnel on August 3 again observed several schools of alba- core in this same general area off Tilla- ~ seca Son 5 mook Head, but extensive trolling caught we . Suit only two albacore, both of which were ah ee kt ob taken in the forenoon. A gill-net set on FIG. 4 - STOWING THE GILL NET IN THE BIN August 4 yielded 9 albacore. The vessel $1 7H5 STEROF TE SOHN. COBB. IN then trolled to the seamount area, approx- sep ON BOTH GILL NETS AND LONG LINES. imately 270 miles west of Willapa Bay, Washington. Floating long-line and gill-net sets near the seamount caught many blue sharks but no albacore. Trolling gear on August 9 caught three albacore 47 miles west of Cape Johnson, Washington. vious year's exploration for the same period, results were found to be quite dif- ferent. As has already been indicated, the only concentration of albacore found during the entire 1951 exploration was in a rather restricted region in the vi- cinity of the explosives dumping area off Tillamook Head during the last days of July. On the other hand, in 1950 the John N. Cobb found signs of schooling be- tween July 7 and 14, and a series of fishing efforts indicated that albacore were widely scattered off the entire Oregon and the southern Washington coasts. By July 16 of that year, good catches were being made 60 miles southwest of the Co- lumbia River by the commercial fleet; and fishing was excellent during the remain- ing days of July, with good concentrations of albacore being found off Grays Har- bor on July 19 and off Cape Flattery during the last few days of July. 6 COMMERCIAL FISHERIES REVIEW Vol. 14, No. 5 GEAR USED Three types of fishing gear were used during the 1951 albacore exploration: conventional surface-trolled jigs, gill nets, and floating stainless-steel long line, Trolling was carried on almost continuously during daylight hours. Most of the long-line sets were made in the davtime; all gill-net sets were made at night. TROLLING GEAR: The trolling gear used during the 1951 exploration had the same specifications as that used during 1950 (Powell, Alverson and Livingstone 1952). Eight lines were trolled, three from each pole and two from the stern. mene ZAG LDL Mee Sw 31" Stee/ Spring | q q | H q LLL LLL AGL i LLL LLL q h Y y y y i st) S ~ i) v =S ID) OY 2 = S 9 ~ a) WH at 16 RISO 7 % Stainless Stee! Wire SECTION AA TENSION BLOCK Scale in inches FIG. 5 - DETAIL DRAWING OF THE TENSION BLOCK. Best results were obtained by trolling at a speed of approximately six knots. On several occasions albacore were taken from small schools previously observed break- ing water, but most of the albacore captured were not observed prior to their striking the lures, Various types of lures were used, including white or gray bone jigs, amber-head or green-head plastic jigs with red and white feathers, one and one-half ounce metal-headed Japanese red—-pearl-eyed jigs with red and white feathers, rubber squids, and catalyn-head jigs with colored plastic skirts. When small schools of albacore were encountered, all lines and lures took fish, but single fish bit the lures on the outside longer lines more often than they did those on the shorter inside lines. May 1952 COMMERCIAL FISHERIES REVIEW ii Tension Block Device: The experience of commercial fishermen indicates that many striking albacore are lost before boating, notwithstanding the useof rubber and metal springs on the trolling lines. In an attempt oo Thi, to eliminate or reduce these losses, a self-payingand weer: retrieving spring device, termed a tension block, has been experimentally developed by the staff (see fig- ures 5 and 6). The tension block is essentially a bronze block 6.7 inches in diameter with a sheave thickness of 3- inch. The device operates in much the same manner as a self-retracting steel tape. In the tension block the tape is replaced by a preformed, stainless-steel wire, 1/16-inch in diameter and 20 feet in length. The wire is attached to and wound around the sheave. Pulling the wire out from the block brings tensionon the wire, as the axle of the sheave protrudes through one side of the block and is attached to a clock-type spring housed on that side. (The clock-type spring is 3/64 inch thick, 1 inch wide, and 20 feet long.) The ‘ running end of the wire is attached to one end of a FIG. 6 - THE TENSION BLOCK WITH rubber bumper 11 inches in length, and the trolling STRAIN APPLIED TO THE TROLLING line is attached to the other end of the bumper. EINE LONE SSPE LAT REVOMER The purpose of the tension block is to reducethe initial impact of the fish when striking, to give the fish slack when necessary, and-to take up slack in the line when not needed. Only four strikes were noted while the tension block was in use, and all of the fish were boated. So far only one tension block has been used. The device is still in the experimental stage. After alterations have been made in the design, it is planned to fish tension blocks from the trolling poles during future operations instead of from the short, upright oak support used in 1951 (see figure 6). GILL NETS: The gill nets used during the 1951 exploration were in 50-fathom shackles of either linen or nylon webbing, with mesh sizes of 74, 84, and 93 inches, stretched measure. Results of successful gill-netting operations during the 1950 exploration, using nets 100-meshes deep, indicated that nets 50-meshes deep would probably be as effective; that is, most of the albacore were caught in the top 50 meshes of the net. A part of the 1951 program was to test whether 50-mesh nets would actu- ally fish as effectively as the 100-mesh nets. In testing this, the usual proce- dure was as follows: S!1X SHACKLES WERE TIED TOGETHER AND FISHED IN A STRING. THREE OF THE SHACKLES WERE SO MESHES DEEP, AND THREE WERE |1 OO MESHES DEEP. THE THREE 5O-MESH SHACKLES WERE MADE UP OF ONE NYLON 75 INCHES, ONE LINEN 8% INCHES, AND ONE,LINEN 95 INCHES. THE THREE 100-MESH SHACKLES , WERE MADE UP OF ONE LINEN 7e INCHES, ONE LINEN 85 INCHES, AND ONE NYLON 95 INCHES. (ALL MESH SIZES REFER TO STRETCHED MEASURE. ) LONG LINE: The floating long-line gear consisted of a 3x7 (3 strands of 7 wires each) preformed stainless-steel main line 5/64-inch in diameter and 1,000 fathoms in length. To accommodate the gangions (leaders or branch lines), bronze marking beads were threaded on the wire main line at intervals of 3 fathoms. Two marking beads, from 4 to 6 inches apart, were used as line stops for each gangion to hold it at its proper place on the main line. The gangions were made of 3x7 preformed stainless steel, 3/64-inch in diameter and 6 feet in length with a loop g COMMERCIAL FISHERIES REVIEW Vol. 14, No. 5 in each end, one forthe hook and the other for the snap-on connec-— tor. Various types of linen and nylon gangions were alsoused but were unsatisfactory because of the large number of hooks lost (up to70 percent per set), due evi- dently tosharks. Hooks used in- cluded those of theJapanese long- linetype, andvarious kinds of number 7/Qand larger hooks (see figure7). Themain line was wound ona 19.5-inch diameter galvanized reel havinga corel0.7 inches in diameter and3.5 inches in width. In preparing toset thelong line, a large bolt was passed through the openingin the coreto serve as an axle forthe reel. During setting operations, the reel was located nearthe hatch and was braked by hand. From thereel, the mainline passedover a halibut chute on the stern andinto the water. Men sta- tioned on each side of the mainline, just forward of the chute, snapped on gangions baited with either herringor squidas the line stops passed by. Buoyed bamboo poles with red flags were attached at the ends of themain lineas markers. Inflated, 16-inch rubber floats _were spaced along the main line at intervals of approximately FIG. 7 - DETAIL SKETCH OF GANGION MAKE-UP AND VARIOUS TYPES OF LONG-LINE HOOKS USED. (NOT DRAWN TO SCALE) A. MAIN LINE. B. BRONZE MARKING BEAD USED FOR LINE STOP. C. SNAP-ON CONNECTOR. DO. SWIVEL. &. BRONZE MARKING BEAD USED FOR MAKING LOOP. 36 fathoms. The drop lines on the floats were one fathom in length, and as the floats drifted together an estimated 50 percent at times, the gear fished at a depth range from 2 to 16 fathoms. When haul- ing the gear, the reel was attached to the power take-off of the winch. As the main line was reeled in, the gangions were unsnapped after coming over a shark gill-net roller on the vessel's starboard side. RESULTS OF GEAR TESTS Results of fishing with various types of gear during the 1951 exploration were poor. Of the few Y albacore taken, 119 were caught by trolling gear Fl Galatea AINUESScSTEED PONGS and 28 were caught by gill nets. No albacore were LINE ON REEL DURING SETTING. May 1952 COMMERCIAL FISHERIES REVIEW 9 caught with the long line. Most of the albacore taken were caught off Tillamook Head in the vicinity of the explosives dumping area (see figure 2). Albacore were caught in only 3 ofthe ry 13 gill-net sets made by the John N. Cobb jf during 1951. The 50-mesh nets took only / 3 albacore, as compared with 25 in the 100- mesh nets. However, the test of the ef- fectiveness of the 50-mesh nets was incon- clusive because the total number of alba- core taken was small in comparison with the sizable catches in 1950, and the re- sults could have been due entirely to chance. There was no appreciable differ- ence in the fishing ability of the nylon and linen nets. Although the gill nets did not produce albacore in commercial quantities during the 1951 exploration, they were helpful in indicating the pres- ence of albacore when none could be ob- served or taken by trolling. Blue shark (Prionace glauca) were taken in all gill-net sets. Other fish taken in the gill netsincluded mackerel shark (Lamna ditropis), soupfin shark (Galeorhinus zyopterus), jack mackerel (Trachurus symmetricus), and pomfret (Brama raii). One ocean sunfish (Mola mola) was also taken in the gill nets. fas is < : FIG. 9 - SNAPPING THE GANGIONS ON THE STAIN- Six long-line sets were made. No al- “| 2. "stee_ LONG LINE AS IT PAYS OUT OVER bacore were caught, but blue shark were THE CHUTE AT STERN. TABLE AT RIGHT WAS taken in numbers from 23 to 121 per set. USED FOR BAITING. Several mackerel shark and the anterior portion (the posterior portion was evidently eaten by shark) of a single handsaw fish (Alepisaurus aesculapius) were also caught. Results of long-lining operations during the 1951 exploration were not en- z couraging. The stainless-steel long-line VG gear as used did not appear to be commer- = cially adaptable to capturing albacore off ; the coasts of Oregon and Washington. This is based on the fact that no albacore were taken (although the poor season probably did not provide a conclusive test), and on the evidence that the large number of blue shark present in these waters would prob- ably take the bait before the albacore could. It is also believed that if any albacore were hooked, the blue shark would seriously damage many of them. Another eee eS eae sare eee WINDINGS factor: iis that this gear requires consider- ROMAIN CINE. Gace SBT OREEL: able labor in its utilization. Also, it is risky to set it in areas where fishing vessels are engaged in trolling because of the danger of fouling the gear. 10 COMMERCIAL FISHERIES REVIEW Vol. 14, No. 5 MISCELLANEOUS OBSERVATIONS SIZE OF ALBACORE: The lengths and the weights of all the albacore captured were recorded except those that were tagged or were too badly mutilated by sharks FIG. 11 - HAULING STAINLESS-STEEL LONG LINE A- BOARD THE JOHN N. COBB. examined were caught in the vicinity of the explosives dumping area off Tillamook Head. The stomachsof three albacore taken in the gill nets off the Siuslaw River on July 14 were empty, and 2troll-caught fish taken off Cape Johnson on August 9 con- tained small rockfish and 1 small squid. Small rockfish(the majority of which were believed to be Sebas- todes alutus) were the only identifi- able items of food found in albacore stomachs from July 25 to August 4, except for 11 small squid taken from 9 albacore caught in the gill netson August 4. During the 195lexploration, ms5oe 134°35' We 133°16' W. 126022! 126006" W. 126048" W. 127905" W. 125°48' W. 125945! 125015" |} 126926" 128956" 130045" 1/WIND FORCE 1S ACCORDING TO BEAUFORT SCALE. 2/ Table 1 - Gill-Net Catch Data, 1951 eee eee No. hrs. Wind Position net No. Surface direction Incidental of set soaked | albacore|temperature| and forcel/ catch 4 0 GLASS BALLS REMOVED AND 10 FATHOMS OF LINE ATTACHED TO RUBBER FLOATS. (while in the gill nets). The fish ranged from 22.75 inches to34 inches in length, with an average length of 26.88 inches; and from 8.75 to 30 pounds in weight, with an average weight of 14.37 pounds. All but 5 of the fish that were measured and weighed came from the areaoff Tilla- mook Head. FOOD OF ALBACORE: The stomach contents of the albacore during the 1951 exploration indicated that ju- venile rockfish froml to2-3/4 inches in length made up the bulk of the diet. All except 5 of the albacore | : * 12 - ALBACORE TAKEN IN A GILL-NET SET. NOTE ONE MUTILATED BY SHARK. N-4 2 jack mackerel, 1 blue shark. NwW-5 NxW-4 2 mackerel shark, 5 blue shark. 1 jack mackerel, 11 blue shark, 3 pomfret. 10 jack mackerel, 14 blue shark. 2 jack mickerel, 6 blue shark, 2 jack mackerel, 4 blue shark. 5 blue shark. 58 blue shark, 1 pomfret. 1 blue shark, 2 soupfin shark, 2 mackerel shark. 1 mackerel shark, 28 blue shark. 5 jack mackerel, 17 blue shark. 4 blue shark, 1 ocean sunfish. 33 blue shark, 2 mackerel shark. May 1952 COMMERCIAL FISHERIES REVIEW Hak no albacore stomach examined contained more than 10 small rockfish and 20 par- tially-digested fish, presumably rockfish; whereas 167 small rockfish were taken from the stomach of a single albacore duringthe 1950 exploration. WATER TEMPERATURES: Surface water temper- atures were recorded at hourly intervals, and subsurface temperatures were takenseveral times daily by means of a bathythermograph. In the area of best fishing off Tillamook Head, sur- face water temperatures ranged from 58° to62°F, TAGGING OF ALBACORE ABOARD THE VESSEL: Ex- perimental tagging, using a new flexibleplastic streamer-type tag,8 mm. wide, 34 mm. long, and less than 1 mm, thick (Alverson and Chenoweth 1951), was planned; however, because of the scarcity of fish, only 42 albacore were tagged and released. To date none of these tags has been returned. SUMMARY Although albacore tuna have been taken commercially off the coastsof Oregon and Wash- FIG. 13 - LARGE NUMBERS OF BLUE SHARK WERE TAKEN BY GILL NETS AND LONG LINE. LENGTH IN INCHES i 24 6 25 26 27 28 29 30 3 32 33 34 ington since OB Ts very little T T T I T ] ] T T Based on measurements of 101 albacore taken by the Cobb from July 1, to Auguat 9, 1951 is known concerning the habits of the fish, and the catchfluc- tuates greatly from year toyear. The 1951 landings of albacore in these two states amounted to only one-third (approximately 3.5 million pounds) of.the land- ings in 1950 (approximately 10.5 million pounds), and results of early-season offshore scouting were likewise poor in 1951 as compared with the encouraging catches made in June 1950. The John N. Cobb failed to catch any albacore during thefirst phase of the 1951 exploration off the Oregon coast, and a good run of NUMBER OF FISH eel 1 FIG. 14 - LENGTH-FREQUENCY CURVE OF ALBACCRE. Table 2 - Long-Line Catch Data, 1951 Date Position hooks Bait soaked albacore catch Herring, 100 whole, 200 cut} 4 hrs. 10 min. 26 blue shark, head of handss an ee . 6/27 42053" N, 134017! W.| 290 [Herring, 96 whole, 194 cut | 4hours [| 0 [26 blue shark. 6/28 42022' N. 135°21' W.| 290 [Herring, 80 whole, 210 cut | © [23 dlue shark. E W H D 7/15-7/16|[44931' N. 126°12' W.| 292 |Herring, 52 whole, 200 cut; oe 102 blue shark, 40 squid 1 mackerel shark. '7/26-7/27| 45945" N. 125935" W. Herring, 60 whole, 200 cut; | 10 hrs. 45 Sale 121 blue shark, 30 squid 1 mackerel shark, Herring, 100 whole, 50 cut; Se aaa 102 blue shark, 70 squid 1 mackerel shark, 12 COMMERCIAL FISHERIES REVIEW Vol. 4, No. 5 tuna failed to materialize off Oregon and Washington by August 10, when the ex- ploratory vessel terminated the season's albacore exploration. Favorable water temperatures (over 57° F.) were found in most of the areas explored after the first of July; but trolling and gill-net results were generally poor, and the stainless-steel long line failed to catch albacore. There is a possibility that early-season scouting off the southern Oregon coast may aid in forecasting the time and degree of availability of albacore to the commercial fishery of Oregon and Washington, but more work needs to be done before any specific conclusions can be drawn. LITERATURE CITED ALVERSON, CAYTON L. 1951. DEEP-WATER TRAWLING SURVEY OFF THE COAST OF WASHINGTON ( AUGUS T 27-OCTOBER 19, 1951), COMMERCIAL FISHERIES REVIEW, VOL. 13, NO. 11 (NOVEMBER) PP. 1-16 (ALSO SEPARATE NO. 292). ALVERSON, DAYTON L., AND CHENOWETH, HARRY H. 1951. EXPERIMENTAL TESTING OF FISH TAGS ON ALBACORE IN A WATER TUNNEL. COMMERCIAL FISHERIES REVIEW, VOL. 13, NO. 8 (AUGUST), PP. 1-7 (ALSO SEPARATE NO. 288). POWELL, DONALD E., AND HILDEBRAND, HENRY A. 1950. ALBACORE TUNA EXPLORATION IN ALASKAN AND ADJACENT WATERS--1949, U. S. FISH AND WILDLIFE SERVICE, FISHERY LEAFLET 376, MAY. POWELL, DONALD E., ALVERSON, DAYTON L. AND LIVINGSTONE, ROBERT JR. 1952. NORTH PACIFIC ALBACORE TUNA EXPLORATION--1950. U. S. FISHERY LEAFLET 402, APRIL. FISH AND WILDLIFE SERVICE, 3- OR 4-POUND WHITEFISH, DRESSED 1% TEASPOONS SALT 4 TABLESPOONS BUTTER OR OTHER FAT, MELTED 3 SLICES BACON (OPTIONAL) Clean, wash and dry fish. Rub inside and out with salt. Place fish in a greased baking pan. Brush with melted fat and lay slices of bacon over the top. Bake in a moderate oven 350°F. for 40 to 60 minutes or until fish flakes easily when tested with a fork. If fish seems dry while baking, baste occasionally with drippings or melted fat. Serve immediately on a hot platter, plain or with a sauce. Serve 6. May 1952 COMMERCIAL FISHERIES REVIEW ils! RESEARCH YN SERVICE LABORATORIES ‘% VU ibe. Bud Mw April 1952 COMPOSITION: Cold-Storage Life and Composition of Fresh-water Fish: Data on the composition of additional sam samples of whitefish and Lake “Michigan smelt are shown in the following tables. Table 1 - Composition of Hdible Portion of Whitefish (Coregonus e Proximate Sci Fillet Yield of Edible Portion From Whole Fish | Moisture] Fat [Protein] Ash | Weight of Fish ent apeters ee x 48 47 a3 38 04 2 ___Table 2 = Composition of Edible Portion of Lake Michigan Smelt (Qsmerys mordax) sd ample | Proximate Composition of Edible Portion Proximate Composition of Edible Portion Number Number | Moisture Percent 1.09 1.20 1.20 1.05 1.10 1.04 0.98 1.01 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 HHH HE BIBLIOGRAPHY: The Seattle Fishery Technological Laboratory has prepared a complete subject and author index of all its publications covering the period from 1935 to 1951, A limited supply of this index is available for distribution to the fishing industry, research organizations, and libraries. Requests for the index should be sent directly to the Fishery Technological Laboratory, 2725 Montlake Boulevard, Seattle 2, Washington. (Seattle) ee ava COMMERCIAL FISHERIES REVIEW Vol. 14, No. 5 TECHNICAL NOTE NO. 20--FEDERAL SPECIFICATIONS FOR FISHERY PRODUCTS Recent revisions of obsolete Federal specifications for fishery products have brought forth many questions from members of the fishery industries regard- ing the preparation, publication, and use of these specifications. The purpose of this report is to answer all the various questions in this regard. What is a fish specification? A Federal fish specification is a definite, accurate, and complete statement of the technical requirements for a particular fishery product and the procedures to be followed in determining compliance with these requirements. Why are specifications issued? Specifications are prepared as needed to meet the requirements of two or more Federal agencies for the purchase of fishery food items. They are in general use throughout the Government agencies. Who is responsible for preparing and issuing Federal Fish Specifications? Federal fish specifications are prepared and published under the direction of the Federal Specifications Board through its various technical committees. Sections 1 through 6 of the specifications are drafted by the Provisions Technical Commit- tee; Section 7 (Armed Forces Requirements) is drafted by the Quartermaster Food and Container Institute for the Armed Forces. The Provisions Technical Committee is composed of representatives of each of the various departments of the Federal Government. The Department of the Interior is represented on this Committee by the Chief (as member) and the Assistant Chief (as alternate member) of the Technological Section, Branch of Commercial Fisheries. The member also serves as Chairman of the Fishery Products Subcommittee. As such he is responsible for directing the activities regarding the preparation of the specifications for fishery products. What is an "Interim Specification?" An interim specification is prepared for temporary use and may be used by Federal agencies in making procurements until the regular coordinated specification is promulgated. Who uses the fishery specifications? The specifications are prepared and issued for use by the Federal Government. Other government agencies, such as State, County, and City, often adopt and use the Federal specifications. Also, private concerns, such as hotels, restaurants, steamship and railroad lines, and other institutions, find Federal specifications of considerable aid in the pur- chase of edible fishery products in accordance with their requirements. What is the procedure for processing a fish specification? The following are basic steps in the procedure for processing specifications: 1. A request for a specification is made by the Federal agencies. 