el ee Vol.14,No.9 | SEPTEMBER 1952 FISH and WILDLIFE SERVICE United States Department of the Interior Washington, D.C UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR FISH AND WILDLIFE SERVICE OSCAR L. CHAPMAN, Secretary ALBERT M. DAY, Director ee COMMERCIAL BE WIE = FISHERIES S&e6h A REVIEW OF DEVELOPMENTS AND NEWS OF THE FISHERY INDUSTRIES PREPARED IN THE BRANCH OF COMMERCIAL FISHERIES A. W. Anderson, Editor R. T. Whiteleather, Associate Editor J. Pileggt, Assistant Editor 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: DIVER GETTING READY TO DESCEND |NTO THE SEA TO SEARCH THE BOTTOM FOR ABALONES IN A SURVEY MADE BY THE U. S. FISH AND WILDLIFE SERVICE TO DETERMINE |F THESE SHELLFISH EXIST IN COMMERCIAL QUANTITIES IN SOUTHEASTERN ALASKAN WATERS. (SEE PAGE 8 OF THIS: ISSUE). PAGE EXPERIMENTS ON THE ESCAPE OF UNDERS|ZED HADDOCK THROUGH OTTER TRAWLS, BY JOHN R. CLARK ... 1 PRELIMINARY INVESTIGATION OF THE SOUTHEASTERN ALASKA ABALONE (HALLOTIS KAMTSCHATKANA): PART 1 = EXPLORATORY DIVING, BY ROBERT LIVINGSTONE, URe secrcceeccercrersroesccececs 8 PART 11 - TECHNOLOGICAL STUDIES ON HANDLING ABOARD SHIP AND PREPARATION ASHORE, AND ACCEPTABILITY OF THE COOKED PRODUCTS, BY C. J. CARLSON AND J. A. DASSOW .- 16 _—*e *& e oe PAGE PAGE RESEARCH IN SERVICE LABORATORIES: scececee 19 FOREIGN (CONTD.): TRENDS AND DEVELOPMENTS: cocccescccceccces 21 COLOMBIA: ADDITIONS TO THE FLEET OF U. So FISHING TUNA-FISHING VENTURE NOT SUCCESSFUL . 31 WESSELS Sooo0sccnsedo0n0U 006 DDODGOGGOD ZI GERMAN FEDERAL REPUBL!C: FEDERAL PURCHASES OF FISHERY PRODUCTS .. 21 AMERICAN TRAWLERS TO BE RETURNED TO FISHERY PRODUCTS MARKETING PROSPECTS, US Rae aiotimtcleleerersiieaiteciciels osttelernmoe JULY=SEPTEMBER 1952 ccccececcceescevcce 22 EXPLORATORY TRAWLER FISHING OFF NEW ENGLAND TUNA EXPLORATIONS: GREENLAND SUCCESSFUL .eccoceeeceeos 32 TUNA SIGHTED BY MARJOR|E PARKER TRAWLER FLEET DECREASES .ecccececceve 32 yn (FISHING CRUISE NO. 3) secsccceeceses 23 GERMANY (RUSSIAN ZONE): ; MARJORIE PARKER BRINGS IN TRIP OF DEVELOPMENT OF FISHING INDUSTRY ecoes 33 , BLUEFIN TUNA (FISHING CRUISE NO. 4) . 24 HONG KONG: MARJORIE PARKER SUCCESSFULLY CATCHES OPERATION OF A WHOLESALE FISH MARKET 33 BLUEFIN TUNA WITH LONG=LINE GEAR FISHERIES RESEARCH UNIT AT HONG KONG (FISHING GRUISE NOLS)! boccccccsccscs 24 UNINVERSII TVs) eleleisielcleisio\alelslelelclelsicleteloicleien SA PRIBILOF ISLANDS FUR=SEAL TAKE FOR 1952 25 | CELAND: NEW YORK STATE MARINE FISHERIES PRODUC- BRIT 1SH PROTEST |CELANDIC TERRITORIAL VION, WE cooccooooonGgaco0NsG0dRO000 AS WATERS REGULATIONS cocecececcececes 34 WHOLESALE AND RETAIL PRICES: BRITISH TRAWLER ARRESTED IN NEW RE= WHOLESALE PRICES, JULY 1952 .ecceceeccee 2/7 STRICTED ZONE sccccccecceccceesoeces 30 RETAIL PRICES, JULY 1952 soscesscerecce 29 GROUNDFISH OFFAL MARKET DEVELOPED IN FORE! GN: WaiSiomicieieleieierelclelelelelelevelelelelseloiclolelaleitelemes© BELGIUM: INDIA? INTERNATIONAL FISH EXHIBIT ceccccceocee 30 TRANSPLANTING OF PEARL OYSTERS UNSUC~ |MPROVEMENT OF FISHING INDUSTRY PLANNED 30 G=ESQFUL Abcoadsoaoodcoo00000d000000 SS CANADA FILLETING PLANTS PROJECTED FOR NEW- FOUNDLAND .cccoccccccccrcvccccececcses SI CONTENTS CONTINUED ON PAGE 69 September 1952 Washington 25, D.C. Vol.14, No.9 EXPERIMENTS ON THE ESCAPE OF UNDERSIZED HADDOCK THROUGH OTTER TRAWLS By John R. Clark* INTRODUCTION The tremendous waste of small haddock caught by the