2, Initiation of the project by the Federal Specifications Board. 3. Preparation of the initial draft of the Federal specification. 4. Preparation of the Interim Specification. 5. Circulation of the draft for review. 6. Reconciliation of comments. 7. Preparation of the final draft. 8. Approval, printing, and distribution of the final specification. May 1952 COMMERCIAL FISHERIES REVIEW 15 What part does the industry play in the preparation of Federal Fish Specifi- cations? Whenever possible, depending on Federal requirements, the fish specifi- cations should represent the commercial items currently available on the market. FLOW CHART FOR PROCFSSING FEDERAL SPECIFICATIONS FEDMRA], SPECIFICATIONS BOARD INITIATE CIRCULATE FCR Ts PROVE AND PROJECTS DMPARTMENTAL REVI" ' rUBLISH SFECS. PROVISIONS TECH. PROVISIONS TRCH. COMM TEE REPRESENTATIVES OF COMMITTEE —-------- FEDERAL SPECIFICATIONS BOARD FR3VARE INITIAL DRazT Ewieaaee) ine Oo j eee DRAFT *LIAISON W/QMFCT AIR | OTHER GOV'T AGENCIES INDUSTRY REVIEW Qj AIR FORCE REVIEWING REVI=WING REVIEWING AGENCIES AGENCIES AGENCIES RECZIVE COMMENTS FROM ARMY, NaVY & AIR FORCE REVIEWING AGENCIES PREPARE AND FORWARD "CONSOLIDATED ARMED FORCES COMMENTS." * LIAISON W/PROV. TECH. COMMITTEE TO ASSIST IN PREPARATION OF INITIAL DRAFT AND PREPARE PROPOSED ARMED FORCES REQUIREMENTS. As explained earlier, the specification merely defines the requirements for a par- ticular item. All fish specifications are sent to industry for review and com- ments. These comments are studied by the Provisions Technical Committee members and all practical and logical changes are incorporated into the specification. The basic requirements of the various Federal agencies are, however, maintained, It is interesting to note at this point that submission for industry review of the recent specifications for clams and fish brought forth only a very few practical changes. Most of the comments were of a general nature and some did not apply to the specifications in question. Specific and clear comments and criti- cisms from the industry, particularly through the various trade organizations, re- garding the Federal specifications, are definitely appreciated and will be thor- oughly considered in the preparation or revision of any fish specification. These comments should be submitted direct, or through a trade organization, to the Tech- nological Section, Branch of Commercial Fisheries, U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Washington, D. C. 16 COMMERCIAL FISHERIES REVIEW Vol. 14, No. 5 Can Federal Specifications be changed? Specifications which may contain possible errors, which do not reflect the latest technological advancements, or which do not meet the requirements of the Federalagencies maybe revisedor amended. Both procedures follow the basic steps in procedure for processing specifications. What is the status of present fish specifications? Three have been revised and published within the last two years. These are: Oysters, Raw, Shucked (Fresh and Frozen) PP-09566 (July 27, 1950) Salmon, Canned; PP-S-3lb (August 8, 1951) Fish; Fresh (Chilled) and Frozen: * PP-F-381c (February 1, 1952) The specification for Clams, Raw Shucked; Fresh (Chilled) and Frozen, PP-C- 40la, is currently being published. The following specifications are also in effect but, in most cases are out- dated: Fish; salted or smoked, PP-F-401 (March 31, 1931) Sardines (domestic): Canned, PP-S-5lb (October 20, 1938) Tuna Fish: Canned, PP-T-771 (March 31, 1931) Crab Meat: Canned, PP-C-651 (March 31, 1931) Crab Meat; fresh, PP-C-656 (March 31, 1931) Oysters; Canned, PP-O-951 (March 3, 1931) Fish; Flaked, Canned, PP-F-371 (March 31, 1931) Shrimp; Canned, PP-S-331 (March 31, 1931) Is a fish specification a grade or standard? No. The definition of a speci- fication indicates that it merely defines the requirements for an item and the procedures to be followed in determining compliance with these requirements. The specification is for use by Federal agencies in the procurement of the particular items. The grade is usually considered as the position of an item in any scale based on certain inherent and physical properties of a product ("quality"). A standard covers one grade or a composite of two or more grades for one product and may contain other inherent or related factors (such as class, condition, etc.) which affect the economic value or relative desirability of the product. A stand- ard may be considered as a yardstick with which the quality of a product is meas- ured. Members of industry will, however, note the considerable detail in recent revisions of Federal specifications for fishery products. This is necessary due, in part, to the lack of standards for these items. A good example of the problems involved in the preparation of a specification for whichthere isno standard presented itself in the preparation of the specifi- cation for Clams, Raw, Shucked; Fresh (Chilled) and Frozen. In setting upthe size designations for the various classes of clams, it was found that not only did the size designations vary for each locality but they varied widely from plant to plant within each locality. Summary. A Federal Fish Specification is a definite, accurate, and complete statement of the technical requirements of the particular item and the procedure to be followed in determining compliance with the requirements. It is prepared and published by the Federal Specifications Board at the request of and for the use of Federal agencies. It is ordinarily designed to cover existing commercial products, depending upon the specific requirement of the agencies. It is published only after complete review by the various Government agencies and the fishery in- dustries. NOTE: MUCH OF THE MATERIAL FOR THIS TECHNICAL NOTE, !NCLUDING THE FLOW CHART FOR PROCESSING FEDERAL SPECIFICATIONS, ‘WAS OBTAINED FROM A REPORT ” OF THE QUARTERMASTER CORPS FOOD AND CON- TAINER !NSTITUTE FOR THE ARMED FORCES ON THE SUBSISTENCE SPECIFICATION PROGRAM. SELES A AAS fp May 1952 COMMERCIAL FISHERIES REVIEW 17 D DEVELOPMENTS: Additions to the Fleet of U. S. Fishing Vessels A total of 60 vessels of 5 net tons and over received their first documents as fishing craft during March 1952--8 more than in March 1951. Alaska and Wash- ington led with 10 vessels each, followed by Louisiana with 6 vessels, according to the Bureau of Customs of the Treasury Department. Vessels Obtaining Their First Documents as Fishing Craft, March 1952 Section 1951 1952 1951 ew England .......... aiddile’ Atlantic ...... hesapeake ...ccccccoce GOUGH ALTANGIC Sec sic AGH nimEatevelatel exelore(ereieie eisveje reat Lakes ..ccsecees RUNASKA ele lcleleleisielc cisieice « HiaWaclcl ol leteleieiee elelee cise ee OLA Welele cisielelselele Federal Purchases of Fishery Products FRESH AND FROZEN FISH PURCHASES BY DEPARTMENT OF THE ARMY, MARCH 1952: A total of 2,376,662 pounds (valued at $1,103,526) of fresh and frozen fishery prod- ucts were purchased during March 1951 for the military feeding of the U. S. Army, Navy, Marine Corps, and Air Force by the Army Quartermaster Corps. This was an increase of 9.4 percent in quantity and 6.0 percent in value as compared with the previous month and an increase of 15.2 percent in quantity and 34.4 percent in value as compared with March 1951 (see table). Purchases of Fresh and Frozen Fishery Products by Department of the Army March and the First Three Months, 1951-52 QOUEA NEREL Sey: Vk EE. U'eE March January-March Purchases for the first three months this year were greater by 16.0 percent in quantity and 29.8 percent in value than for the corresponding period in 1951. 18 COMMERCIAL FISHERIES REVIEW Vol. 14, No. 5 The average price per pound of 47.0 cents paid for fresh and frozen fishery prod- ucts in the first three months of 1952 was considerably higher than the 42,1cents paid in January-March 1951. oe 7 Fish Cannery in Samoa Offered American Fish Packers The Government of American Samoa is seeking to interest American fish packers in purchasing or leasing the canning facilities which were recently acquired from a large American firm on the Pacific Coast, the Secretary of the Interior announced early in April. The territorial government purchased the canning equipment in order to prevent the sale and removal of the equipment to a foreign concern and to retain for the territory the wage-income potential from the operation of a cannery. In view of the depressed economic situation in Samoa, it is essential that all potential sources of income be developed for this American territory. The territorial government is making every possible effort to interest an American cannery in either purchasing or leasing the cannery for local operation. There is no expectation that the production of the fish cannery in Samoa would reach such proportions as to affect the American mainland fishing industry. Since American Samoa is a possession of the United States, its products may enter the United States without duty payment. United States tariffs do not apply in American Samoa and it is considered sound not to have them apply because of Samoa's distance from the mainland of the United States, its depressed economic situation, and its dependence upon Australia and New Zealand for many of its im- ports. American canning concerns and others interested in the possibility of purchas- ing or leasing the canning equipment for operation in Samoa should communicate directly with the Governor of American Samoa, Pago Pago, Tutuila, American Samoa. a: ATS Maine Sardine Pack (Including Sea Herring), 195] Maine sardines (including sea herring) packed in 1951 amounted to 1,676,764 standard cases, valued at $1,635,352 to the packers (table 1). Compared with the previous year, this was a decrease of 56 percent in quantity and 31 percent in value. The 1951 pack was the smallest since 1941 when the amount canned totaled 1,117,748 cases (valued at $3,736,394). Prior to 1949 the packs of fish canned as sardines and as sea herring were shown separately. However, in 1949 the packs Table 1 - Pack of Maine Sardines (Including Sea Herring) by Style of Pack; and By Size of Can and Case, 1951 Quantit ae Per = ase Sizes quantit Value Per si ae 2 2 nm soybean or other vegetable oil 204,907 19,813 16,911 15,176 1,676,764 [14,635,352 8.75 OR OTHER VEGETABLE OIL. é 3£ oz. net (100 cans). | 1,555,029 14,141,807 10 oz. net (48 cans).. 36,105 15 oz. net (48 cans).. 30,307 Other sizes (converted to 34 oz. net) (100 cans) .. 1,270 283,299 202,364 7,882 Total aetetetatoletatarorate [1,622,711 [14,635,352 1/REPRESENT CASES OF VARIOUS SIZES CONVERTED TO 100 g-OIL CANS (34 oz. NET) TO THE CASE. 2/1NCLUDES SPECIAL PACKS OF SARDINES (INCLUDING SEA HERRING) IN COTTONSEED OIL; PEANUT O1L; TOMATO SAUCE; AND BONELESS FILLETS IN SOYBEAN May 1952 COMMERCIAL FISHERIES REVIEW uy, were combined. The comparative data in table 2 likewise represent the combined packs of the past ten years. Sardines (including sea herring) in 1951 were canned in 45 plants in Maine and 3 in Massachusetts as com- pared with 1950 when 47 plants oper- ated in Maine and 3 in Massachusetts. Because of the small pack, the 1951 average price per standard case was the second highest on record-- $8.73 per case. The highest was in 1947 when a pack of 3,013,910 stand- ard cases sold at an average of $9.39 per standard case. Sardines in soybean or other vegetable oil (the bulk of the pack was put up in this style) in 1951 aver- SEA HERRING Quantity in Standard Cases®/and Vales to ape ean F os Fr Quantit oan Per Sta.& Case} Ye Quantity Value Per Std. Case n4, és, 352 : ay b1 209,033 21,051,675 29,359,114 1/THE PACK OF HERRING PREV! OUSLY REPORTED AS CANNED SEA HERRING HAS BEEN CONVERTED TO THE E- QUIVALENT OF 100 4+OIL CANS (3g OZ. NET.) TO THE CASE_AND INCLUDED WITH THE PACK OF SARDINES 2/CASES OF VARIOUS SIZES CONVERTED TO 100 $-O1L CANS (3% 0Z. NET) TO THE CASE. aged $9.09 per standard case, compared with $5.43 in 1950, and $6.95 in 1949. Sardines in mustard sauce, the second in importance, averaged $8.21 per standard case, compared with $5.33 in 1950 and $7.08 in 1949. Demand for the 1951 pack has been steady and good. NOTE: ALSO SEE COMMERCIAL FISHERIES REVIEW, JANUARY 1952, P. 26. Total shipments of metal cans for fishery products for Feb- ruary this year amounted to 4,932 short tons of steel (based on the amount of steel consumed in the manufacture of cans), which was considerably below 5,333 short tons of steel during the cor- responding period in 1951. A decline in West Coast tuna canning and sardine canning were largely responsible for this drop in use of metal cans for packing of fishery products. This is based on_a report issued by the Bureau of the Census on April 22. NOTE: DATA CONVERTED TO SHORT TONS OF STEEL ARE ON THE BASIS OF 23.0 BASE BOXES OF STEEL PER SHORT TON OF STEEL. 20 COMMERCIAL FISHERIES REVIEW Vol. 14, No. 5 North Atlantic Fishery Investigations HADDOCK CATCH ON GEORGES BANK TO DECREASE IN 1952: The 1952 catch of had- dock on Georges Bank will be 89.0 million pounds if the fishing effort is the same this year as last, it was announced by the Fish and Wildlife Service on April 29. This is a reduction of 2.3 million pounds or 2.5 percent of last year's catch of 91.3 million pounds. The Fish and Wildlife Service has been studying the haddock populations on Georges Bank for many years and has now accumulated enough information on the life history of the fish to make predictions of catch possible. The first prediction was made in April 1951 for the catch of that year, and proved to be 98.4 percent accurate. The 1952 prediction is made on the assumption that the haddock fleet will be fishing the same number of days as last year. If fishing is less intense, landings will be correspondingly less. The degree to which Georges Bank is fished depends in part on the abundance of fish on the nearby Nova Scotian Banks. During the early months of 1952 large catches have been taken from these banks by the larger trawlers sailing out of Boston. If the great abundance of fish on Nova Scotian Banks continues, Georges Bank will be fished less this year than last. The catch of haddock from Georges Bank has fluctuated from 223 million pounds in 1929 to 50 million pounds in 1934. Since 1934 it has fluctuated between 78 and 122 million pounds. Service biologists at the Woods Hole, Mass., Laboratory are studying the causes of these fluctuations. Some of the variations in catch are due toeconomic conditions, but the greatest fluctuations are brought about by changes in the abundance of fish due to natural causes. The reasons for these natural fluctua- tions are still not clearly understood. The ages of the fish that support the Georges Bank fishery range from one to nine years. The number of fish in each age group varies tremendously. In some years there are very successful broods; in others there are virtual failures. The causes of these variations in brood strengths are being studied. The 1948 brood was unusually large and has been the main support of the Georges Bank fishery for two years. It will continue to contribute a large share of the haddock this year, but in smaller numbers in succeeding years. The future of the Georges Bank haddock depends upon the strengths of the oncoming broods of fish. About 130 million pounds of haddock are landed at New England ports annually. In 1950 the value of the catch was $12,000,000. About 70 percent of the haddock landed normally come from Georges Bank. The catch of haddock surpasses that of the famous cod by over 50 million pounds annually. May 1952 COMMERCIAL FISHERIES REVIEW 21 Pacific Coast Halibut Fishery FISHING REGULATIONS FOR 1952 ANNOUNCED: The Pacific Coast halibut fishing season this year opened at 12:01 a.m. May 14. For quite a few years now the opening date has been May 1. It is estimated that the season this year will prob- A TYPICAL PACIFIC COAST HALIBUT SCHOONER. HALIBUT LONG=-LINE GEAR READY FOR USE ABOARD A PACIFIC COAST HAL! BUT SCHOONER. ably be not much longer than last year, and maybe shorter if the weather is good. However, market conditions for halibut this year are considerably better than they were in May last year. The 1952 regulations for the Pacific halibut fishery were approved by the President of the United States and the Governor General of Canada and became " Hee sbshoe Ground ates McInnes I, Pt. Langford Cape St. James PS A e Cape Augustine vevesten 4 4B = z Goose Island AREA 2A Ground FIGURE | - AREA 28. SHALL INCLUDE ALL CONVENTION WATERS IN THE SOUTHERN PART OF HECATE STRAITS OFF FIGURE 2 ~ AREA 2C. INCLUDES ALL CONVENTION WATERS OFF THE COAST OF SOUTHEAST- ERN ALASKA WITHIN THE FOLLOWING BOUNDARY: FROM, THE SOUTHERN EXTREMITY OF THE COAST OF BRITISH COLUMBIA WITHIN THE FOLLOWING BOUNDARY: FROM THE EASTERN EXTREMITY OF CUM~ SHEWA HEAD ON MORESBY ISLAND, APPROXIMATELY LATITUDE 53°02'00" N., LONGITUDE 13)936'20 w., TO THE NORTHERN EXTREMITY OF THE SECOND LARGEST ISLAND OF THE MOORE |SLANOS GROUP, APPROXIMATELY LATITUDE 52040'0S N., LONGITUDE 129925'32 W,; THENCE TQ THE NORTHERN EXTREMITY OF CONROY ISLAND, APPROXIMATELY LATITUDE 52932'05" N., LONGITUDE }29924'15' w.; THENCE TO YCINNES ISLAND LIGHT OW MCINNES ISLAND, APPROXIMATELY LATITUDE 52°15'45 N., LONGITUDE 128943'22 W,, THENCE SOUTHWEST 6) 1 SOUTH APPROXIMATELY 99 MILES TO A POINT APPROXIMATELY LATITUDE 51928'S5" N., LONGITUQE 131°00'56 Ne Oren Cee) cei Sa OSLO RU LB Sem sen CEeN’ Cue UEC SHORE AOMDACL, 3 W., THENCE TRUE NORTH THROUGH CAPE ST, JAMES LIGHT TO A POINT QN THE SOUTHERN END OF KUNGHIT 1S- 1S aig pho. COUNT) CORMWALUIS , AC EROX IMATELY CATT TUDE, 540425034 Ne LONG) TUDE: 32 LAND, APPROXIMATELY LATITUDE 51956'42° N., LONGITUDE 131900'54’ y.; THENCE ALONG THE EASTERN SHORE 52130, Wei THENCE ‘SOUTHWEST FIFTY MILES TO A POINT APRROX(MATELY LATITUDE 54! OF KUNGHIT ISLAND TO MOORE HEAD, APPROXIMATELY LATITUDE 52009'02 N., LONGITUDE 13}903'0O'w.; Bee ee Oe eg ee Tera Mad UENCE NCR TRUEST FEED REE MULES OA THENCE TO POINT LANGFORD, APPROXIMATELY LATITUDE 52009'48 WN., LONGI TUDE 131902'36 W., ON MORESBY ISLAND; THENCE ALONG THE EASTERN SHORE OF MORESBY ISLAND TO THE POINT OF ORIGIN ON CUMSHEWA HEAD. CAPE ADDINGTON, NOYES ISLAND, LATITUDE 55026'1) N., LONGITUDE 133049'12° w,, TO THE SOUTHERN EXTREMITY OF GRANITE POINT, APPROXIMATELY LATITUDE 55°18'S7 N., LONGITUDE 133941'25 W., ON BAKER ISLAND, THENCE ALONG THE SOUTHERN SHORE OF BAKER I|SLANQ TO CAPE BARTOLOME, APRROXIMATELY LATITUDE 55014'13° N., LONGI-,, TudeE 133036'42 w THENCE TO CAPE AUGUSTINE, APPROXIMATELY LAT! TUDE 54056'S6 POINT APPROXIMATELY LATITUDE 95917'43 N.,LONGITUDE 134940'00 Ww. ; THENCE NORTHEAST TO THE POINT OF ORIGIN ON CAPE ADDINGTON. 