otter-trawl fleet has been a matter of grave concern to the fishing industry for many years. This waste can be largely eliminated through the use of large-meshed nets. Experi- ments during the past half century on both sides of the Atlantic have shown that it is possible, by the use of nets with meshes of proper dimensions, to release most fish below a chosen size and to retain most fish above that size. The prob- lem is to choose a size of mesh which will allow most of the small haddock toes- cape while retaining most of the marketable-size haddock. At the request of the International Commission for the Northwest Atlantic Fisheries, experiments were conducted by the Woods Hole Laboratory of the Branch of Fishery Biology, U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service, in June 1952 to obtain addi- tional information on certain specific sizes of net mesh. Tnis report presents the results of these experiments. METHODS The experiments were conducted on two of the regular trips of the trawler Michigan, one of the large trawlers fishing out of Boston. The vessel fished on Georges Bank in a normal commercial operation, and the fish were sold through the FIGURE 1--FINE=-MESHED SHRIMP NET COVER ATTACHED TO UPPER PART OF COD END BEFORE ATTACHMENT OF BULL HIDES. FISHERY RESEARCH BIOLOGIST, NORTH ATLANTIC FISHERY INVESTIGATIONS, BRANCH OF FISHERY B! OLOGY U.S. FISH AND WILDLIFE SERVICE, WOODS HOLE, MASSACHUSETTS. , 2 COMMERCIAL FISHERIES REVIEW Vol. 14, No. 9 New England Fish Exchange according to the usual practice. Onboth days that the Michigan landed fish from the experimental cruises, the vessel was “"highliner" (landing more thany any other vessel) for the day. ee The nets usedwere standard No. 41 ottertrawls, with bellies allof 5-inch (between knot centers) mesh. Experiments were made ontwo sizes ofmesh inthe cod FIG. 2 - LARGE CATCHES IN THE COD END (FORE- GROUND) AND IN THE COVER (BACKGROUND). ends. Onthe first cruise, codends of 4-7/8- inchmesh were used. Onthe secord cruise, codends were increased to 5-1/2-inchmesh. These measurements are the"as ordered" and computed betweenknot centers. All nets were obtained fromfirms that normally sup- ply theBoston fleet. Since greater strength is required forthese larger meshes, the cod ends were constructedof 50-yard, four-thread, double manila twine. A cover of fine-meshshrimp nettingwas fitted tothe upper side of the codend in orderto capture the small fishwhich escaped (figs.land2). The cover extended eight feet beyond the codend of thetrawl andter- minatedas a small"cover codend" withits own cod-end line. Thefish couldnot escape through the underside of the codend because of the bullhide protectors attached there. For purposes of the International FIG. 3 - THE PRESSURE GAUGE FOR MEASURING Northwest Atlantic Fisheries Commission, THE |NSIDE DIMENSIONS Oi ise OAER He : PRESSURE OF 12 PCUNDS. A PRESSURE OF measurements ofmesh size are made by in- POUNDS BRINGS THE NOTCH IN THE INDICATOR serting a flat wedge-shaped gauge intothe TO THE NOTCH IN THE PLATE. September 1952 COMMERCIAL FISHERIES REVIEW 3 mesh of a wetused net under a pressure of 12 pounds. A special gauge forthis pur- pose, illustrated in figure3,was constructed. The gauge has an indicator for a pres- sure of 12 pounds. Inside measurements made inthis way are, of course, lower than the between-knots