22 COMMERCIAL FISHERIES REVIEW Vol. 14, No. 5 effective on April 22, 1952,according to an announcement by the International Fisheries Commission. These regulations apply to the catching and landing of halibut on the coasts of the United States, Canada, and Alaska, In regulating the halibut fishery, the Commission has depended principally upon the division of the coast into areas, the setting of annual catch limits for the more important areas, and the closure of each such area when its annual catch limit is Bristol Bay rare reached. BERING SEA PENINSULA The Commission has also adopted a number of secondary measures. All areas are closed to halibut fishing in the win- ter to eliminate fishing on the spawning grounds in the event the catch limits are not taken and the areas not yet closed thereby. Two nursery grounds are closed toall hali- but fishing, and the landing of halibut below acertain size is prohibited to prevent the destruction of small fishwhich are very important to the fu- : FIGURE 3 - AREA 38, AS DESCRIBED IN THE PACIFIC HALIBUT REGULATIONS FOR 1952, INCLUDES ALL CONVENT! ON ture supply. Certain types of WATERS OFF THE COAST OF ALASKA THAT ARE BETWEEN A STRAIGHT LINE RUNNING APPROXIMATELY S. 3/4 E. FROM 0) id d d THE ALASKA PENINSULA, NEAR BOLD CAPE, THROUGH THE HIGHEST POINT ON DEER |SLAND AND THROUGH THE H!GHEST - POINT ON CATON ISLAND AND A LINE RUNNING FROM THE LIGHT ON CAPE KABUCH AT THE HEAO OF IKATAN BAY TO gear which are cons ere e CAPE SARICHEF LIGHT AT THE WEST END OF UNIMAK ISLAND, THENCE TRUE WEST. THE EXACT LOCATIONS OF THE + ABOVE MENTIONED POINTS ARE GIVEN TN THE REGULATIONS. structive of small halibut are barred from the fishery. To avoid the wastage of halibut that are unintentionally caught by set-line boats during fishing for other species in areas (not nursery grounds) closed to halibut fishing, set-line boats are allowed to obtain "permits" to retain for sale a proportion of incidentally-caught halibut for a limited time before the closed winter season. To increase the use of halibut on some recently underfished banks, two sec- tions of Area 2 were in 1951 given the status of separate areas, and opened for a short period after the regular fishing season. This is continued in 1952. For administrative and enforcement purposes, the Commission requires. that halibut boats be licensed and makes the validity of those licenses dependent upon compliance with its regulations. It requires the captains of halibut boats to keep accurate log records of their fishing operations and to make statistical re- turns regarding the amount and origin of their catches. Halibut dealers mustalso keep accurate records of their purchases of halibut and make them available to the Commission. The 1952 regulations are similar to those of 1951 except in the following respects. The most westerly portion of Area 3, SanakIs- the season when these grounds formerly produced lands and westward, is designated as a separate their best catches. area, namely Area 3B. The remaining portion ofold Area 3 is designated as Area 3A. Area 3B and Area All halibut vessels fishing Areas 3B and 4 4, which includes the Bering Sea are closed to hali- must previously have their licenses validated by but fishing during the regular fishing season and an officer stationed at False Fass. This vali- are opened for 17 days beginning on August 2, at dation may not be secured earlier than July 31, May 1952 i.e. 48 hours before the opening of the area on August 2. All halibut vessels, after fishing in Areas 3B and 4 and prior to unloading any halibut caught in those areas must have their license first en- dorsed by the officer at False Pass. Buyers may not unload any halibut from ves= sels fishing halibut in Areas 3B and 4 unless said vessels are in possession of a properly validated and endorsed license, or unless permission to un= load has been obtained from an authorized enforce= ment officer of either government. Since Area 4 is opened for a stated 17-day period, the previous 500,000-pound catch limit is removed, To explore and provide a limited exploitation of the halibut found in the Area 4 part of Bering Sea, crab-fishing trawlers using large-mesh gear (12 inches or over) are permitted in 1952 to re- tain for sale a proportion of incidentally-caught halibut after the expiration of the 17-day hali- but fishing season and until 12:01 a.m. November 14. A few minor changes are also made to pro- vide for conditions arising from the division of old Area 3 and the issuance of permits to vessels fishing crab with bottom trawls in the Bering Sea. Regulatory Areas: The regulatory areas are approximately as follows: Area 1A - South of Cape Blanco, Oregon. Area 1B - Between Cape Blanco and Willapa Harbor, Washington. Area 2A - Between Willapa Harbor and Cape Spencer, Alaska, excluding Areas 2B and 265 Area 2B - Off the east coast of Moresby Island in southern Hecate Strait (see figure 1). Area 2C - Off the west coast of Dall and other Islands between Cape Addington and Dixon Entrance (see figure 2). Area 3A - Between Cape Spencer and a line running South 3/4 East (Mag.) from Bold Cape through Caton Island of the Sanak Is- lands group. Area 3B = Between the Bold Cape-Caton Island line and a line running true west from Cape Sarichef on Unimak Island (see figure 3). Area 4 — Bering Sea north of the Cape Sari- chef line. Catch Limits and Length of Season: The fish- ing season begins in Areas 1A, 1B, 2A, and 3A on May 14; in Areas 2B and 2C on July 26; and in Areas 3B and 4 on August 2. Catch limits are placed on Areas 2A and 3A only. These are 25,500,000 pounds, and 28,000,000 pounds, respectively. All weights are to be com- puted as with heads off and entrails removed, COMMERCIAL FISHERIES REVIEW 23 Areas 2A and 3A are closed to halibut fishing on dates announced by the Commission during the season. These dates are those by which the Com- mission estimates that the respective catch limits will be caught. Area 1A closes with Area 2A or Area 3A, whichever is later; Area 1B closes with Area 2A. Areas 2B and 2C are closed at 12:01 a.m. August 5. Areas 3B and 4 are closed at 12:01 a.m. August 19. The fishing season in all areas automatically closes at 12:01 a.m. December 1, if not already closed by catch limit or date. This closure con- tinues until the season is opened in the following year. Minimum Size Limit: The possession of hali- but of less than 26 inches in length from the tip of the lower jaw to the middle of the tail, or of halibut of less than 5 pounds in weight with heads off and entrails removed is prohibited at all times. This applies to both fishermen and dealers. Closed Nursery Grounds: Two nursery grounds, one located off Timbered Islet in southeastern A- laska and the other off Masset at the north end of the Queen Charlotte Islands and including Masset Inlet, are closed to halibut fishing at all times. Boats may fish for species other than halibut in these nursery areas but may not have any hali- but in their possession, regardless of where it was caught, while they are fishing in these areas. Nets and Dory Gear Prohibited: It is illegal for a vessel to retain halibut taken with a net of any kind or to possess any halibut while carrying on fishing with a net other than a bait net which is used only to capture bait for the vessel's own use, except that crab trawlers in Area 4 using trawls whose cod end mesh measures 12 inches or more may obtain permits to retain incidentally— caught halibut that are caught between August 19 and November 14. The possession of halibut by otter trawlers is thus prohibited, except as in- dicated in Sections 12 and 5 (b) of the regula- tions. The use of a hand gurdy by any dory or small boat which operates from a vessel licensed forhal- ibut fishingby the Commission is prohibited. Retention of Tagged Halibut: Any fishing ves— sel regardless of the type of gear used and irre- spective of whether an area is open or closed to halibut fishing, may retain and bring to port hali- but that are tagged with an International Fisheries Commission tag, provided that such halibut have the tag attached and are brought to the attention of an enforcement officer of either Governments or a rep~ resentative of the International Fisheries Commis- sion. Licensing of Vessels: Allset-line vessels of five net tons or over engagingin the halibut fish- ery are required tohave a halibut fishing license. A vesselof lessthan five net tons is onlyrequired to have a license ifit secures a"permit" to retain halibut taken incidentally while fishing for other species in an area closed to halibut fishing. Vessels, such astrollers, which fish with hook and line but do not use set-lines need not be licensed regardless of size. These boats may retain andsell such halibut as they may catch in areas open tohal- ibut fishing. 2h Vessels other than set-line boats are not eli- gible for permits andmay not have anyhalibut in their possession while fishing in- any area closed to halibut fishing, except as provided fortrawlers fishingcrab in Bering Sea with trawls whose cod end meshesmeas— ure 12 inches or more between knots. Conditions Limiting Validity of Licenses: The halibut license of a vessel must be validated by a Customs or fishery officer before departure from port for each halibut fishing operation for which statistical returns are required. The license of any vessel fishing for halibut in Area 1A after the closure of Areas 1B and 2A must: be validated at a port or place within Area 1A prior to each trip. The license of any vessel fishing for halibut in Area 3B and/or Area 4 must be validated at False Pass prior to such fishing and must be endorsed at False Pass after such fishing and prior to unload- ing the fare. The license may not be validated unless sta— tistical returns have been made for all previous halibut fishing operations. The license must be carried on board at all times while the vessel is at sea whether halibut fishing or permit fishing and is subject to in- spection by authorized enforcement officers at any time. No license is valid for halibut fishing in more than one area during any one trip except in the case of Areas 3B and 4 or can be validated for halibut fishing in another area while the vessel has any halibut on board. The area for which a license is valid is shown on the license. No vessel is permitted to possess any halibut in any area other than that for which the license is validated except while it is in actual transit through the other area or within a port of sale and except as indicated in the following paragraph. No vessel with a license validated for fishing in Area 3A and with baited gear on board may possess halibut outside Area 3A except within 25 miles of Cape Spencer Light, and no boat with a license val- idated for fishing in Area 2B or 2C and with baited gear on board may possess halibut outside Area 2B or 2C, respectively, except within 20 miles of its boundary. The exceptions allow vessels to seek shelter in Area 2A harbors when fishing in the ex- posed adjacent parts of Areas 3A, 2B and 2C. No license may be validated for departure for halibut fishing prior to the following dates. 12:01 a.m. of May 9, for Area 3A validations secured outside Area 3A; 12:01 a.m. of May 12, for Area 3A validations secured inside Area 3A; 12:01 a.m. of May 12, for Area 1A, 1B or 2A validations; 12:01 a.m. of July 24, for Area 2B and 2C validations; 12:01 a.m. of July 31, for Area 3B and/or Area 4 validations. COMMERCIAL FISHERIES REVIEW Vol. avr No. 5 Permits to Retain Incidentally Caught Halibut: Any set-line boat which fishes for other species in any area (not a nursery ground) which is closed to halibut fishing may have its halibut license endors— ed as a "permit" to retain for sale one pound of hal ibut for each seven pounds of salable fish, actually utilized, exclusive of salmon or tuna. All weights are to be computed as with heads off and entrails removed. Permits may be secured for more than one closed halibut area per trip. Set-line vessels with "permits" may have hali- but in their possession in excess of the amount which they are allowed to sell, provided that such excess does not exceed 30 percent of the amount they can legally sell and provided that such excess is surren- dered to'’an enforcement officer. The permit of any set-line vessel becomes invalid if.the vessel has in its possession more halibut than the permit allows. For example, a set-line vessel having a net weighed-out amount of 14,000 pounds of heads-off salable fish of other species, not including salm- on or tuna, can sell 2,000 pounds of halibut. It can possess up to 600 pounds of additional halibut (30 percent of 2,000) which must be forfeited. If it possesses more than this 30 percent excess, it is violating the regulations. All permits for set-line boats become invalid for the retention or possession of halibut at 12:01 a.m. November 16. This means that such permit boats must actually unload their halibut by the above date. Crab trawlers with permits for Area 4 may re= tain for sale incidentally-caught halibut not to exceed one pound of halibut for each five pounds drained weight, or the equivalent, of picked crab meat. Crab trawlers retaining incidentally-caught halibut in Area 4 cannot retain any halibut caught after 12:01 a.m. November 14 but are permitted to possess previously-caught halibut until 12:01 a.m. December 14. This is to permit such vessels to complete their crab-fishing operations and to re- turn to their home ports for unloading of their fares. Crab trawlers retaining halibut under permit in Area 4 must provide documentary evidence of date of departure from the area subsequent to such fish- ing. This evidence may be secured at some place within Area 4 or at Akutan. Permits cannot be secured for any area until after the close of the halibut fishing season in that area. Any halibut on board a vessel at the time the vessel secures a permit is to be treated as though actually caught under that permit. Halibut retained under permit may not be fil- leted, fletched, steaked, or butchered beyond the removal of the head and entrsils while on board the catching vessel. Halibut taken under permit is not to be un- loaded until all halibut on board have been report— ed by the captain and dealer to a Customs or fish- May 1952 COMMERCIAL FISHERIES REVIEW 25 ery officer. The unloading is to be done under Operators of licensed vessels must keep an such supervision as the officer deems advisable. [accurate log record of all fishing operations for the benefit of the Commission. A permit terminates at thetime of first landing after its issuance and a new permit must Dealers Records: All dealers must keep de- be secured before any subsequent fishing tripfor |tailed records of their purchases of halibut and which a permit is required. other species landed with the halibut. Theymust furnish these records to the Commission and to The above provisions make it necessary for enforcement officers on request. boats fishing under permit to sell or land their fares at ports where Customs or other authorized A dealer receiving fish from any vessel fish- enforcement officers are available. ing under a permit must within 48 hours make sta- tistical return to an authorized enforcement officer. Statistical Returns by Vessels: Statistical returns, as to the amount of each species, port of A dealer buying fish from any vessel fishing landing, and regulatory area in which the fish were Jin Area 3B and/or Area 4 may not unload any hali- caught, must be made to an authorized Customs or |but from said vessel unless the vessel's license fishery officer by the operator of every licensed |has been validated at False Pass subsequent to such vessel. This must be done within 96 hours after fishing or unless permission to unload such hali- landing halibut, except when the landing is made |but has been received from an enforcement officer at a port where there is no authorized officer. of either Government. In this event, a return must be made within 96 hours of the first subsequent entry into a port The possession by dealers of halibut takenby where an officer is located. a vessel without a license or a permit when such license or permit is required, is prohibited. CATCH AND SEASONS, 1950-51: The United States and Canadian Pacific halibut catch in 1951 totaled 56, 347, 52h pounds, compared with 57,018,010 pounds in 1950 (see table). The season for the principal fishing areas (1A, 1B, 2A, and 3A) in United States and Canadian Landings of Pacific Halibut, 1950-51 _ ae Sreanousel | Stine Tenet Port U.S. Vessels [Canadian Vessels] Total ||U.S. Vessels[Canadian Vessels] Total | Pounds Pounds Pounds Pounds JUNEAU ceccccccccccccccccserccesees | 2,992,000 55,000 2,447,000 3,797,408 Ketchikan (includes Craig & Taku) . 5,376,000 - 5,376 ,000 6,984,510 Pelican City scccseccrecerecevecees | 2,264,000 267,000 2,531,000 3,358,040 Petersburg (includes Tyee) ...eeees 2,808,000 - 2,808,000 3,141,332 Sitka cccccsecccecceccccccsssccce e+] 2,064,000 42,000 2,106,000 3,087,591 Central Alaska (Ports west Cape Spencer) ....escoe Other Alaska Ports (Wrangell, etc.) Total Alaska seesseeeeseees 3,729,000 496 ,000 218,000 3,947,000 || 4,365,048 Prince Rupert (includes Namu, Bute- dale, Klemtu, and others) ....... Vancouver (includes Vancouver Is- land, New Westminster, etc.) ..... Total British Columbia .... 4,383,000 | 15,399,000 8,000 5,485 ,000 4,391,000 | 20,884,000 Washington: BGAUCLO Ne Seve cis ccc cece cccveveccece 9,640,524 9,640,524 - 7,383,577 Other Washington Ports ....eceseee - |_1,439,000 1,439 ,000 - 1,290,229 ears eto «. | 11,079,524 | (tie Sa eT 1 6.675806 -[ 282,000 [= 282,000 | | . - 590 , 054) - | 34,881,524 | 21,466,000 56,347,524 || 38,244 18,773,643 57,018,010 INCLUDES INCIDENTALLY-CAUGHT HALIBUT. Total Washington . NOTE: 1951 was the shortest on record. The 1951 over-all season for the areas mentioned was 56 days long as compared with 66 days in 1950, 73 days in 1949, 72 days in 1948, and 109 days in 1947. The regular halibut season in 1951 opened on May 1 for all areas except 2B and 2C. Areas 2A and 1B closed at midnight May 28, 1951, and Areas 3, 1A, and 4 closed at midnight June 25, 1951. Two new areas established in 1951 (Areas 2B and 2C) opened for 10 days of fishing on July 26. In 1950 the season also opened on May 1. Areas 2 and 1B closed at midnight June 1 and Areas 3, 1A, and 4 closed at midnight July 5, 1950. For 1950 there was no additional short season as in 1951. phe. 26 COMMERCIAL FISHERIES REVIEW Vol. 14, No. 5 U.S. Canned Tuna and Tuna-Like Fish Pack, 1951 The United States canned tuna and tuna-like fish pack in 1951 amounted to 8,236,725 standard cases, valued at $99,046,206 to the packer. This was a de- cline of 9 percent in quantity and 12 percent in value as compared with the pre- Table 1 - Canned Tuna and Tuna-Like Fish Pack by Species and Areas, 1951 (Quantity in Standard Cases & Value to the Canners) CALIFORNIA WASHINGTON AND OREGON } Species Quantit aa Per rata paceenly Quantit f: k Per Stu. CaseL/| Std. Cases x 3 te Albacore ........ Yellowfin .e...e5 Bluefin wes. Skipjack «. TONNO csesseeeesee Miscellaneous ... Total tuna .... a-Like Fish: Bonitouserenen ts 14,469 134,3 Yellowtail ..... 90,982 809, 61% Total tuna- like fish .... 105,451 943,977 8.95 1,171, 482 398,054 71,922 2,126,800 160,626 14,462,416 1950 Grand Total . AT ERS <= 357.505 | 585 13,450,952) 458, 922 [87,059 | 966,919] TAC 1949 Grand Total 6 See Dee 87,703,519 13.26 647,715 9,202,517 14,21 26 334 804,289 10.54 1/CASES OF VARIOUS SIZES CONVERTED TO THE EQUIVALENT OF 48 NO. TUNA CANS TO THE CASE, EACH CA G } > OUN! AES Tr WAR pus) size cou 5 H CAN 7 OUNCES NET WEIGHT OF SOLID MEAT OR 6 OUNCES NET WEIGHT OF MALL PRODUCTION OF BIG-EYED TUNA INCLUDED WITH BLUEFIN PRODUCTION. SMAL! PRODUCTION OF SKiPJACK TUNA INCLUOLD WITH YELLOWFIN PRODUCTION. 4/I\NCLUDES ALBACORE, BLUEFIN, LITTLE, AND YELLOWFIN TUNA. NOTE: DIETETIC TUNA PACK INCLUDED |N ABOVE FIGURES. vious year's pack (see table 2). Although the bulk of the pack was produced from tuna caught by domestic vessels, a small percentage was produced from imported frozen tuna mainly fromJapan, Peru, and Chile. California accounted for 7,454,315 cases (or 90 percent of the total), fol- lowed by Oregon with 542,401 cases, Washington 102,831 cases, and the States of Table 2 - Canned Tuna and Tuna-Like Fish Pack by Species, 1949-51 (Quantity in Standurd Cases and Value to Canners) 1951 Total 1950 Total 1949 Total Total Ave. Price Total Avg. Price Total Avg. Price Quant it. aie Per = Casel/ Quantit = Per = Casel Quantit. ae Per shila Cased Std. Cases Std. Cases na: Seacbad 1,563,753 | 19,958,605 2,052,842] 28,877,954 1,466,849 | 21,750,314 Yellowfin 2/4,070,995 |2/48,%65, 425 4,245,346 3,902,763 | 51,412,937 Bluefin .. 2/71 ,922 2/797,817 51,390 76,877 999, 642 Skipjack . | | 2/2,126,e00 |2/25,238,212 |3/2,262,351 4/1 438,988 |4/18, 492,672 Tonno ..e-.eeeee 160,626 Be 231 <§44,610 5y68s842 2,579,943 Miscellaneous .. Lafis7,178 | 178 | _5/1,561,939 5/87,059 5/76 334 5/g04,289 Total tuna .... [8,151,274 [98,102,229] is: ELBR iG a Tuna-Like Fish: Bonito ... Yellowtail Total tuna- 5 14,469 134,364 12,951 122,411 33,734 365,444 10.83 90, 982 809 =i aisle | 992 el REEL 126,133 1,305,084 10.35 ey rae Gp) La ae (Cea [ eegel vr | ieee an 867 1,670,528] 10,45 __ DAsikoenishe.sset|ee 451 | __943 fie Grand total ...... |. 8,236,725 | .99,046,206| 12.02 "112,830,094 97,710,225 13.40 EACH CAN 7 OUNCES NET WEIGHT [7,290,520] SOLID MEAT OR © OUNCES NET WEIGHT OF FLAKES, CASES OF VARIOUS SIZES CONVERTED TO THE EQUIVALENT OF 48 NO.& TUNA CANS TO THE CASE, CHUNKS, OR GRATED. 2/SMALL PRODUCTION OF SKIPJACK TUNA INCLUDED WITH BLUEFIN PRODUCTION. SMALL PRODUCTION OF BLUEFIN TUNA INCLUDED WITH SK|PJACK PRODUCTION. 4/1NCLUDES A SMALL PRODUCTION OF LITTLE TUNA. S/ i\NCLUDES ALBACORE, BLUEFIN, LITTLE, AND YELLOWFIN TUNA. Maine, Massachusetts, Maryland, and South Carolina with the remainder of 137,178 cases (see table 1). From the standpoint of quantity, the 1951 pack was the second highest on rec— ord. The record pack was canned in 1950 when 9,016,541 cases were produced (table 3). On the basis of value to the packer, the 1951 pack was the third highest on record--#99,046,206. The value of the 1950 pack was the highest on record-- $112,830,094, followed by the 1948 pack (7,037,758 cases)--$112,612,296. Since 1948 when the pack was sold at an average price of $16.00 per standard case, the price has steadily declined. In 1949 the average price was $13.40, in 1950 $12.51, and in 1951 it dropped again to $12.02--the lowest average price since 1945 when it reached a low of $10.46 per standard case. A high inventory at the May 1952 COMMERCIAL FISHERIES REVIEW 27 beginning of 1951 and a substantial increase in imports of canned tuna and tuna- like fish towards the end of 1950 resulted in a supply which exceeded demand. Table 3 - Pack of come Tuna and Tuna-Like Fish Pack, 1940-51 Avg. Price ‘Avg. Price Per Std. Casel/ Per Std. Cased 47, aor, 451 40,836,117 97,710,325 5 31,430,189 112,612,296 e 30,742,493 90,609,175 ‘ 19,397,887 59,135,823 23,727,560 CASES OF VARIOUS SIZES CONVERTED TO THE EQUIVALENT OF 48 NO.1 TUNA CANS TO THE CASE, EACH CAN 7 OUNCES NET WEIGHT OF SOLID-PACKED MEAT OR 6 OUNCES NET WEIGHT OF FLAKES, CHUNKS, OR GRATED. When the packers found that during the summer of 1951 the stocks were not moving as readily as they should be during the high consumption season of the year, prices were cut substantially. The adverse market situation for canned tuna resulted in the curtailment of tuna fishing towards the end of that year. However, the in- ventory at the end of 1951 was still too high. Although early in 1952 the market for canned tuna improved slightly, it was still not in a healthy state. Wholesale and Retail Prices WHOLESALE PRICES, MARCH 1952: Although the wholesale price index for edible @ishery products again started to climb during March this year, there were a number of items included in the index that showed substantial price declines. The usual seasonal climb in production in New England during the month accounted for the lower prices reported for fresh and frozen fishery products originating from that area. The edible fish and shellfish (fresh, frozen, and canned) revised wholesale price index for March 1952 was 109.5 percent of the 1947-49 average--0.5 percent lower than during the same month a year earlier, but 1.2 percent higher than the previous month (see table 1). In March, most salt-water species of fresh dressed or whole fin fish sold substantially below February, while prices for fresh-water varieties wereconsider- ably higher since both United States and Canadian Great Lakes production was re- ported at a low level. Drawn, dressed, or whole fin-fish prices in March 1952 were 1.0 percent below the previous month, but 1.1 percent higher than in March last year. Fresh large offshore haddock prices, which had dropped considerably from January to February this year, continued their downward trend. During the month, prices for this variety were 9.7 percent less than in February and 2.4 per- cent less than in March 1951. Frozen Western halibut prices at New York City, which already had been rising steadily for several months, rose 1.5 percent more in March, but they were still 2.3 percent below the same month in 1951. On the other hand, all fresh-water species were reported selling at prices considerably higher than during March 1951. Processed fresh fish and shellfish prices in March were 2.5 percent above February and 9.4 percent above March 1951. This was mainly due to an increase in the price of fresh shrimp at New York City--7.7 percent higher than in February and 22.6 percent higher than in March 1951. On the other hand, fresh haddock fil- let prices dropped 8.1 percent from February to March this year and were 3.3 per- cent below the same period last year. 28 COMMERCIAL FISHERIES REVIEW Vol. 14, No. 5 Lower prices for all frozen fillets accounted for the drop in the processed frozen fish and shellfish index of 1.2 percent from February to March; however, this index was still 3.3 per- cent higher than in March 1951. Although March frozen fillet prices were substantially below the previous month, prices for haddock fillets were still25.7 Ce percent higher and flounder fil A es lets 4.7 percent higher than in March 1951, while ocean perch BACALTD” fillets were18.9 percent lower. The frozen shrimp market con= tinued strong and March prices rose 8.7 percent above February levels and were 12.1 percent above March a year ago. : : The index for canned fish- ery products in March this year was 7.2 percent below the same montha year earlier, but 3.0 percent above February. Prices went up 9.6 percent for tuna and 7.0 per- cent for California sardines from February to March, and the former were5.0 percent Mar. 1951 = = aS = | 125.1 | 110.2 ae See fresh or frozen Salmon, king, lge. & med., dressed, fresh or” frozen! ‘sialcie cae on aleiciole'elelelcisls'ee) els Whitefish mostly Lake Superior, drawn (dressed), fresh ........... Whitefish, mostly Lake Erie pound net, round, fresh So0u0 Lake trout, domestic, mostly No. l, drawn (dressed), fresh ............ Aro Yellow pike, mostly Michigan (Lakes Michigan & Huron), round, fresh ....... Processed, Fresh (Fish and Shellfish): . Fillets, haddock, small, skins on, 20-1b. Eni Sivetevetetelolelatsteleiereleisleisiciereieveicieleisieieicieteteisrers|PBOStON Shrimp, lge. (26-30 count), headless, fresh or frozen .....ceereee New York City y standards .......... Norfolk area Processed,Frozen (Fish and Shellfish): .................-- Fillets: Flounder (yellowt ail), skin- less, 10-lb. pkg. .......-.--.| Boston Haddock, small, 10-1b. cello- PACK weceencccecsccccccceeeve Ocean perch (rosefish), 10-1b. cello-pack .... Canned Fishery Productss) 2 ccc ccccccccrcccrccccs "Salmon, pink, No. 1 tall (16 oz.), 48 cans PET CASE ooo cwemcrecincccce Seattle Tuna, light meat, solid pack, No. 3 ene (7 oz.), 48 cans per case ................| Los Angeles Sardines (pilchards), California, tomato pack, No. 1 oval (15 oz.), 48 cans per case Sardines, Maine, keyless ofa, No.% drawn 100 cans per case . May 1952 COMMERCIAL FISHERIES REVIEW 29 lower and the latter 38.8 percent higher than in March 1951. Pink salmon and Maine sardineprices this March remained steady at February levels, but pink salmon sold 16.0 percent below and Maine sardines sold 54.6 percent above March a year ago. RETAIL PRICES, MARCH 1952: There was no change in the prices paid for all foods by urban families of moderate incomes between mid-February and mid-March this year, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, U. S. Department of Labor. However, the retail price index for all foods this March 15 was 0.6 percent above a year earlier. Following the usual seasonal trend, retail prices for fresh, frozen, and can- ned fin-fish products dropped 1.1 percent from mid-February to mid-March and were 1.0 percent below the same period a year earlier. Table 2 - Adjusted Retail Price Indexes for Foods and Fin Fish, March 15, 1952, with Comparative Data All foods eococeescesresevec® 1935-39 All fin fish (fresh, frozen, AMGNCANNEM!)' ‘jc escccss cece Fresh and frozen fin fish |1938-39 (Canned salmon: pink ..... Fresh and frozen fin-fish prices dropped 1.0 percent from February 15 to March 15, but they were still 3.2 percent above mid-March 1951, Canned fin-fish prices declined 1.3 percent from mid-February to mid-March and were 8.3 percent below the corresponding period the previous year. able 3 - Average Retail Prices and Price Ranges of Individual Fin-Fish Products March 15, 1952 United States Product Unit Range of Prices Frozen Fin Fish Fillets: REE ois 2.c.aie{ave efeisieie #ieiese'e cied 459 29-69 Haddock2/ eeeeeereeeeeoeeeeeoeeeseseoe 51.8 35-79 Canned Fin Fish: 57.0 42-78 Seoeooe SeSooceeeoseeosee 16-o0z. can 1/ PRICED IN 46 CITIES OUT OF 56. 2/ PRICED IN 47 CITIES OUT OF 56. 3/ PRICED IN 56 CITIES. Retail prices on March 15 for frozen ocean perch fillets averaged 45.9 cents per pound in 46 cities,while frozen haddock fillets averaged 51.8 cents per pound in 47 cities. The previous year frozen ocean perch fillets retailedat 46.7 cents and frozen haddock fillets at 50.4 cents per pound. Canned pink salmon this March sold at 57.0 cents per 16-oz. can as compared with 62.2 cents per can in mid-March Wwe 30 COMMERCIAL FISHERIES REVIEW Vol. 14, No. 5 International INTERNATIONAL SEAWEED SYMPOSIUM ANNOUNCED: An International Seaweed Sympo- sium, sponsored by the Institute of Seaweed Research, Inveresk, Midlothian, Scot- land, is to be held in Edinburgh from July 14-17, 1952. The Organizing Committee has the cooperation of corresponding delegates in the following countries: Aus- tralia, Canada, Chile, France, Germany, New Zealand, Norway, South Africa, Spain, Sweden, and the United States. Sessions will be held in the Department of Zoology, Edinburgh University, and will deal with the following major topics: phycology; algal chemistry; har- vesting technology; utilization in industry, medicine and agriculture; and world seaweed resources--survey and conservation. FOOD AND AGRICULTURE ORGANIZATION GOVERNMENTS: A draft agreement for establishment of a Latin American Fisheries Council has been mailed to 16 interested member governments of the Food and Agri- culture Organization, according to an April 22 news release from the Food and Agriculture Organization in Rome. The FAO Acting Director-General recommended favorable consideration of the draft agreement to the Governments of Brazil, Co- lombia, Costa Rica, Cuba, Chile, El Salvador, France, Mexico, The Netherlands, Nicaragua, Panama, Peru, the United Kingdom, the United States, Uruguay, and Ven- ezuela. Some months ago, these governments unanimously agreed that it would be desir- able to form a council for the development and proper utilization of the living aquatic resources of the Latin American region, and that these ends should be at- tained through international cooperation. Now, with the mailing out of the draft copies of agreement, such a Council will come into being as soon as five notifica- tions of acceptance have reached FAO headquarters in Rome. The functions of the Council will be as follows: 1. TO FORMULATE THE OCEANOGRAPH!ICAL, LIMNOLOGICAL, BIOLOGICAL, AND TECHN! CAL ASPECTS OF THE PROBLEMS OF DEVELOPMENT AND PROPER UTILIZATION OF LIVING AQUAT|C RESOURCES; Le 2. TO ENCOURAGE AND COORDINATE RESEARCH AND THE PRACTICAL APPLICATION OF IM- PROVED METHODS EMPLOYED IN FISHERIES RESEARCH AND IN OTHER FIELDS OF F1ISH- ERIES; 3. TO ASSEMBLE, PUBLISH, AND DISSEMINATE OCEANOGRAPHICAL, LIMNOLOGICAL, BIO- LOGICAL, AND TECHNICAL INFORMATION RELATING TO LIVING AQUATIC RESOURCES; 4, TO RECOMMEND TO MEMBER GOVERNMENTS SUCH NATIONAL OR COOPERAT! VE RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT PROJECTS AS MAY APPEAR NECESSARY OR DESIRABLE TO FILL GAPS IN SUCH KNOWLEDGE; 5. TO UNDERTAKE, WHERE APPROPRIATE, COOPERAT| VE RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT PRO- JECTS DIRECTED TO THIS END; May 1952 COMMERCIAL FISHERIES REVIEW 32 6. TO ELABORATE PLANS FOR THE TRAINING OF PERSONNEL ENGAGED IN FISHERIES RESEARCH, !N THE FISHING !NDUSTRY OR FISHERIES ADMINISTRATION, AND TO PROMOTE THE ESTABLISHMENT OF FISHERIES EXTENSION SERVICES THROUGHOUT THE THE REGION; 7. TO PROPOSE, AND WHERE NECESSARY TO ADOPT, MEASURES TO BRING ABOUT THE STANDARDIZATION OF SCIENTIFIC EQUIPMENT, TECHNIQUES, AND NOMENCLATURES; 8. TO REPORT UPON SUCH QUESTIONS RELATING TO OCEANOGRAPHICAL, LIMNOLOGICAL, BIOLOGICAL, AND TECHNICAL PROBLEMS CONCERNING FISHERIES AS MAY BE RE- COMMENDED TO iT BY MEMBER GOVERNMENTS OR BY THE ORGANIZATION AND, WHEN 1T 1S THOUGHT DESIRABLE, BY OTHER INTERNATIONAL, NATIONAL, OR PRIVATE ORGAN! ZATIONS WITH RELATED INTERESTS; 9. TO REPORT AFTER EACH MEETING UPON ITS ACTIVITIES AND ON MATTERS FALLING WITHIN 1TS COMPETENCE AS MAY SEEM TO IT DESIRABLE. The agreement directs governments adhering to the Council to cooperate close- ly with other international and/or national bodies in matters of mutual interest, and particularly those concerned directly with latin America, Brazil EXPANDS FISHERY INDUSTRIES: A broad program to expand and modernize Brazil's fishery industries has been inaugurated, according to an April 4 American consular dispatch from Rio de Janeiro. Financial assistance has been extended to fishermen for improvement of equip- ment. Refrigeration plants and warehouses are to be built in the Federal District. A large warehouse is being constructed in Santos for the storage of fishery prod- ucts. In Rio Grande do Sul, work has been done in a program for supplying frozen fish regularly to the Federal District. Steps have been also taken for the creation of a large national fishing fleet. Six modern vessels were purchased in Europe for use along the southern coast of Brazil, “, “.\ .& —_—— . British West Indies FISH-OIL INDUSTRY PLANNED: A pilot plant to be constructed in St. Vincent will extract oil from the blackfish--a species of small whale, according to the April 5 issue of Foreign Trade. Cost of the development will be partly met by a grant from the Colonial Development Company. Plans are to increase the present blackfish catch of about 60 tons (yielding 2,650 gallons of oil) to more than 100 tons (yielding 4,000 gallons). The potential value of the meat, either canned or dried, production of bone meal, and reduction of waste and flesh to meal are also being studied, Eventually this may become a permanent industry. 32 COMMERCIAL FISHERIES REVIEW Vol. 14, No. 5 Canada has taken place the past few years (table 1), reports the Canadian Department of Fisheries. This development was accomplished by a diversion from the salted-cod production and also by a heavier catch of rosefish (ocean perch), plaice, and other flatfish which are marketed in filleted form. The growth in the catch of these fish contributed significantly to the increase in fillet production in the past two years. The output of rosefish (ocean perch) fillets has increased from year to year in Newfoundland. It was 1.6 million pounds in 1947 and reached 9.5 million pounds in 1951. In Nova Scotia this production also increased by one million pounds for the same period. In the past three years, the catch of Canadian plaice has grown significantly. It was 3.8 million pounds in 1949, 9.9 million pounds in 1950, and 20.8 million pounds in the past year. Offshore fishing units operating from Nova Scotia ports are mainly responsible for this increase, Plaice landings at Halifax in1951 were above those of 1950 by 258 percent. The growth of the fillet industry, in the last five years, from cod and allied species, rosefish, and flatfish is illustrated in table. The increase in the production of fresh and frozen fillets has been made possible by a steady modernization of plant facilities for the filleting, freezing, and storage of fishery Table 1 - Production of ge Atlantic Coast products. Fresh-fish proc- essing, freezing and cold- storage plants presently under construction or pro- Maritimes & Quebec: posed in Nova Scotia and Cod & allied species .. Newfoundland will further Rosefish (ocean perch). augment production capac- Walenaamaleta “oGoooogH000dGK ity. MOTAT I Neieleloleyeiclcie oleic) « ewfoundland: Some additional fa- 6 cilities and new plants Rosefish (ocean perch). 