measurements whichare normally usedin ordering nets from manu- FIG. 4 - COMPARISON OF CATCHES FROM THE COD END AND FROM THE COVER. FISH IN CHECKER TO THE LEFT WERE RETAINED BY THE 4-1/8-1NCH MESH (1NS1DE° MEASUREMENT ) . FISH |N CHECKER TO RIGHT PASSED THROUGH MESHES OF COD END AND WERE CAUGHT IN THE COVER. facturers. The experimentalnets were measured before use and periodically through- out the experiments with thepressure gauge in orderto record any changes taking piace asthe result of use. Measurements were made allalong the codend fromfore to aft. All measurements ofused nets were made when the nets were thoroughly wet. All haddock fromthe codend and fromthe cover were countedand measuredexcept incases of very large catches, when only a represent- ative sample wastaken and the total computed onthe basis of this sample. Thetwo catches were kept separate byemptying the cod end firstwhile the cover was stillhanging over- side. Thenthe cover was hoisted aboardand emptiedonto another part of the deck. The two catches were kept apart until counted Bia. (Sik ERSURINa HADDOEREAT ScACan andmeasured (fig. 4,5 and 6). THE MICHIGAN, 4 COMMERCIAL FISHERIES REVIEW Vol. 14; No. 9 Itwas necessaryat the beginningof the experimentsto determine whether the cover washaving any effecton the selectivityof the codend, either by impeding theflow of waterthrough the netor by interferingwith the escape of fish through FIG. 6 - A LARGE CATCH OF UNDERSIZED FISH IN THE COVER. THESE FISH PASSED THROUGH THE MESHES OF THE COD END. the large mesh byobstructing it in some way. Forthis purpose an uncoverednet was usedalternately with the covered net for a number of tows, and the catches of the two compared. RESULTS Table 1 - Sizes (Inside Measurements) of Mesh in a 4-7/8-Inch Between Knot Centers) Cod End Before and After Use Part of Cod End Measured When ae i rwne elmanr Measured Ist (aft) | 2nd | 3rd [4th (fore ree chicane s Approximate Average For Entire Cod End After 3 tows After 24 tows After 30 tows September 1952 COMMERCIAL FISHERIES REVIEW 5 the netis then subjected to strain, the meshes mayincrease in sizedue tothe tight- eningof the knots. Sincethe strain maybe greater inthe aft part of the cod endin which the catchis hoisted, more stretchingmay occur therethan inthe fore part. Ta- blel presentsthe measurements of one of the 4-7/8-inch (between knot centers) cod ends before use andat intervalsduring the trip. Measurements were taken at random within the four quarters running lengthwise of the cod end, on the upper side only. It can be seen that the meshes shrunk considerably at first, then remained relatively constant, and finally stretched a little after the last few tows. In the first tow 3,000 pounds of fish were taken, causing the knots to tighten and Table 2 - Sizes (Inside Measurements) of Mesh in a 53-Inch Between Knot Centers) Cod Fnd Before and After Use Part of Cod End Measured When ilies Wape P cepa. Wl@hs hte Approximate Average For Measured st (aft)[ 2nd [3rd | 4th (fore) Entire Cod End We n h the meshes to stretch. almost to the maximum attained during the trip. During the next 27 tows the heaviest catch was 2,800 pounds. This was not sufficient to cause much additional stretching. Then, on tow 29, 5,000 pounds were taken and the meshes stretched an additional quarter of an inch. As expected, the meshes in the aft part of the cod end