6 have come into operation Flatfish coccccccccvcce 7 inNew Brunswick and Nova MONE GooooKooK00806 Scotia. There has been a notable development in northeastern New Brunswick at Caraquet where filleting and freezing facilities—-served by a growing fleet of small draggers--have been modernized; an increase in fresh fillet production has taken place in the Shippegan area; and a new filleting and freezing plant has come into operation at Dingwall, Cape Breton Island. In Prince Edward Island a fillet- ing plant has been in operation for over a year at Souris. A more substantial increase in plant capacity and in production of frozen fillets can be expected as a result of the developments currently under way at Louisburg and Petit de Grat, Cape Breton Island, where three large filleting and two freezing and cold-storage plants are under construction. While the number of frozen fillet-processing plants in Newfoundland has re- mained fairly constant in recent years, there has been some expansion by way of additions and modernization in existing plant facilities at St. John's and at May 1952 COMMERCIAL FISHERIES REVIEW 33 Bonavista. Productive capacity will be increased significantly when four pro- posed new filleting and freezing plants are in operation. A new plant has been constructed at Fermeuse on the east coast of the Avalon Peninsula, and plans are under way for similar plants proposed for Placentia, Placentia Bay; Grand Bank, Fortune Bay; and Gaultois, Hermitage Bay. The Canadian housewife has been more and more receptive to fresh and frozen fillets in late years and sales to the United States have also grown, In 1951 exports of fillets originating from the Atlantic Coast were 69 mil- lion pounds, valued at C$15 million, against 54 million pounds and C$11 million during the preceding year. Sales of all fresh and frozen products to the United States were valued at C$53.3 million in 1951, compared with C$49.7 million in 1950. All of this in- crease is attributable to the increased Atlantic Coast production of fillets and, in fact, mainly to the increased production of fillets in the Maritime Provinces, In Newfoundland the output of fillets was slightly less than in 1950, due to the failure of the haddock fishery. , KER ERE GREAT BRITAIN WILL NOT PURCHASE CANADIAN CANNED SALMON IN 1952: Great Brit- ain this year will not purchase any canned salmon from Canada, according to an announcement by the British Ministry of Food at Ottawa. About C$6 million worth of canned salmon were purchased from Canada by Great Britain in 1950, and C$6.7 in.1951. These sales were vital to the British Columbia fishing industry, being the only significant purchases by the sterling market and the largest foreign con- tracts for the product, The announcement by the British Ministry of Food that Britain's current cut back on dollar imports will include canned salmon is reported to be a heavy blow to the British Columbia salmon-canning industry. Proposals have been put forward whereby Canada would help Britain finance food purchases, but so far no suchpolicy has been officially adopted. An indication of the importance of the canned salmon industry to Canada is shown by the fact that the marketed value of British Columbia canned salmon was last reported at C$63 million--over 70 percent of the value of all fisheries pro- duction in British Columbia, HHH EF NOVA SCOTIA HALIBUT CATCH DROPPED IN 1951: The halibut catch in Nova Scotia dropped from 11.2 million pounds in 1950 to 7.6 million pounds in 1951. Invento- ries of frozen halibut were high at the outset of the fishing season and the price was less attractive than a year ago, reports the Canadian Department of Fisheries. In fact, over-all results for 1951 indicate that compared with the previous year the price to fishermen was down by 6 percent and the export price of the fresh product was down by 10 percent. Sales of Atlantic halibut to the United States at $1.4 million were about 50 percent less than in 1950. He KE HT 3h COMMERCIAL FISHERIES REVIEW Vol. 14, No. 5 NEWFOUNDLAND INTERESTED IN SWEDISH FISHING VESSELS AND METHODS: Represent- atives from Newfoundland's fishing industry visited. Sweden recently to study Swed- ish fishing vessels and fishing meth- ods, a February 28 American consular dispatch from Goteborg reports. SCaLe iN MiLes ee © 20 40 60 80 The visit is part of an investi- gation being made by Newfoundland to és cS improve its high-seas fishingmethods. MRE 4 ATLANTIC Norwegian vessels and fishing meth- ps oe Nee ods have been tried, but it appears that the Newfoundland experts are more in favor of the Swedish type of high-seas fishing vessels and the methods used by Swedish fishermen. OCEAN Interest shown by the Newfound- : oF _ 4 land representatives is so great that ISUANDS there is now under discussion a pro- Jb; NEWFOUNDLAND posal to dispatch a modern Swedish See high-seas fishing vessel, witha com- plete Swedish crew, to Newfoundland, [— to demonstrate Swedish fishing meth- A. Ry eyes ods on the large cod banks. Newfound- eee fi ee land will pay half the costs of such FORTONE an expedition. : An order for Swedish fishing vessels from Newfoundland isnow very welcome, as the smaller yards will soon have completed the Russian contract for fishing vessels. Should the negotiations with Newfoundland be successful, the smaller West Coast yards will be fully occupied for several years, as the Newfoundland order is expected to comprise vessels and equipment to a value of about ten million U. S. dollars. Costa Rica INTERESTED IN DEVELOPING FISHING INDUSTRY: Costa Rica has no fishing indus— try as such. The very small amount of fish required for the local market is caught by a few small boats off Puntarenas and Limon, states an April 8 American consular report from San Jose. National interest in the fishing industry is centered on development of Pun- tarenas as a base for foreign-owned tuna boats, rehabilitation of the bait supply in local waters for tuna fishermen, development of the small tuna-packing plant there, and possible development of shrimp fishing in local waters. The total 1951 tuna pack in Costa Rica's one plant amounted to 7,110 cases (about 178 metric tons, net weight). Exports of canned tuna in 1951, according to preliminary statistics, amounted to just over 9 tons gross weight (about 360 cases), valued at US$11,677, and shipped chiefly to Venezuela, compared to 64 tons (about 2,560 cases), valued at US$88,000, shipped chiefly to Venezuela and the Canal Zone in 1950. May 1952 COMMERCIAL FISHERIES REVIEW 35 Shipments of fresh-frozen tuna in 1951 (all to the United States) amounted to about 1,364 tons as compared to 4,486 exports of tuna frozen and trans-shipped tons in 1950, at Puntarenas, These shipments are re- The volume decrease re- flects the decrease during the year in American tuna-fishing activities. ecea Ecuador SHRIMP FISHERY TO BE DEVELOPED: In order to engage in shrimp fishing near the mouth of the Guayas River, an Ecuadoran company has been formed with private capital from the United States. A contract-concession was signed between the Ecuadoran Government and this firm on February 8, 1952. The firm plans to supply the local demand for shrimp and to reduce the price of this item for the consumer, and will then freeze any excess supply for ship- ment to the United States. The firm has calculated that the minimum investment required will be approximately US$5,000,000. Iceland TRAWLER SEAMEN'S LABOR DISPUTE SETTLEMENT: Crews manning 35 out of Iceland's operational fleet of 42 trawlers struck for higher pay and better working condi- tions from February 21 to March 7, 1952. The settlement which ended the dispute was considered to be a victory for the trawler seamen, since their most important demands were met fully or more than halfway, states a March 27 American consular dispatch from Reykjavik, Iceland. visions of the settlement on each issue, 1. Twelve-hour work day. Seamen were granted 12 hours off-duty daily when the trawlers are en- gaged in fishing for fresh fish for delivery iced to foreign markets. The seamen had gained the 12- hour day for other fishing operations as the result of a previous dispute in 1950, but had continued on a 16-hour work day when fishing for fish to be de- livered fresh. Therefore, a 12-hour day applies to all fishing operations now. 2. Cost-of-living payment on minimum guaranteed wages. Cost-of-living compensation was granted in accordance with the current official "wage index," such as is received by other workers in Iceland. This brought an immediate increase of about 20 per- cent in guaranteed wages. 3. Bonus on salted-fish production. The bonus paid to each member of the crew for each metric ton of salted fish produced on board the trawlers was increased from I.kr.4.75 to 6.00 (29 to 37 U.S. cents). This is somewhat less than demanded by the seamen, but nevertheless represents a substantial raise. 4. Special bonus on salted-fish production out- side Icelandic fishing grounds. A special 15 per- cent bonus on the new bonus of I.kr.6.00 (37 U.S. The major issues in the dispute, and the pro- are as follows: cents) per ton will be paid to each man when the trawlers fish in distant waters. The special bonus was previously 10 percent of the salted-fish bonus of I.kr.4.75 (29-U.S. cents). However, as a con- cession to the trawler operators, the special bonus will no longer be paid if the fish is landed near the distant grounds instead of being landed in Ice- land. 5. Bonus for quick-frozen fish and fish meal. Establishment of bonuses for quick-frozen fish and fish meal produced on board the trawlers was demand- ed. The new agreement provides for a bonus of I. kr.0.30 (2 U.S. cents) per man for each case (50-56 lbs.) of quick-frozen cod, and comparable bonuses for other types of quick-frozen fish. The bonus for fish meal will be I.kr.11.25 (69 U.S. cents) perman per metric ton when "iced-fishing" or fishing for ocean perch for reduction plants, and I.kr.5.00 (31 U.S. cents) per ton when "salted-fishing." 6. Bonus for cargo carried. A new bonus will be paid to each man when the trawlers carry cargoes on their return trips from foreign markets to Ice- land. The bonus will be a share of the freight tar- iff received, amounting to 17 percent of the tariff after "iced-fishing" and 19 percent after "salted- fishing." 36 COMMERCIAL FISHERIES REVIEW Vol. 14, No. 5 The agreement between seamen and operators also provides that the total catch bonus now allotted to a crew from sale of fresh fish on ice in foreign markets will be divided into 33 shares, instead of 31 as previously. There will thus be a slight reduction in the share for each man. The increase in shares is neces- sary because the trawlers are expected to require two additional seamen because of reduction in working hours. In addition, the special catch bonus for fish on ice will henceforth be paid only when the sales value of the catch exceeds £9,000 (U.S. $25,000) rather than £8,000 (U.S. $22,250) as previously. Of the 35 trawlers involved in the strike, only 6 were actually laid up be- fore the strike ended. The other trawlers were to be laid up as they returned to an Icelandic port but had not yet returned from abroad by the time the strike ended. It had been feared that a protracted trawler strike would have a very grave effect on Iceland's economy, since the trawlers constitute a major part of the nation's capital equipment. However, in view of the duration of the strike, the country's total fish catch was not appreciably affected. There are indications that changes may take place in the near future in the disposition and marketing of the Icelandic trawler catch. These changes, however, would result from other considerations than those directly involved in the recent strike. In view of growing unemployment, Icelandic business and labor circles have been calling for greater landings by Icelandic trawlers in domestic ports for processing by local plants. In past years, a large part of the trawler catch has been delivered fresh on ice in the United Kingdom and, to a much smaller de- gree, in West Germany. Many people feel that it would be desirable to divert as much of the catch as possible to local quick-freezing, salting, and reduction plants, in order to afford greater employment to local labor and to make it pos- sible to market the fish in the most highly processed state feasible under current market conditions. It has been pointed out, for example, that the average annual production of local freezing plants is only a small fraction of their total capac- ity. It is possible that Icelandic trawlers will be used to deliver new species and greater quantities of fish to the freezing plants, but local producers will insist on precautions to preserve the high reputation which Icelandic frozen fish now enjoys. In the past, fish landed by trawlers for quick-freezing in domestic plants has been limited largely to ocean perch and cod. cael Iran CASPIAN FISHERIES CONCESSION TO RUSSIA EXPIRES THIS YEAR: Several news re- ports have appeared recently in various foreign publications regarding the Caspian Fisheries Concession granted to the U.S.S.R. by the Government of Iran. Thisagree- ment is scheduled to expire the latter part of this year. An influential Iranian weekly (Tehran—Mossavar) recently had an article on the renewal of this concession. According to the article Mosadeq originally opposed concession in Majlis and now believes time is opportune to "systematically overthrow foreign imperialist influ- ence." The paper accuses Russians of fabricating data and never furnishinga true statement of sales proceeds. However, reports indicate that there is no indication that the Russians intend to leave when the concession expires and Soviet sources maintain Iran has no right to deprive the U.S.S.R. of the fisheries when the agree- ment is terminated. Iranian Government sources refute this and state that the U.S.S.R. cannot prevent Iran from exercising sovereign rights. Sturgeon and caviar are the main products of this Caspian fisheries conces- sion. However, it seems that should the concession not be renewed, U.S.S.R. may still be considered as the principal buyer provided sales are at international rates of exchange, which is not the casenow under the present concession agreement. May 1952 COMMERCIAL FISHERIES REVIEW Bi. Japan CANNED AND FROZEN TUNA EXPORTS TO UNITED STATES RESTRICTED: A quota re- striction on exports of canned and frozen tuna to the United States has been put into effect by the Japanese Government, states an April 14 dispatch from the U.S. Political Advisor in Tokyo. The quota year runs from April 1, 1952, through March 31, 1953. The quota plan follows: Canned Tuna: Annual quota for April 1, 1952, to March 31, 1953--1,000,000 cases to be allocated as follows: a. 80 percent of this quantity to packers on the basis of each packer'’s average of exports for the past three years. b. 10 percent to be allocated equally to all packers. c. 10 percent to be allocated to packers when they have com- pleted shipment of quantities allocated in accordance with a and b. Frozen Tuna: Annual quota for April 1, 1952, to March 31, 1953--12,000metric tons to be allocated as follows: a. 50 percent of this total to be allocated to exporters on the basis of each exporter's average over the past three years. b. 50 percent to be allocated to exporters with priority to: Pian cli: (a) Exporters who have completed contracts but who have not shipped goods but who have tuna to their account instor- age and ready for delivery. (b) Exporters who have contracts but who have no fish to their own account in storage but who have contractswith cold-storage warehouses to supply fish. Plan 2: (a) Allocation to exporters whose terms of contract may not require fish to be in storage. (b) Where only letter of credit has been established and no specific agreements of contract for delivery. Fifty percent of the 12,000 tons of frozen tuna will be allocated on anannual basis. The remaining 50 percent will be allocated on a quarterly basis. The Gov- ernment has not fixed the quota amounts by quarters but is expected to do so in the near future. 