stretched more than those near the belly. In table 2 are the measurements for one of the 5-1/2-inch (between knot centers) cod ends used on the second cruise. The usual initial shrinkage occurred and then there was appreciable stretch- ing only in the aft part. The heaviest catch (3,100 pounds) was taken ontow 11, after which themesh sizes changed but little. At the completion of the trip, the meshes in the aft part of the cod end were 5/8-inch greater than were those in the fore end. Table 3 - Selectivity of the 33 -Inch |_______(Inside Measurements) Cod End Percentage | Gutted Fish in| Fish in|Total Retained Nei ght aa pati Cover |Cod End|Caught | in Cod End . s ° . ° e . e PRR ; QQQOGRAwWH LL O OA I WOR COCOFRAKFPONBW RBRMOPOMUrPRAPNHOAIAWNS WW The meshes in the bellies of the netswhich were purchased as 5-inch (between knot centers) averaged 4-1/2 inches as measured with the gauge when wet after use. There was no material change in War WWHNDEPEH 1/S\ZE GROUPS BY 3 CM. INTERVALS. DUE TO THE METHOD OF RE- CORDING LENGTHS TO LOWER FULL CM. (E.G. ALL LENGTHS FROM 21.0 CMS, TO 21.9 CMS. ARE RECORDED AS 21 cMS.), AN AD- JUSTMENT OF 0,5 CM. MUST BE MADE TO EACH LISTED GROUP LENGTH TO OBTAIN THE TRUE MIDPOINT OF THE GROUP. 6 COMMERCIAL FISHERIES REVIEW Vol. 14, No. 9 size during use. The netting of the bellies is constructed of single twine so that there is a different relationship between the two types of measurements. In the cod ends with double twine, a 5-inch (between knot centers) mesh would have an internal dimension much less than 4-1/2 inches. EFFECT OF COVER: Analysis of the results of the paired tows showed that the cover did not hinder the escape of small haddock from the cod end. Had the cover interfered, we would expect to find more small fish in the covered cod end. The greater number of small fish would, of course, lower the average size of haddock in the covered cod end as compared with the uncovered one. The average lengthof fish in seven pairs of tows in which the meshes averaged 3-3/h inches (inside measurement) however, was exactly the same (40.7 cm.) in both the covered and un- covered cod ends. In 5 pairs of tows with the 4-1/8-inch (inside measurement ) mesh the averege length of haddock from the covered net was actually a little higher (42.7 cm.) than from the uncovered net (41.6 cm.). It can be stated with confidence, therefore, that under the prevailing conditions, the cover did not hinder the escape of small fish from the cod end. This has been verified by a detailed statistical analysis which will be reported elsewhere. ESCAPE OF FISH THROUGH Table 4 - Selectivity of the 4-1/8-Inch THE MESH: In a series of Inside Measurements) Cod End 5 tows with the 4-7/8-inch Percentage | (between knot centers) cod Total Retained | end during which the size Caught in Cod Ena |Of mesh held close to 3- a Nau ra 3/4 inches (inside measure- ment ),a total of 7,268 had- dock were taken; 6,195 of these were retained in the cod end while 1,053 escaped to be caught in the cover. The numbers of haddock of various sizes taken inthe cod end and inthe cover, as well as the percentages of these sizes which were retained in the cod end, are given in table 3. It will be noted that practi- cally all fish weighing less than 0.4 pound es- caped and that practically all fish weighing more than one pound were retained by this mesh which averaged 3-3/1, inches (inside meas- urement ). tO WO OFNKFPONNAIOWMOWNO ° ° e Wor romr-I1F YOAWEWND ° ee ee ee wonroWnmwOnnNO = N9 Oo NIWWH e FPWWNHNN-EHEH FE 1/S\ZE GROUPS BY 3 CM. INTERVALS. DUE TO THE METHOD OF RE- CORDING LENGTHS TO LOWER FULL CM. (E.G., ALL LENGTHS FROM 21.0 CMS. TO 21.9 CMS. ARE RECORDED AS 21 cMS.), AN AD- JUSTMENT OF O.5 CM. MUST BE MADE TO EACH LISTED GROUP LENGTH TO OBTAIN THE TRUE MIDPOINT OF THE GROUP. The selectivity of meshes is defined by the 50-percent selection point. This is expressed as the size of fish of which 50 percent are retained and 50 percent released by the net. For this net with 3-3/4-inch (inside measurement) mesh the 50-percent selection point was 32 cm. (12.6 inches). Haddock of this lengthweigh about 3/4 pound. The results of the experiment with the 5-1/2-inch (between knot centers) mesh are given in table 4. In a series of eight tows with this cod end during whichthe meshes averaged 4-1/8 inches (inside measurement), 4,384 haddock were taken, of September 1952 COMMERCIAL FISHERIES REVIEW 7. which 3,194 were retained and 1,190 escaped through the meshes of the cod end and were caught in the cover. In this case, most fish weighing less than 0.6 pounds escaped, while practically all fish weighing more than 1.3 pounds were re- tained. The 50-percent selection point for this net of 4-1/8-inch (inside meas- urement) mesh was 35.5 cm. (14 inches). Haddock of this length weigh about one pound. SUMMARY 1. The shrinkage and stretching in use of two sizes of mesh in cod ends of otter trawls was measured. 2. A well fitted fine mesh cover on the cod end does not interfere with the escapement of small fish, so that covered nets can be used for determining the selectivity of meshes. 3. The selectivity of two sizes of mesh was measured. The use of a netwith meshes larger than the larger one used in these experiments (4-1/8 inches, inside measurement ) would result in saving most of the haddock now discarded, and at the same time would retain most of the fish now caught and landed. ACKNOWLEDGMENT We are grateful for the cooperation received from the fishing industry, with- out which these experiments could not have been carried out; to Mr. Ben Larson for the use of the trawler Michigan and to Captain Rudolph Greene and the entire crew of that vessel for their enthusiastic cooperation. Captain Westerbeke ofthe Westerbeke Fishing Gear Company, Inc., of Boston cooperated in the design and preparation of the special gear used in the experiments. The following biologists assisted in the project: Sterling L. Cogswell, Robert L. Cory, Robert G. Kirkpatrick, Robert R. Marak, Craig Slater, and Robert S. Wolf. U. S. CANNED FISHERY PRODUCTS PRODUCTION DO YOU KNOW THAT .... California led in the production of canned fishery products witha pack of 388,296,199 pounds, valued at $122,572,382. Alaska was second with 168,459,159 pounds, valued at $80,748,052. These areas accounted for 70 percent of the 1951 United States and Alaska pack of fishery products and 68 percent of its value. Canned Fish & Byproducts--1951, C.F.S. No. 772 8 COMMERCIAL FISHERIES REVIEW Vol. 14, No. 9 PRELIMINARY INVESTIGATION OF THE SOUTHEASTERN ALASKA ABALONE (Haliotis kamtschatkana) PART I - EXPLORATORY DIVING By Robert Livingstone, Jr.