38 COMMERCIAL FISHERIES REVIEW Vol. 14, No. 5 Shipments which have been made during the month of April 1952 will be cred- ited against the allocations for the year. Allocation will be authorized by export permits in accordance with the ex- port permit system stipulated in the existing Export Trade Control Ordinance. HHKRHE ee. OO CN ING OPERATIONS: A Commission composed of representatives of government and in- dustry, whose duty it will be to assist the Government in carrying out temporary restrictions on Japanese fishing operations, has been set up through action of the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry. The Japanese Fisheries Agency informed the United States Mission in Tokyo of this action on March 27. The Commission has been formed to aid in carrying out the provisions of Prime Minister Yoshida's letter of February 7, 1951, to United States Ambassador Dulles, regarding temporary restrictions on Japanese fishing operations. The Commission will act as advisers to the Government in applying restrictions to the fisheries for salmon, halibut, herring, sardines, and tuna, in the waters of the Eastern Pacific Ocean and Bering Sea. ‘In addition, the Commission will assist in an ad- visory capacity in negotiations of fisheries treaties or agreements between the Japanese Government and other countries. Gah Mexico MAZATLAN SHRIMP FISHERIES ACTIVITIES DECREASE: Mazatlan freezing plant ac- tivities decreased considerably during March this year as a result of the closing of the fishing season for that month, states an April 7 American consular report from that area. Shrimp boats have returned from Salina Cruz after having hadfair success in their shrimp fishing out of the latter port. Some shrimp was exported directly to the United States from Salina Cruz. One plant transported the equiva- lent of five cars of shrimp to Mazatlan by plane for processing. The Banco Comercial del Pacifico, S. A. is making arrangements with headquar- ters in Mexico City to make new loans to independent boat owners, who have been fortunate in not losing their boats to their creditors. Fishing in northwestern waters was resumed on April 7, and freezing-plant owners and fishermen are again optimistic regarding shrimp-fishing prospects. Fee Norway LOFOTEN COD FISHERIES YIELD BELOW AVERAGE: Notwithstanding record high par- Norway yielded below average results, according to the Norwegian Information Serv- ice in an April 24 news release. By the time the season closed( just before Easter) fishermen had landed a total of 78,589 metric tons of cod, as against 108,000 tons last year. Main reasons for the disappointing catch were rough weather and the fact that the cod this year stayed deeper in the water than usual. May 1952 COMMERCIAL FISHERIES REVIEW BF) Purse-seiners accounted for 37,800 tons, or nearly half of the total catch, though they were on the fishing grounds only about a month. Jiggers had a very good season, but long-liners did poorly. Many of the fishing boats are towards the latter part of April headed for Finnmark province, where fishing was scheduled to start. KHHE HK KET PLANNED: There is increasing concern among Norwegian canned-fish producers and exporters over British and Australian im- port restrictions, states an American Em- bassy dispatch from Oslo dated April 25. The most positive attack on the slump in Norwegian canned fish exports appears tobe in the form of an intensified export drive on the United States market. Plans for the drive are in process and it will be offi- cially opened in the United States on May17 (Norway's National Day). eH RH H WHALE OIL PRICES: The Norwegian whaling companies have sold 6,000 tons of whale oil to Denmark at 2,400 Norwegian kroner a ton, and 9,000 tons to Sweden at 1,740 Swedish kroner a ton, according to The South African Shipping News and Fish- ing Industry Review of February 1952. The price in both cases corresponds to £120 (US$333.60) a long ton. Last year the British Ministry of Food paid 4100 (US$280) a ton for British and Norwe- gian whale oil, and in 1949 L80 (US$224) per ton. This winter the Ministry has paid L110 (US$305.80) a ton for the British Antarctic expedition's whale oil, but no sales agreement has yet been concluded with Norwegian expeditions. KReHRKEE WHALE MEAT WIDELY ACCEPTED IN UNITED STATES: Introduced in the United States only last year, Norwegian whale meat has already met with wide acceptance by some of the Nation's finest restaurants, states the Norwegian Information Service in an April 24 news release, Surveys indicate that there is a potential market for about 10 million pounds of whale meat in the United States. So far the main problem has been supplyrather than demand. However, one of the main exporters hopes to increase his exports to the U. S. to about 5 million pounds in 1952, The whale meat exported to the United States is deep-frozen and distributed in handy cartons, A good whale steak, enough for three persons, retails at 85 to 90 cents. It compares favorably with beef tenderloin. LO COMMERCIAL FISHERIES REVIEW Vol. 14, No. 5 Peru PERUVIAN WHALING INTERESTS ee GOVERNMENT AID: A governmental credit of 1,000,000 soles (about US$65,4001/) is to be extended to Peruvian whaling inter- ests over a period of four years, reports the April 5 issue of The Fishing News, a British fishery periodical. The Peruvian public has come to accept whale meat, and the credit is considered, therefore, to come within the framework of the na- tional plan for increasing food production. The entire amount has been allocated to the only Peruvian company at present engaged in whaling activities. NOTE: CONVERTED ON BASIS OF FREE RATE OF EXCHANGE: 15.28 SOLES EQUAL US$1.00. ae Tanganyika FISHERIES WORTH DEVELOPING: The fishing possibilities of Tanganyika's in- land and coastal fisheries are worth developing according to a statement issued by Dr. C. F. Hickling, Fisheries Adviser to the Secretary of State for the colo- nies, reports the American Consulate at Dar es Salaam. The statement was made after a tour of the Territory's fisheries. Fishing prospects for the coast of Tanganyika were reasonably good but they needed fostering, continues the statement. It was pointed out that the necessary advice and example was being given by the Government. As an example of the Gov- ernment's cooperation, it was pointed out that a sea fishing vessel had started a trial fishing program which would extend along the entire Tanganyika coast. The Department of Agriculture was planning to start a similar experiment on Lake Tanganyika in a few months time. These vessels will explore the possibilities and make biological research into the habits, migration, and distribution of the sea fish, leading to an estimate of the possible production of fish from the sea. An aspect of the Department of Agriculture's work which was beginning to pass the experimental stage was the fish farm, and it was expected that there would be further developments in this line in the next year or so in several lo- calities. The possibility of several large estates producing fish for their workers on their own fish farm is seen by the Fisheries Advisor. He stressed, however, that a fish farm had its limitations and usually cannot compete where there was an abundant natural supply of fish. Im addition, there had to be an adequate sup- ply of food for fish farms. A discussion of fish farming with a representative of one of the leading com- mercial firms at Dar es Salaam, which was interested in promoting this type of business, brought out the fact that a very large demand for fish exists among em- ployers of large groups of people. It was also learned that the initial invest- ment was relatively low, the turn-over large, and the profit quite high. Fish stocked are the native Tilapia, which though they have many advantages also have some disadvantages in that they tend to breed prematurely in the ponds and seldom grow to a large size. It was learned that the fish pounds can be fished at three- or four-month intervals. May 1952 COMMERCIAL FISHERIES REVIEW Al Union of South Africa WHALING FLEET OUTPRODUCES OTHER FLEETS: For the second season (1951-52) running, the South African whaling fleet has captured the "blue riband" of the Antarctic whaling season with a total production of more than 30,000 metric tons of whale and sperm oil, valued at more than b3 million (US$8,310,000). Only one South African firm engages in Antarctic whaling. The entire output has been bought by the British Ministry of Food. This same company's fleet held the re- cord last season (1950-51) with an output of 27,000 tons of whale and sperm oil, valued at b27 million (US$7,479,000). This year's production was completed in a short season--54 days as compared with 78 days last year--and competition among the expeditions of the seven whale- hunting countries was probably the strongest ever. A total of 19 factoryships engaged in Antarctic whaling: 1 South African, 3 British, 10 Norwegian, 2 Japa- nese, 1 Russian, 1 Dutch, and 1 Panamanian. With these there were 280 catchers and 9,000 men, according to a report from Johannesburg published in the April 19 issue of Canadian Foreign Trade. United Kingdom ing trawlers, states the March 8 issue of Fish Trades Gazette, a Britishperiodical. An international marine communication company has announced that they haveacquired sole rights for the new device in the United Kingdom and Commonwealth countries. The new type of "fish finder" employs a cathode-ray tube, similar to those used in radar and television, and records the presence of fish in the form of a light on the face of the tube. Once the presence of fish beneath a vessel has been established, the "fish lens" can be focused on a horizontal stratum of water 45 feet in depth, ignoring the empty water above and below the fish. The instru- ment has a maximum indicating depth of 1,800 feet. "With a little experience in interpreting the scan, the size of an impending haul can be estimated, as well as the direction of the center of the shoal, where fish are usually the thickest," says the company. Hoe HH KIPPER EXPORT PROJECT LOSES MONEY IN FIRST YEAR: The plan to export quick- frozen Scottish ki kippers to the United States cost the British taxpayer 132,000 (US$88,960) in the first year, according to The South African Shipping News and Fishing Industry Review of February 1952. This is the amount of loans granted by the Herring Marketing Fund to British Kipper Exporters Ltd., to meet losses on the first year's work. Accounts of the Herring Marketing Fund express the view that despite this loss valuable experience has been gained in investigating the market. More than £297,000 (US$825,660) of the b1,820,178 (US$5,060,095) granted to the Marketing Fund went to provide working capital for the extension of the Her- ring Board's meal and oil schemes. The total figure included amounts spent on new freezing experiments, kipper- ing, and canning. HoH HH H 42 ¢ COMMERCIAL FISHERIES REVIEW Vol. 14, No. 5 SUBMARINE CAMERA DEVELOPED: The development of a new submarine camera which will be useful in locating good commercial fishing grounds was announced in the February 16 issue of the London Manchester Guardian. The problem of finding out what constitutes a good commercial fishing ground has been simplified, in shallow water, by the invention of a new type of submarine camera by a member of the Plymouth Marine Bi- ology staff, Dr. H. G Vevers. The camera takes a series of photographs of meter-square areas of the sea floor from which it is pos- ble to discover the tracts and burrows and sometimes the actual invertebrate creatures themselves which live on the sea bed. Now that the interrelation between fish and their invertebrate food is better under- stood, detailed sea-floor surveys are becoming increasingly important. It is possibleto drag the creatures up with a dredge or otter trawl, but the method is of no great assistance in population counts. The trawls work unevenly. For the same reason, the Petersen grab and the Holmscoop sampler are relatively ineffective for quantitative work. ALTHOUGH DIFFERENT FROM THE ONE DE- The robot camera is mounted, lens downward, SCRIBED IN THIS ARTICLE, THE SKETCH near the top of a long metal pole. Three quar- SHOWS A TYPE OF UNDERWATER CAMERA DE- 4 f th laa Pec VELOPED BY AN OUTSTANDING EUROPEAN ss) © e way down the pole is a ring bearing COMPANY. THIS 1S A REAR VIEW OF THE Six 500-watt photoflood lamps which supply the DEVICE, WHICH IS REMOTELY CONTROLLED. necessary light. The apparatus is lowered over CAMERA 1S ENCLOSED BY A SPECIAL PRES- SURE CASE. THE LIGHTING GANTRY |S the side of a ship and the lamps are switched ADJUSTABLE. FOR DOWNWARD VERTICAL on when the camera is between three and five SHOTS, THE GANTRY AND CAMERA CASE meters (10-16 feet) from the bottom. CAN BE SWUNG THROUGH 90° ON THE TRUNNION. The moment the foot of the pole hits the sea bed a switch is driven upwards and the camera takes the first picture on a roll of 35mm. high-speed film. When this happens a buzzer rings in the control box on the ship and the crew haul the apparatus a few feet off the bottom anddrop it again for the next picture as the ship drifts down wind. The resultis a strip similar in principle to the sampling methods used by botanists in the survey of land vegetation. The apparatus has been used at depths of from fifty to eighty meters (164-262 feet) in inshore waters and offshore trawling grounds. May 1952 COMMERCIAL FISHERIES REVIEW 43 ’ F FEDERAL ACTIONS Economic Stabilization Agency OFFICE OF PRICE STABILIZATION PRICE PROCEDURAL REGULATION REVISED: The second revision of Price Procedur- al Regulation 1 was issued by the Office of Price Stabilization on April 29. The regulation sets forth the procedural requirements for the issuance, a- mendment, and interpretation of ceiling price regulations, as well as the filing of reports, protests and applications for adjustment. OFS said the regulation was revised to bring it up-to-date and to clarify certain procedures. The revision reflects, for example, the decentralization of authority to field offices to handle applications for adjustment but allows formal review of their decisions. The revision also clarifies the privilege of submitting rebuttal evidence in protest proceedings. Another new provision prescribes in detail the persons authorized to sign re- ports required under price regulations. For details see: Price Procedural Regulation 1, Revision 2, dated Apr. 28, 1952. HR RH HE SUSPENSION OF FATS AND OILS CEILING PRICES PROBABLY -INDICATES A TREND FOR FISH OILS: Ceiling prices of crude soybean oil, crude cottonseed oil, and crude corn oil were revised downward by Amendment 13 to CPR 6 issued on April 25 by the Office of Price Stabilization. This amendment also establishes dollars—and-cents ceiling prices for processors' sales of lard, formerly covered by the GCPR; and provides for a suspension of all provisions of CPR 6 and other regulations insofar as they apply to commodities for which new ceiling prices are fixed by this amend- ment, and also for suspension of the provisions of CPR 6 applying to tallows and greases, animal fat waste materials, and vegetable oil soapstocks. The effective date of this amendment is April 28. Although the new ceilings for the named oils are below those in effect before issuance of this amendment, they still are 60 to 75 percent above current market quotations for those commodities. In event control is reimposed, these new, lower ceilings will be in effect instead of the higher ceilings originally specified in CPR 6. These suspensions are of interest to the fishing and allied industries since it is to be expected that OPS will in the near future take action to bring fish oil price ceilings (now 16 cents per pound) in line with the lower market prices that have prevailed for the past year, and to treat them along the same lines that soybean 0il, cottonseed oil, and crude corn oil have been treated by this amendment. 4.4, COMMERCIAL FISHERTES REVIEW Vol. 14, No. 5 For details see: Amdt. 13 (Crude Soybean Oil, Crude Cottonseed Oil, Crude Corn Oil, Lard; Suspension of Price Control), issued April 25, 1952, to CFR 6 (Fats and Oils). * OK OK OK OK STANDARDS FOR SUSPENSION OF PRICE CONTROLS: Adoption of preliminary standards eee ese Office of Price Stabilization Director on April 22. Price control has been suspended on 16 commodities now selling materially be- low ceiling. The standards announced--which will be further tested, broadened and modified--were applied against these 16 commodities. The possibility of suspension in several other important fields is already under study. Statements submitted by ESA and OPS to the Senate Committee on Banking and Cur- rency emphasized that these are standards for suspension rather than decontrol, point- ing out that it would be premature to dismantle the structure of price control inany important areas at this time. Nevertheless they said the stabilization agency has a positive obligation to lighten the burden of reports and record-keeping wherever possible. Chairman Burnet Maybank and the Senate Banking and Currency Committee (whichis currently considering extension of the Defense Production Act) have suggested that suspension of controls be undertaken where this could be safely done without adversely affecting the defense program or the nation's economic structure and where the com- modities are well below ceilings. The commodities on which price controls were suspended effective Monday, April 28, are: Cattlehides Lard Crude Soybean Oil Wool Top Kips Animal Waste Materials Crude Corn Oil Wool Noils Calfskins Vegetable Oil Soapstock Burlap Wool Waste Tallow Crude Cottonseed Oil Wool Alpaca No widespread suspension action is under consideration at this time. Pointing out that three-fifths of the total wholesale trade is being carried on at peakprices and scarcely more than one-fifth at prices significantly below the post-Korean peak, the OPS Director said: "Especially in those commodities which are sought after by both manufacturers and Government procurement agencies--basic goods like steel and other metals, fuels, lumber, chemicals, paper, machinery, trucks, and buses--there are practically no soft spots." It has been made clear that OPS has no intention of "decontrolling" any commod- ities at this time. The Price Director said that instead of decontrolling important commodities where markets are "soft," OPS will suspend regulations or lighten reporting or record= keeping requirements, "using standards under which we can objectively determine that such action is appropriate." Although producers of the commodities suspended on April 22 are freed from fur- ther record-keeping at this time, they are required to retain those records they main- tained heretofore in compliance with the suspended regulations. In addition to its suspension studies, the OPS committee is also developing standards and procedures for she relaxation or elimination of record-keeping and reporting requirements where sus- May 1952 COMMERCIAL FISHERIES REVIEW 45 pension is not considered appropriate. One member of the committee staff is now spending full time in a review of existing reporting and record-keeping require- ments. The Price Direttor declared that as a matter of fundamental policy, OPS will not suspend controls where such action would result in levels of prices or mar- gins higher than permitted under existing regulations. And he stated that "we will see to it that suspension is always terminated before previous ceiling lev- els are reached." Under the preliminary standards developed by the Agency, suspension action or other relaxation will not be approved unless these conditions exist: 1. Prices in an area are materially below ceilings. ("Area" refers to a range of related items and will be determined by the structure of the market and OPS regulations. ) 2. There is no prospect that reimposition of controls will be necessary in the foreseeable future. This determination must be based upon a full economic analysis of market conditions and will take into account such things as current supply and demand, production capacity, inventories and volatility of prices. Each suspension order includes a specific recontrol point which is below current ceilings but well above the current market price of each commodity. When prices of any commodity suspended from control reach this recontrol point, ceilings will be reimposed. In addition to providing for automatic reimposition of controls under cer- tain conditions, each suspension order announced to date also makes clear that the Price Director may reimpose controls at any time he thinks such action is necessary to carry out the aims of the stabilization program, as might be the case in the event of new international developments or for any other emergency reason. A price-watching system for each suspended commodity is established to follow the movement of prices and their relationship to ceilings. For details see: News release OFS-O-840, dated Apr. 22, 1952. NOTE: FULL TEXTS OF PRICE ORDERS MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE OFFICE OF PRICE STABILIZATION, WASHINGTON 25,D. C., OR FROM THE REGIONAL OPS OFFICE IN YOUR AREA. Department of the Interior FISH AND WILDLIFE SERVICE ALASKA COMMERCIAL FISHERIES REGULATIONS AMENDED: On the basis of facts ob- tained by field representatives of the U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service and briefs submitted by members of the fishing industries, certain changes in Alaska commer- cial fisheries regulations have been determined to be necessary to permit maximum utilization of the resources consistent with sound conservation principles. The amendment to the regulations appeared in the Federal Register of May 13, and be- comes effective June 13. The changes include the following: Traps are to be inoperative within 24 hours after the close of the last season open to traps. 