* INTRODUCTION For many years residents of southeastern Alaska have gathered sufficient abalone from the rocky shores of Prince of Wales and Baranof Islands for home con- sumption. In 1947, Dr. G. Dallas Hanna of the California Academy of Sciences, while making a species : study, reported incident- ~ ally that abalone occur in considerable numbers along the a of the outer islands. Fairly extensive beds of abalone are also found in north- ern British Columbia a- long the rocky shores bordering the open ocean on the west coast of the Queen Charlotte Islands (Quayle 1940). All evi-~ dence at hand suggested that abalone were avail- able along the west coast of Prince of Wales and Baranof Islands and that this region held promise for exploration. These reports, however, didnot furnish sufficient infor- mation to establish definitely whether a commercial fishery is actually possible.. In view of the need for off-season fisheries in southeastern Alaska, a survey was made by the U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service to determine if abalone existed incom- mercial quantities. FIG. 1 = DIVER SEARCHING BOTTOM FOR ABALONE IN SHALLOW WATER. For the explorations, a professional Alaska salmon-trap diver was employed, to- gether with his 38-foot boat. The diving was carried on from September 15 to Oc- tober 10, 1951. The work was confined to the waters of the west coast of Prince of Wales Island and the vicinity of Craig, Alaska (see fig. 2). EQUIPMENT The diving tender used on the survey was the 38-§ ot cruiser-type Lady Bess (see fig. 3), with a beam of 9 feet, draft of 4 feet, and sleeping accommodations FISHERY METHODS AND EQUIPMENT SPECIALIST, NORTH PACIFIC FISHERIES EXPLORATION AND GEAR RESEARCH, EXPLORATORY FISHING AND GEAR DEVELOPMENT SECTION, BRANCH OF COMMERCIAL FISHERIES, U. S. FISH AND WILDLIFE SERVICE, SEATTLE, WASHINGTON. V/ OR. HANNA'S OBSERVATIONS WERE BASED ON LOW-T1DE COLLECTIONS, RECONNAISSANCE OF THE SUB-LIT- TORAL ZONE WITH A SKIFF AND AN UNDERWATER VIEWER, AND SURVEYS OF THE SHORES. IN ADDITION, HE EMPLOYED A SALMON-TRAP DIVER TO MAKE SEVERAL DIVES IN SELECTED LOCATIONS. (UNPUBLISHED MATERIAL GENEROUSLY FURNISHED THE WRITER BY DR. HANNA. ) 2/ SHALLOW DRAFT 1S ESSENTIAL TO WORK THE ROCKY SHORE AREAS INHABITED BY THE ALASKA ABALONE. September 1952 COMMERCIAL FISHERIES REVIEW 9 134° AQ S a cc) KOSCIUSKO @& 5@00' Aw 5 WARREN Eogtel ISLAND i) y* 9” SEA OTTER TONOWEK BAY Anguilla 40' MAURELLE| Turtle . 1, STEEN ARIS (d) cea LANQUIZAL 0 Ww GULF OF ESQUIBEL (C-—— > NUMBERED DIVING LOCATIONS 20° 134° | 00 20 / 133°/00 ee FIG. 2 - SECTION OF WEST COAST OF PRINCE OF WALES 1SLAND EXPLORED FOR ABALONE. 10 COMMERCIAL FISHERIES REVIEW Vol. 14, No. 9 for six, The crew was made up of the diver and his attendant (see fig 4). Div- ing gear, stored in the open cockpit astern, consisted of: The commercial-type of tan dress (or suit) with patches. A three-light (or window) diving helmet which was attached to a standard 12-bolt breastplate (fig. 4). U. S. Navy-type diving belt, to which could be fastened as many as ten 8-pound diving weights. A special diver's knife for cutting kelp, etc. Rubber overshoes and canvas gloves. Diver's air hose, 250 feet long. The air supply was maintained by a small gasoline-powered compressor with a maximum output of 19 cu. ft. per minute. About one-half hour's air supply was kept on hand in a 15-gallon pressure tank in case ofmechan- ical failure of the compressor. Communication