46 COMMERCIAL FISHERIES REVIEW Vol. 14, No. 5 Personal fishing with gill net, seine, or trap shall be subject to commercial fishing regulations 48 hours before the opening and 48 hours after the close of a commercial season for such gear, with the exception that personal-use fishing will be permitted at all times on the Yukon River and any place 25 miles away fromwaters legally open to commercial fishing. Bristol Bay area weekly closed period from June 25-July 51 is extended from 36 hours to a total of 84 hours. In the Alaska Peninsula area, throughout the season in the Port Moller district and prior to July 5 in all other waters of the area, the 36-hour closed period is extended to a total of 60 hours, including a mid-week closure. On and after July 5 in all waters of the area, except the Port Moller district, the weekly closed period of 60 hours applies all to the weekend. Fishing for Dungeness crabs in the Prince William Sound area is prohibitednorth of 60°22' N. latitude and east of 146940" W. longitude from June l-August 31. In the waters of Orca Inlet north of a line drawn at right angles across the Inlet from the Cordova Ocean dock such fishing is prohibited from June 1-October 31. In the Copper River area, fishing for Dungeness crabs is prohibited north of 60°22' N. latitude from June 1-August 31. In Southeastern Alaska the general early season from June 23 to July 5 has been eliminated. A number of other minor changes are also included in the amendment. Department of State NORTH PACIFIC FISHERIES CONVENTION SIGNED: The International Convention for the High Seas Fisheries of the North Pacific Ocean was signed May 9, 1952, at Tokyo by representatives of the United States, Canada, and Japan. Ambassador Robert D. Murphy signed on behalf of the United States, a May 9 Department of State new release reports. The Convention will be submitted to the Senate with a view to receiving the advice and consent of that body to ratification. It will enter into force on the day upon which the contracting parties exchange ratifications. The Convention, which was negotiated at the Tripartite Fisheries Conference held at Tokyo in late 1951, marks a further step in the conservation of international fish- eries in the North Pacific Ocean. Japan now becomes a joint partner with the United States and Canada in cooperative measures to preserve and perpetuate the fish stocks of the North Pacific. The Convention introduces a new principle in international conservation practice on the high seas. Under it special treatment is accorded to fisheries already fully utilized and fully conserved. Hach signatory agrees to abstain from exploitation of specified fish stocks which are already exploited to the maximum by one or both of the other parties provided the latter are carrying out programs for the conservation of the stocks and agree to continue to carry out such programs. The Convention establishes the International North Pacific Fisheries Commission composed of representatives of the three countries, each with equal vote. The Com- mission is empowered to investigate any fish stock of the North Pacific Ocean exploit- May 1952 COMMERCIAL FISHERIES REVIEW 47 ed by two or more of the parties and, when necessary, to recommend joint conserva- tion action to the governments concerned. Excepted from such study and recommenda- tion, however, are fisheries already covered by agreements between the parties, such as the Pacific halibut and sockeye salmon fisheries. In the special case of fully utilized and conserved fisheries, the Commission may recommend that the country or countries not exploiting the stock refrain from such exploitation. The convention provides, however, that no such abstention should be requested of any parties in waters in which there has been a history of joint con- servation activity by such parties, and intermingling of their fleets, and an inter- mingling of the stocks of fish exploited by their fleets. Accordingly, the conven- tion stipulates that neither the United States nor Canada shall be asked to abstain from any stock in waters off the Pacific Coast of either country from the Gulf of Alaska southward. To qualify under the abstention proviso, a fishery stock must be fully ex- ploited and be under continuous study and regulation for conservation purposes. The convention recognizes three stocks, salmon, halibut, and herring, off the coasts of North America as meeting these conditions. Accordingly, by the terms of the convention, Japan agrees to abstain from fishing salmon, halibut, and herring in specified waters off the coasts of North America; and Canada agrees to abstain from fishing salmon in the Bering Sea east of 175 degrees west longitude. Also signed May 9 was a protocol to the Convention, providing for further study and final determination of the lines bounding the salmon areas. These lines are tentatively set by the Convention. Except for certain minor changes, the texts of the Convention and Protocol published by the Department of State with the announcement of the signing of these documents are the same as shown in the Commercial Fisheries Review of February 1952, pp. 66-8. Below are shown only those parts which differ from the wording shown in the issue of the Review indicated. The changes in the text of the Convention were: ARTICLE !V. 1. PROVIDED, HOWEVER, THAT NO RECOMMENDATION SHALL BE MADE FOR ABSTENTION BY A CONTRACTING PARTY CONCERNED WITH REGARD TO:... (3) WATERS IN WHICH THERE 1S HISTORIC INTERMINGLING OF FISHING OPERATIONS OF THE PARTIES CONCERNED, INTERMINGLING OF THE STOCKS OF FISH EXPLOITED BY THESE OPERATIONS, AND A LONG ESTABLISHED HISTORY OF JOINT CONSERVATION AND REGULATION AMONG THE PARTIES CONCERNED SO THAT THERE 1S CONSEQUENT IMPRACTICABILITY OF SEGREGATING THE OPERATIONS AND ADMINISTERING CONTROL... ARTICLE VII. 1. THE ANNEX TO THIS CONVENTION SHALL BE CONSIDERED AMENDED FROM THE DATE UPON WHICH THE COMMISSION RECEIVES NOTIFICATION FROM ALL THE CONTRACTING PARTIES OF ACCEPTANCE OF A RECOMMENDATION TO A- MEND THE ANNEX MADE BY THE COMMISSION IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE PROVISIONS OF ARTICLE 111, SECTION 1 OR OF THE PROTOCOL TO THIS CONVENTION... ARTICLE X. 1 (B) WHEN ANY SUCH PERSON OR FISHING VESSEL 1S ACTUALLY ENGAGED IN OPERATIONS IN VIOLATION OF THE PROVISIONS OF THIS CONVENTION... PROVIDED, HOWEVER, THAT WHEN THE CONTRACTING PARTY WHICH RECE! VES SUCH NOTIFICATION CANNOT IMMEDIATELY ACCEPT DELIVERY AND MAKES REQUEST, THE CONTRACTING PARTY WHICH GIVES SUCH NOTIFICATION MAY KEEP SUCH PERSON OR VESSEL UNDER SURVEILLANCE WITHIN ITS OWN TERRITORY, UNDER THE CONDITIONS AGREED UPON BY BOTH OF THE CONTRACTING PARTIES... The following was added to the end of Article XI: DONE IN TRIPLICATE, IN THE ENGLISH AND JAPANESE LANGUAGES, BOTH EQUALLY AUTHENTIC, AT TOKYO THIS TENTH DAY OF MAY ONE THOUSAND NINE HUNDRED FIFTY-TWO. 48 COMMERCIAL FISHERIES REVIEW The changes in the Annex were: 2. WITH REGARD TO THE STOCKS OF FISH Vol. 14, No. 5 IN THE RESPECTIVE WATERS NAMED BELOW, CANADA AND JAPAN AGREE TO ABSTAIN FROM FISHING, AND THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA AGREES TO CONTINUE TO CARRY OUT NEC- ESSARY CONSERVATION MEASURES, IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE PROVISIONS OF ARTICLE V, SECTION 2 OF THIS CONVENTION: ... The changes in the Protocol were: THE GOVERNMENTS OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, CANADA, AND JAPAN, THROUGH THEIR RESPECT! VE PLENIPOTENTIARIES, AGREE UPON THE FOLLOWING ST} PULAT1ON IN REGARD TO THE INTERNATIONAL CONVENTION FOR THE HIGH SEAS FISHERIES OF THE NORTH PACIFIC OCEAN, SIGNED AT TOKYO ON THIS TENTH DAY OF MAY, NINETEEN HUNDRED FIFY-TWO... THE COMMISSION TO BE ESTABLISHED UNDER THE CONVENTION SHALL AS EXPEDITIOUSLY AS PRACTICABLE, CONVENTION AREA TO DETERMINE ORIGINATING AMER| CA INVESTIGATE THE WATERS OF THE |F THERE ARE AREAS IN THE RIVERS OF CANADA AND OF THE UNITED STATES OF INTERMINGLE WITH SALMON ORIGINATING IN WHICH SALMON IN THE RIVERS OF ASIA, 1F SUCH AREAS ARE FOUND THE COMMISSION SHALL CONDUCT SUITABLE STUDIES TO DETERMINE A LINE OR LINES WHICH BEST DIVIDE SALMON OF ASIATIC ORIGIN AND SALMON OF CANADIAN AND UNITED STATES OF AMERICA ORIGIN, FROM WHICH CERTAIN CONTRACTING PARTIES HAVE AGREED TO AB- STAIN IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE PROVISIONS OF ARTICLE V.c. The following was added to the end of the Protocol: DONE IN TRIPLICATE AT TOKYO THIS TENTH DAY OF MAY, ONE THOU- SAND NINE HUNDRED FIFTY-TWO. ‘e, reo Eighty-Second Congress (Second Session) APRIL 1952 Listed below are public bills and resolutions introduced and referred to com- mittees, or passed by the Eighty-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: Government Purchases of Canned California Squid and Anchovies: H. R. 7658 (Bramblett) - A bill to authorize the Director for Mutual ‘Security to pur- chase canned California squid and anchovies for dis- tribution in the general areas of China and Greece; to the Committee on Appropriations. H. R. 7659 (Bramblett) - A bill to authorize the Secretary of the Army to purchase canned Cali- fornia squid and anchovies for distribution in Ko- rea; to the Committee on Appropriations. Income Tax Relief for Commercial Fishermen: He Reb 22) (Sikes) - A bill to amend section 112 of the Internal Revenue Code to provide the same rules for determining gain in the case of the sale or ex- change of boats used in commercial fishing as are provided in the case of the sale or exchange of res- idences; to the Committee on Ways and Means. COMMITTEE MEETINGS: Sea Lampreys: House Committee on Merchant Ma- rine and Fisheries: Subcommittee on Fisheries and Wildlife approved for reporting to the full commit- tee H. R. 6500, with respect to authorizing further appropriations for the conduct of investigations and studies thereunder (sea-lamprey work). CONGRESSIONAL REPORTS: Committee reports on bills reported in this section of interest to the fishery and allied in- dustries (available only from the committee sub- mitting the report): Interior Department Appropriation Bill, 1953, House Report No. 1628, (March 21, 1952, 82d Congress, 2d Session), 36 p., printed, to accompany H. R. 7176, a bill making appropriations for the Depart- ment of the Interior for fiscal year 1953. Appro- priations for the Fish and Wildlife Service are in- cluded in this bill. This report submitted by the Committee on Appropriations gives the recommenda- tions of the Committee for the various agencies of the Department. Federal Wildlife Conservation Activities, 1951, Senate Report No. 1457 (April 16, 1952, 82d Congress, 2d Session), 298 p-, illus., printed. Report of the Committee on Government Operations on the wildlife-conservation activities of the May 1952 Federal Government during 1951. As well as the conservation of other wildlife resources, the con- servation of commercial and recreational fisheries is reported upon in this report by the various a- gencies concerned. The Department of Interior's report presents the activities of the Branches of Commercial Fisheries, Fishery Biology, Alaska Fish- eries, Game Fish and Hatcheries, and the Offices of River Basin Studies and Foreign Activities; and the COMMERCIAL FISHERIES REVIEW 49 activities of the National Park Service regarding fish resources. The report of the Department of Agriculture gives the activities of the Soil Con- servation Service regarding food and recreation from ponds. The report of the Department of the Army gives fish and wildlife data on reservoir and other projects conducted by the Office of Engineers. Included also are various letters and statement from various fish and wildlife conservation agencies. THE RELATIVE PRODUCTIVITY AND VALUE OF THE FISHERIES OF THE UNITED STATES AND ALASKA The commercial fisheries of the United States and Alaska rank second in the world in volume. OTsTOrS OCEAN PERC [moscri =H) PiLcHaRo caans Oo: Cam PERE [Roser |) LoasreRs The fisheries of the world annually yield approximsetely 55 billion pounds, the United States and Alaska or 10 and of this, contribute over 5.6 billion pound 1 percent. The period following World War II was one of great activity for the fishing fleets of the United States and Alaska. During this period the fishing industry made its transition to a peacetime basis, Produc- tion and marketins was controlled by sup- ply, demand, and competition rather than price ceilings; shortages of supplies, la- bor, and transportation; lack of vessels; and other war-created difficulties. United States and Alaska Catch of Fishery Products, 1929-19b9 Average price JERERWERREESRE BERBERS EN SESEE RS RSSSRESBSRERSRRSSRRRR Ssae8_ Segagee- S38 re BEE EEE LEELL B2eR EEEREELE BESERRRRED abe PEPE SE Sor eee reer gseese é to the fishermen, and average prices from 1929-49, Although the total production has not varied greatly during the past ten years, the total value of the fisheries produc- tion at the fishermen's level has increased slightly over 250 percent. (The data pre- sented include recorded production for the areas in which surveys were made and esti- mates for other regions.) Ten species (or groups of species classified as one fishery) percent of the total catch and 58.6 percent of the total value. eccounted for 74.6 The 10 species lead- ing in value, however, accounted for 68.6 percent of the total value and 69.2 percent of the total volume. sixth in value, while pilchards were second in volume and seventh in value. Salmon followed tuna, being second in value and fourth in volume but first in value. third in volume. Menhaden, which led all other fish in respect to volume, were Tuna ranked Of the total of 198 items listed in the catch records for 1949, 58 of the items accounted for 98 percent of the total production, while 61 items accounted for 99 per- cent of the total value. 1/WEIGHTS OF UNIVALVES AND BIVALVES INCLUDED IN THIS TOTAL ARE BASED ON |N-THE-SHELL WEIGHTS. --Fishery Leaflet 108 50 COMMERCIAL FISHERIES REVIEW Vol. 14, No. 5 LANDINGS AND RECEIPTS In Millions MAINE - LANDINGS NOT INCLUDING IMPORTS 0S = CUMULATIVE DATA T7O}} 3 wos. 1952 - 18.0 3 1951 - 23.8) 12 "1951 = 220.9 JAN. FEB. MAR. APR. MAY. JUNE JULY AUG. SEPT. OCT. NOV. DEC. NEW YORK CITY-RECEIPTS OF FRESH & FROZEN FISH Be SALT-WATER MARKET CUMULATIVE DATA 24]) 4 “gs. JAN. FEB. MAR. APR. MAY. JUNE JULY AUG. SEPT. OCT. NOV. DEC. GULF - SHRIMP LANDINGS HEADS OFF - FOR ALL USES CUMULATIVE DATA 4 MQS. 1952 - 15.8 Ve = 1951 - 13.3) 12 1951 _- 76.1 | JULY AUG. SEPT. OCT. NOV. DEC. JAN. FEB. MAR. APR. MAY JUNE In Thousands CALIFORNIA - PILCHARD LANDINGS (CUMULATIVE DATA 1951/52 SEASON - 126.5 1950/51 SEASON - 355.2 1949/50 SEASON - 335.6 oO JULY AUG. & PT. OCT. NOV. DEC. JAN. FEB. MAR. APR.MAY JUNE of Pounds 3 MOS. 1952 - 3 i 1951 - 2a 1951 - JAN. FEB. MAR. APR. MAY. JUNE JULY AUG. SEPT. OCT. NOV. DEC. CHICAGO - RECEIPTS OF FRESH & FROZEN FISH WHOLESALE MARKET CUMULATIVE DATA 1 9525— 1951 - 1951_= 107.2 JAN. FEB. MAR. APR. MAY. JUNE JULY AUG. SEPT. OCT. NOV. DEC. SEATTLE - RECEIPTS OF FRESH & FROZEN FISH WHOLESALE MARKET , LANDINGS . & IMPORTS CUMULATIVE DATA 952 0 JAN. FEB. MAR. APR. MAY. JUNE JULY AUG. SEPT. OCT. NOV. DEC. of Tons CALIFORNIA- TUNA AND TUNA-LIKE FISH 46 CUMULATIVE DATA 4 mgs. 1952 - 34.2 4 (0) 1951 2 42:5 2 1951 - 173.2 JAN. FEB. MAR. APR. MAY. JUNE JULY AUG. SEPT. OCT. NOV. DEC. May 1952 COMMERCIAL FISHERIES REVIEW Sl COLD STORAGE HOLDINGS and FREEZINGS of FISHERY PRODUCTS In Millions of Pounds U.S. & ALASKA - HOLDINGS OF FROZEN FISH “U.S. & ALASKA - FREEZINGS te} JAN. FEB. MAR. APR. MAY. JUNE JULY AUG. SEPT. OCT. MOV. 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 () Onu fF a OD NN wD © JAN. FEB. MAR. APR. MAY. JUNE JULY AUG. SEPT. OCT. NOV. DEC. JAN. FEB. MAR. APR. MAY. JUNE JULY AUG. SEPT. OCT. NOV. DEC. WASHINGTON, OREGON, AND ALASKA - HOLDINGS OF FROZEN FISH 0 JAN. FEB. MAR. APR. MAY. JUNE JULY AUG. SEPT. OCT, NOV. DEC. 52 COMMERCIAL FISHERIES REVIEW Vol. 14, No. 5 CANNED FISHERY PRODUCTS In Thousands MAINE - SARDINES, ESTIMATED PACK CUMULATIVE DATA 12 MQS. 1951 - 1,603.6 12, 1950 - 33844.2 1949 - 3,074.5 ;| Rw2 F JAN. FEB. MAR. APR. MAY. JUNE JULY AUG. SEPT. OCT, NOV. DEC. CALIFORNIA - TUNA AND TUNA-LIKE FISH 1,237.4 JAN. FEB. MAR. APR. MAY. JUNE JULY AUG. SEPT. OCT. NOV. DEC. 510 CALIFORNIA - MACKEREL oO Eon 1 tM JAN. FEB. MAR. APR. MAY. JUNE JULY AUG. SEPT. OCT, NOV. DEC. WASHINGTON - PUGET SOUND SALMON 480 CUMULATIVE DATA 420] 12 wps. 1951 - 870.0 12. |, 1950 - 769.0 12 1949 - 686.8 JAN. FEB. MAR. APR. MAY. JUNE JULY AUG. SEPT. OCT, NOV. DEC. of Standard Cases UNITED STATES - SHRIMP ~ CUMULATIVE DATA 1951/52 SEASON, JULY AUG. SEPT. OCT. NOV. DEC. JAN. FEB. MAR. APR.MAY JUNE CALIFORNIA - PILCHARDS CUMULATIVE DATA 1951/52 SEASON, AUG. -JAN. 1950/51 SEASON, AUG.- JAN. 1950/51 SEASON, TOTAL AUG.-JAN. -'4,284.4 JULY AUG. SEPT. OCT. NOV. DEC. JAN. FEB. MAR. APR. MAY JUNE ALASKA - SALMON CUMULATIVE DATA TOTAL 1951 SEASON - 3,470.0* TOTAL 1950 SEASON - 3,219.7 *PRELIMINARY. JAN. FEB. MAR. APR. MAY. JUNE JULY AUG. SEPT. OCT, NOV. DEC. STANDARD CASES Variety No.Cans Can Designation Net. Wgt. SARDINES 100 1/4 drawn 3 1/4 oz. 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. May 1952 COMMERCIAL FISHERIES REVIEW 53 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 4 MQS. AYG. 1952 - oe i 1951 - JAN. FEB. MAR. APR. MAY. JUNE JULY AUG. SEPT. OCT. NOV. DEC. JAN. FEB. MAR. APR. MAY. JUNE JULY AUG. SEPT. OCT. NOV. DEC. In Millions of Pounds U.S. - IMPORTS OF FRESH & FROZEN FILLETS U.S.- IMPORTS OF FRESH AND FROZEN OF GROUND FISH, INCLUDING ROSEFISH SHRIMP FROM MEXICO CUMULATIVE DATA 4 MOS, 1952 - 42.7 4 wos, 1951 - 31.6 12 NOS, 1951 - 87.0) JAN. FEB. MAR. APR. MAY. JUNE JULY AUG. SEPT. OCT, NOV. DEC. of Pounds U.S.- IMPORTS OF CANNED TUNA ho.4 U.S.-IMPORTS OF CANNED SARDINES AND TUNA-LIKE FISH (Include in oil and not in ou ) 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 .4.), CUMULATIVE DATA 4 mgs. 1952 - 1 4 1951 - 1. Pe LB N QW (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. Vol. 14, No. 5 04 COMMERCIAL FISHERIES REVIEW ZF ISHERY PUBLICATIONS 9 ogg Ba g~ ne: ee + Ale ee hae - 2 aS =—7E: ee Foor aS eT Pe a, Pees y, Recent publications of interest tothe commercial fishing industry are listed below. FISH AND ,WILDLIFE SERVICE PUBLICATIONS THESE PROCESSED PUBLICATIONS ARE AVAILABLE FREE FROM THE DIVISION OF INFORMATION, US. FISH AND WILDLIFE SERVICE, WASH- INGTON 25, D. ©. TYPES OF PUBLICATIONS ARE DESIGNATED AS FOL- LOWS. CFS - CURRENT FISHERY STATISTICS OF THE UNITED STATES AND ALASKA. FL - FISHERY LEAFLETS SL - STATISTICAL SECTION LISTS OF DEALERS IN AND PRODUCERS OF FISHERY PRODUCTS AND BYPRODUCTS. SEP.