betweenthe diver and the assistant was by means of sound-power telephone. In addition to the diving equip— ment, the diver carrieda sharp- ened tire iron for removing the abalone, and a small bur- lap bag for holding the catch. The burlap bag was kept open in an oval shape by a piece of stiff wire. PROCEDURE Diving was selected as FIG. 3 - THE 38-FOOT DIVING TENDER LADY BESS. the most suitable exploratory fishing method since it has proven successful in the established California abalone fishery (Bonnot 1948). Before the area to be worked was selected, the U. S.Coast 5 18s =, and Geodetic Survey charts were studied to gain information about shore lines, bottom features, shel- ter, and anchorages. In planning the day's work, alternate diving locations were chosen in case of unfavorable wind shifts. Theshores adjacent to diving locations were inspected for abalone shells left there by mink or other animals, since the presence of shells some- Ls ay oleae a lead to theabalone beds. : : Throughout the survey anunder- FIG. 4 - ATTACHING THE DIVER'S HELMET TO THE BREAST- Water viewing device was found to PLATE IN PREPARATION FOR DIVING. be helpful in the initial appraisal of abalone beds. The viewer con- sisted of a hollow aluminum cylinder 24 inches in length and 74 inches in diameter with handles on one end and a pane of glass sealed into the other. Use of the viewer gave a satisfactory examination of the bottom unaffected by surface disturb- ances (see fig. 6). This provided an idea of abalone density, the extent and type 3/ THIS METHOD HAD BEEN FOLLOWED BY DR. HANNA AND OFFERS CLUES AS TO THE WHEREABOUTS OF THE ABALONE CONCENTRATIONS. September 1952 COMMERCIAL FISHERIES REVIEW 11 of bottom, and the nature of kelp growths. On sunny days the bottom could be seen to depths approaching 30 feet unless suspended matter made viewing difficult. The underwater viewer was less effective when used over a uniformly dark-colored bottom, when a layer of ate water covered the surface ,4 and on dark days. After taking a sounding, the diver jumped off the stern of the tender. On the bottom, he reported by telephone his findings of abalone abundance, bottom characteristics, and other related information, If no abalone were found within a short time, a longer period on the bottom usually produced no better results. The diver made use of all the air hose (250 feet) at each location unless FIG. 5 - DIVER BEING HELPED OVER THE SIDE BY ATTENDANT. hampered by an irregular bottom or kelp entanglements. Removal of an abalone from its attached position on a rock was not difficult. Ordinarily, the diver merely slid or twisted the abalone off with his gloved hand. This method worked particularly well on a boulder bottom where the even Working ina semi-prone position, , : could use his hands to pull himself along. Oc- casionally, when an aba- lone stuck tightly, the diver removed it byslid- ing the tire iron under its foot. The catchesof abalone were placed in the small burlapbag which the diver wore Sat at his front or side. when the bag was full, the diver called his assist- ant by telephone, and the author went in a skiff to the spot markedby the diver's bubbles. Here a wire basket was lowered into which the diver placed the bag of abalone. Then the basket with the - bag was raised to thesur— [a - z face, the contentsemptied FIG. 6 - LOOKING FOR ABALONE WITH UNDERWATER VIEWING DEVICE into the basket, the empty BEFORE DIVING NEAR NOYES ISLAND. 