- SEPARATES (REPRINTS) FROM COMMERCIAL FISHERIES REVIEW. Number Title Number Title CFS—723 - Massachusetts Landings, November 1951, SL-103 - Firms Canning Tuna and Tuna-Like Fishes, 14 p. 1951 (revised), 2 p 'CFS-727 = Alabama Landings, December 1951, 4 p. CFS-728 - Florida Landings, December 1951, 4 p. CFS-734 — Fish Meal and Oil, January 1952, 2 p. CFS-735 - Packaged Fish, Annual Summary 1951, 4 p. CFS-738 - Frozen Fish Report, March 1952 Final, 8p. CFS-746 - Frozen Fish Report, April 1952 Final, 8p. | Sep. 312 - Technical Note No. 19--The Alaska Shee- FL-336L - Quarterly Outlook for Marketing Fishery fish: Description and Proximate Com- Products, April-June 1952, 29 p. position. FL-393 - Preliminary Reviewof the Fisheries of the United States (revised), 16 p. Sep. 311 - The John N. Cobb's ShellfishExplorations in Certain Southeastern Alaskan Waters, Spring 1951. THE FOLLOWING SERVICE PUBLICATION IS AVAILABLE ONLY FROM THE SPECIFIC OFFICE MENTIONED IN THE REVIEW. by months and species on the production of fish Production of Fishery Products in Virginia, Mary- ( and shellfish in selected areas in these States. land, and North Carolina, 1951 (As Reported to Hampton Fishery Market News Office), by Chas. D. Stewart, 27 p., processed. (Available free from the Market News Service, U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service, P. 0. Box 447, Hampton, Va.) In addi- tion to a review and analysis of the trends in the production of fishery products in certain areas of Virginia, Maryland, and North Carolina for 1951, this publication contains statistics The areas included are Morehead City, North Caro- lina; Hampton Roads, York River, Lower Northern Neck, and Eastern Shore, Virginia; and Ocean City, Cambridge, and Crisfield, Maryland. Com-= parative data for 1950 by areas and species are also included as well as a table showing the shrimp landings in certain North Carolina local- ities by areas and months. THE FOLLOWING SERVICE PUBLICATIONS ARE FOR SALE AND ARE AVAILABLE ONLY FROM THE SUPERINTENDENT OF DOCUMENTS, WASHING- TON 25, D. C. Estimation of Size of Animal Populations by Mark— ing Experiments, by Milner B. Schaefer, Fishery Bulletin 69 (From Fishery Bulletin of the Fish and Wildlife Service, vol. 52), 16 p., illus., printed, 15 cents, 1951. Discusses the esti- mation of animal populations by marking experi- ments, which is an important technique in re- search on the dynamics of animal populations, particularly fishes. May 1952 COMMERCIAL FISHERIES REVIEW 95 Laws and Regulations for Protection of the Commer- supersede the regulations published in Regula- nouncement 35, 62 p., printed, March 1952, 20 cents. This publication is divided into two sec- tions. One section contains laws for the pro- tection of the commercial fisheries of Alaska andrelated information, including the authority for regulation, rules regarding oyster culture, Bristol Bay residence requirements, regulation of salmon escapement, fishing-gear restrictions, exceptions to weekly closed seasons, etc. The second section contains all the regulations for the protection of the commercial fisheries of Alaska amended to date and which became effec- tive March 15, 1952. These 1952 regulations tory Announcement 31, effective April 7, 1951. A Unique Bacterium Pathogenic for Warm-Blooded and Cold-Blooded Animals, by Philip J. Griffin and Stanislas F. Snieszko, Fishery Bulletin68 (From Fishery Bulletin of the Fishand Wildlife Service, vol. 52), 7 p., printed, 10 cents, 1951. The isolation and descriptionofa unique bacterium pathogenic for warm-blooded and cold-blooded animals are discussed in this report. This is believed to be the first description of organisms conforming largely to the description of Para- colobactrum aerogenoides and pathogenic for fish. MISCELLANEOUS PUBLICATIONS THESE PUBLICATIONS ARE NOT AVAILABLE FROM THE FISH AND WILDLIFE SERVICE, BUT USUALLY MAY BE OBTAINED FROM.THE AGENCIES ISSUING THEM. CORRESPONDENCE REGARDING PUBL! CATIONS THAT FOLLOW SHOULD BE ADDRESSED TO THE RESPECTIVE AGENCIES OR PUBLISHERS MENTIONED. IF READILY AVAILABLE, ARE SHOWN. chen, article, Trade News, March 1952, vol. 4, no. 9, pp. 3-8, illus., processed. Department of Fisheries, Ottawa, Canada. This article de- scribes the expansion of the British Columbia trawl fishery, species of bottom fish caught, and its relation to other fisheries. It also gives information on catch statistics, market sampling, tagging studies, gear studies, and management of the inshore fishery. "Ecology, Water Conservation, and the Shellfisher- ies," by David H. Wallace, article, The Scien- tific Monthly, vol. LXXIII, no. 6, pp. 349-53, printed, single copies of issue 75 cents. Amer- ican Association for the Advancement of Science, Washington 5, D. C. This article discusses briefly the relationship of certain shellfish to their environment, and the role of the ecologist in their management. The shellfish covered are the blue crab, shrimp, and eastern oyster. 'The Economic Problem of the Newfoundland Fisher- ies," by H. B. Mayo, article, The Canadian Jour- nal of Economics and Political Science, vol. 17, no. 4 (November 1951), 482-93, printed, $1.00 per copy. Canadian Political Science Association, Toronto, Ontario. This is an analytical discus— sion of the problems and prospects of Newfound- land's fisheries, as well a presentation of the essential features of the country's fishing in- dustry presented as background. The fresh and frozen fish trade are discussed, as well as the prospects of the salt cod industry. The author concludes that the "fisheries will continue to need government assistance in a number of forms, both direct and indirect." Handbook of Emergency Defense Activities, April- Sept. 1952, 125 p., printed, 30 cents. General Services Administration, Washington, D. C. (For sale by Superintendent of Documents, Washington 25, D. C.). This is the fourth edition of the Handbook. It lists names, addresses, and tele- phone numbers of Federal agencies concerned with national defense, including the newly-established Small Defense Plants Administration and the Mu- tual Security Agency. The Defense Fisheries Ad- ministration is also listed. DATA ON PRICES, "The British Columbia Trawl Fishery," by K. S. Ket- |The Hawaii Marine Laboratory, by Robert W. Hiatt, Contribution No. 8, 7 p., illus., printed. (Reprinted from Pacific Science, vol. V, no. 4, October 1951). Hawaii Marine Laboratory, Hono- lulu, Hawaii. The Hawaii Marine Laboratory is an integral part of the University of Hawaii and consolidates under one name the long-established Marine Biological Laboratory at Waikiki Beach, the biological laboratories devoted to marine sciences on the main campus of the University, and the newly-constructed branch at Coconut Is- land. The Laboratory operates for both teaching and research, with the Waikiki branch and the classrooms and laboratories on the main campus of the University devoted primarily to instruct tion, and the Coconut Island branch devoted ex- clusively to research. This report is a des- cription of the Coconut Island Branch of the Hawaii Marine Laboratory and its facilities for marine research. Marine Oils, with Particular Reference to Those of Canada, Bulletin 89, 405 p., illus. (100 tables and 44 figures), C$3.00 paper bound and C$4.00 cloth bound (remittance in Canadian funds and payable to Receiver General of Canada). Publi- cations Office, Fisheries Research Board of Cana- da, West Block, Ottawa, Canada. This is a re- vision of a former publication on the chemistry and technology of Canadian marine oils. The contents include the general chemistry of marine oils and fats; nature of component fatty acids and composition of marine oils; vitamins and other non-fat components of marine oils; metabo- lism of fats; chemical reactions and physical properties of fats andoils; deteriorative changes, production, refining and processing commercial utilization, properties, and specifications 9f marine oils; and significance of analytical values. The bulletin is a complete revision by the late Dr. B. E. Bailey of Fisheries Research Board of Canada Bulletin 59 ("The Chemistry and Technology of Marine Oils With Particular Reference to Those of Canada") now out of print. he Marketing of Virginia Seafood, 77 p., illus., processed. Prepared for Committee on Fisheries and Committee on Markets for Marketing by Charles L. Quittmeyer. The advisoryCouncil on the Vir- 56 COMMERCIAL FISHERIES REVIEW Vol. 14, No. 5 THESE PUBLICATIONS ARE NOT AVAILABLE FROM THE FISH AND WILDLIFE SERVICE, BUT USUALLY MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE AGENCIES ISSUING THEM. ginia Economy, March 1950 (Revised February 1952). A studywhich gives a general picture of Virginia's fisheries products, some of the problems involved, some suggested marketing opportunities, and fields for further study. Discusses markets, supply, dis- tribution, costs and prices, and sales promotion. According to the author, profitable merchandis— ing and promotion of Virginia's fisheries prod- ucts in the future will probably depend more and more on how closely the distribution of the Vir- ginia product can be adapted to modern retail methods of intensive distribution of reasonably- priced foods. Mass distribution of food prod=- ucts is facilitated by packaging, standardi- zation, and the use of brands, with the accruing advantages of ease of handling, storing, and promoting. If Virginia's fisheries products are to meet these requirements, continues the author, they must be further processed by curing, can- ning, wrapping, bottling, quick freezing, and packaging. Since palatability is the most im- portant characteristic of most fisheries prod— ucts, quick freezing and freezing to preserve flavor and freshness are the keys to consumer demand for Virginia's fisheries products. "Markets for Fish in Belgian Congo and Angola," by W. Gibson-Smith, article, Foreign Trade, vol. 11, no. 273 (March 22, 1952), pp. 344-7, illus., printed, single copy 10 cents. Foreign Trade Service, Department of Trade and Commerce, Otta- wa, Canada. This article discusses briefly the Belgian Congo and Angola markets for fish, ship- ment and storage, delivery conditions, and im- ports by these countries. Statistical data in- clude imports of dried and smoked fish and can— ned herring. The author states that the "natives are the principal buyers of imported dried and canned fish in the Belgian Congo, and in Angola the Europeans are the fish-eaters." "The Northern Anchovy (Engraulis mordax mordax) in the California Fishery," by Frances N. Clark and Julius B. Phillips, article, California Fish and Game, April 1952, vol. 38, no. 2, pp. 189- 207, illus., printed. Department of Fish and Game, San Francisco, Calif. This article des- cribes the northern anchovy fishery in Central and Southern California, size of anchovies in the catch, weight-length relationship, age and growth, and size at maturity. like Fishes of Hawaii, by Vernon E. Brock, Re- search Paper No. 8, 7 p., illus., printed. (Reprinted from Pacific Science, vol. 3, no. 3, July 1949). Division of Fish and Game, Board of Agriculture and Forestry, Honolulu, Hawaii. This is a report on the big-eyed tuna (Parathun— nus sibi) in Hawaiian waters. The data givenin this report fall into three categories: (1) field identification of the species principally by external characters; (2) morphometric data, which may be useful in later racial studies as the species is an important one in Japanese as well as Hawaiian landings; and (3) some ecologi- cal information based largely on the character- istics of the fishery for the species in Hawaii. Some incidental information on the commercial importance of this species and on the method of taking it is also presented. Statistical data on landings of yellowfin and big-eyed tuna in the Territory of Hawaii are given for 1947-48. A key to the tunas and tuna-like fishes of Hawaii is also included. A Program for Japanese Coastal Fisheries, by William C. Herrington, Preliminary Study No. 48, 75 p., illus., processed. Natural Resources Section, Supreme Commander for the Allied Powers, Tokyo, Japan, May 1951. (Reports may be purchased only in photostat or microfilm from the Office of Technical Services, U. S. Department of Commerce, Washington 25, D. C. However, it was also is- sued as Fishery Leaflet 395 available from the U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Washington 25, D. C.) This report deals with the°economic crisis facing Japan's coastal fisheries and a program for meeting the crisis. In addition, the following special articles are included: "Overfishing in the Coastal Fisheries and Propos- als for its Control," by Harry W. Yoe; "Research and Conservation Program," by Willis H. Rich; "Some Methods of Fishery Management and their Usefulness in a Management Program," by William C. Herrington; "Enforcement of Regulations," by Richard S. Croker; "Technological Developments which will Increase Fishermens! Profits," by Claude M. Adams; "Improvement of Management and Services of Japanese Fisheries Cooperatives, " by Freemen P. Smith; "Japanese Fisheries Financ- ing and Cooperative Management," by Howard ‘H. Gordon; "Japanese Fisheries Extension Service Program," by Freeman P. Smith; and "Financing the Japanese Fishing Industry," by William C. Herr- ington. A list of Natural Resources Section Pre- liminary Studies is also included. "A Statistical Study of Variability in Catch Obtain- ed by Short Repeated Trawls Taken Over An Inshore Ground," by H. Barnes and T. B. Bagenal, article, Journal of the Marine Biological Association of the United Kingdom, 1951, vo. .XXIX, no. 3, pp. 649-660, illus., printed, 22s 6d. net (US$#3.15) Cambridge University Press, London, England. This is an analysis of the variability of a series of replicate hauls taken over a prescribed ground with the same gear and as far as possible under controlled conditions. For analysis the species were divided into "round" ground fish aud "flat" fish together with Nephrops; for both groups the coefficient of variation varied from 40 to 85 percent. It was found that the standard deviation is roughly proportional to the mean, and that the variance is greater than the mean and increases with the mean. This suggests aggregation of the population. Except for haddock and dogfish, the "round" fish constituted a constant population. Changes were found in the other groups and their origin is discussed. p-, printed. Federal Trade Commission, Washing— ton 25, D. C. Contains the revised Trade Prac-— tice Rules for the Public Refrigerated Storage Industry, formerly known as the Commercial Cold Storage Industry. (Also see p. 52 of Commercial Fisheries Review, April 1952.) May 1952 COMMERCIAL FISHiRIES REVIEW 57 CONTENTS, CONTINUED PAGE PAGE FOREIGN (CONTD): FEDERAL ACTIONS (CONTD): NORWAY (CONTD): ECONOMIC STABILIZATION AGENCY: CANNED FISH EXPORT DRIVE ON U.S. MARKET PLANNED .. 39 OFFICE OF PRICE STABILIZATION: MUALEM OI MPRI GEC iatctarcelate eres midis lcreinicte sivicielers e's ivlece cleisle 39 STANDARDS FOR SUSPENSION OF PRICE CONTROLS ...... 44 WHALE MEAT WIDELY ACCEPTED IN UNITED STATES ...... 39 DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR: PERU: FISH AND WILDLIFE SERVICE: PERUVIAN WHALING INTERESTS RECEIVE GOVERNMENT AID. 40 ALASKA COMMERCIAL FISHERIES REGULATIONS AMENDED , 45 TANGANY I KA: DEPARTMENT OF STATE: BISHERIES WORTH DEVEWOPING) to .ace/0-@)creio.e.0.0 vyojeia'c/aie-u's since 40 NORTH PACIFIC FISHERIES CONVENTION SIGNED ...... 46 UNION OF SOUTH AFRICA: EIGHTY-SECOND CONGRESS (SECOND SESSION), APRIL 1952 48 WHALING FLEET OUTPRODUCES OTHER FLEETS ....4.4-424 41 GRAPHS) cic aisieieicec.cicicisijeircive sivas eee eccaccce oneeee 5 50 UNITEQ KINGDOM: k= LANDINGS AND RECEIPTS ....eseeee etovele elereteverelete none 2) NEW FISH FINDERS TO BE USED BY BRITISH TRAWLERS. 41 COLD STORAGE HOLDINGS AND FREEZINGS OF FISHERY KIPPER EXPORT PROJECT LOSES MONEY IN FIRST YEAR .. 41 PRODUCT Sotettarelesisteisiarsiatsiareisiecerste pfeletetelaielsisteteteseie Henodeo LS SUBMARINE (CAMERA: DEVELOPED! oicsccciscvccccccecvcece 42 CANNED FISHERY PRODUCTS ....eseeereres sescevienievcce OS EEE AeA CONG = isielain'sinisjoleleteleiaini< eevee ove nisiaiaipie\pis icles esee 43 PRICES, IMPORTS, AND BYPRODUCTS ....... Sar c0os05 dan 2 ECONOM!C STABILIZATION AGENCY: RECENT FISHERY PUBL | CAT ONS: siejeiaia(sis selescjccjecrce 24 OFFICE OF PRICE STABILIZATION: FISH AND WILDLIFE SERVICE PUBLICATIONS Siajeleseieiniaie see 4 PRICE PROCEDURAL REGULATION REVISED ...... 43 MISCELLANEOUS PUBLICATIONS .......4. midiularelsejeiele eecee DD SUSPENSION OF FATS AND OILS CEILING PRICES PROB-- AGLY !NDICATES A TREND FOR FISH OILS ........... 43 CORRECTION The following footnotes were inadvertently not printed at the end of Table 1 which appeared on page 18 of the April 1952 issue of Commercial Fisheries Review: SYMBOLS FOR TYPES OF BOTTOM: GY.M. - GRAY MUD SH =) SHEEES M. - MUD RK. - ROCK Ss. - SAND RKY. - ROCKY *INSIGNIFICANT QUANTITIES IN CATCH. **MAGNETIC COURSE AT START OF DRAG. Editorial Assistant--Ruth V. Keefe Illustrator--Gustaf T. Sundstrom Compositors--Jean Zalevsky, Betty Coakley, Irene Mainster * KK KK KOK 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. l, 4, 5, 7, 8, 9, 10, and 1l--staff of Exploratory Fishing and Gear Development Section, Branch of Commercial Fish- eries, Seat-le, Washington; p. 21--R. Paul Elliott. INT.-DUP. SEC., WASH., D.C.r1 699 GIOAYV OL 3SN ALVAINd HOA ALIVNAd NORTH PACIFIC ALBACORE TUNA EXPLORATION-- 1950 3 9088 01018 Fishery Leaflet 402, North Pacific Albacore Tuna Exploration--1950, presents the results of work by the Service's exploratory fishing vessel John N- Cobb on eecean phases of albacore tuna fishing and gear-testing experiments in offshore waters of Or¢ Oregon, Washington, British Columbia, and Alaskae The work was carried on for 3g months (from June 12 to September 28, 1950) and was a continuation of a project begun in mid-summer 1949 to study the range of altscore and to in- vestigate the possibilities of establishing a commercial fishery for tuna off tue Alaska coast. Discussed in the report are the background, objectives, and plan of the exploration; occur- rence of albacore and fishing results, including migration pattern, catches by trolling, gill- netting, and long-lining; and a description of the gear and exploratory fishing methods employed. The main objectives of the 1950 exploration by the John N. Cobb were to obtain information on the inshore migration pattern of the albacore; to test the various types of gear on albacore; to further investigate the possibilities of establishing a tuna fishery off Alaska; to record environmental conditions affecting the availability of albacore; and to assist the commercial fleet through radio broadcasts of fishing results. A CATCH OF ALBACORE 1S REMOVED FROM THE GILL NETS ABOARD THE JOHN N. COBB. POMFRET WERE ALSO FAIRLY ABUNDANT IN THIS CATCH. Surface-trolled jigs were used as the main gear for locating albacore, and gill nets and long lines were fished experimentally. Both linen and nylon gill nets were used, and both were equally effective in catching albacore. Best fishing was usually found in warm (58° to 60° F.) blue water, with occasional catches being made in blue-green on green water Although albacore were taken in waters from 54,9 to 62° F., only 3.5 percent of the total catch occurred in waters below 57° F. Good fishing frequently was experienced in fingers of warm, blue water extending into the coastal green zone or along the edge of the blue and green waters. Gill-net catches indicated that the albacore usually stay within the upper region of the warm surface layer. Although over 400 albacore were tagged during the exploration in an effort to gain knowledge of their migration pattern, no returns have been received. Copies of Fishery Leaflet 402 may be obtained free upon request from the Division of Infor- mation, U. S- Fish and Wildlife Service, Washington 25, D. C "KR °N ‘eoeuqT ad 8el ALTSASATuUQ [TTeuaop TLley UosUTys SOTOOZ jo °4deq ‘eae *sqqtD) °H 44°90" i v G40°S - 26/9 — BMNN Wrlog ‘ GTOT °ON FFuLLed SSANISNE 1VIDIs40 ‘Dd ‘Se NOLONIHSVM SOIANSS 3SI107IM GNv HSI4 YOINALNI FHL AO LNANLYVd3ad O0€$ “39V1iSOd 40 LNAWAVd salvis GaLINn