4/ THE DIVER MENTIONED THAT IN SALMON-TRAP WORK A LAYER OF FRESH WATER ON TOP OF THE SALT WATER WILL OFTEN CHANGE THE INTENSITY OF THE LIGHT. THIS CONDITION IS PROBABLY CAUSED BY REFRAC- TION OF LIGHT RAYS UPON ENTERING MEDIUMS OF DIFFERENT DENSITY; HOWEVER, NO QUANTITATIVE MEASUREMENTS WERE MADE TO DETERMINE THE CAUSE. 5S/ CALIFORNIA ABALONE DIVERS CARRY A NET BAG WHICH HOLDS ABOUT TWO DOZEN ABALONE. WHEN THE BAG 1S FULL, THE DIVER SIGNALS HIS ATTENDANT WHO CLIPS AN EMPTY BAG TO THE DIVER'S LIFE LINE. THE DIVER THEN PULLS THE EMPTY BAG DOWN AND FASTENS THE BAG HOLDING THE ABALONE TO THE LIFE LINE WHICH IS HAULED UP TO THE TENDER BY THE ASSISTANT. ( BONNOT 1948) 12 COMMERCIAL FISHERIES REVIEW Vol. 14, No. 9 bag re-lowered to the diver, and the skiff rowed back to the diving tender. Fi- nally, the abalone were weighed, measured, placed in burlap sacks, and lowered over the side of the tender until fully submerged. RESULTS AND OBSERVATIONS During the survey 17 dives were made, and the results from each dive are pre- sented in table 1. The length of time spent on the bottom ranged from 17 minutes to 2 hours and 28 min- utes, with an average time of 52 minutes. The diver operated in depths from zero feet to She die Suteieo Dy &0 feet.©/ A totalof 612 abalone were taken by diving, and the gross weight in the shellwas a 177.7 pounds.. : ee es, The most produc— VE WATER CIRCULATION. DIVE NUMBER 7 oFF tive dive (No. 7) pro- LULU ISLAND. duced 202 abalone which, weighed 69.4 pounds in the shell and averaged 5.5 ounces each. This dive, lasting 2 hours and 28 minutes, was made approximately 3-mile southward of Point Marabilla on the western shore of Lulu Island in St. Nicholas Channel (see fig. 2). The main part of this e abalone concentration was confined to rik , a zone of boulders in 9 to 23 feet of ? ' water and generally shoreward of the eee holdfasts of kelp.// This finding is consistent with reports by Japanese fishermen that the abalone beds in northern British Columbia extend out as far as the kelp line (Thampson 1914). Another fairly good bed of aba- lone was discovered on the west shore of Blanquizal Point on Prince of Wales Island, where a 65-minute dive (No. 11) produced 154 abalone which weighed 41.4 pounds in the shell and averaged 4.3 ounces each. Dives from areas other than those mentioned produced smaller or insignificant catches (see table 1). DEPTH OF ABALONE Z ara pis t Abalone were commonly found inthe i ntl VENTRAL } i i on : rocky shoal areas which are partially ¢ig¢, 9 - borsAL AND VENTRAL VIEWS OF ALASKA exposed _on the minus tides of spring ABALONE (RULER GRADUATED IN INCHES). 6/ DEPTHS GIVEN IN THIS REPORT ARE BASED ON ONE ACTUAL SOUNDING AT THE TIME OF THE DIVE. AP= PROXIMATE TIDAL STAGE AT THE TIME OF EACH SOUNDING IS SHOWN IN TABLE 1. W/ EXTENSIVE BEDS OF LIVE BULL KELP NEREOCYSTIS LUETKEANA WERE NOTED IN ST. NICHOLAS CHANNEL AND IN THE SHOAL AREAS BETWEEN HECETA AND TUXEKAN ISLANDS. 13 COMMERCIAL FISHERIES REVIEW September 1952 ‘pore eTOUM Ut esang ‘*teyem Jedeop UT pues ITM eSpeT Jeptnog eATsue4XT “suUTYOIN ves AuBy *petejTeys eedy “9[no -TjJJIP Butmeta ape Jeqqjem pepuedsnsg “sutqoin Bes ON *Iejem JO Joos & puNodJe UT esas eTqeieptsuog *TeaBra pue pues o4tyM ‘sreptnog peze4 -9809 ‘*Spoom Jo eSpe ut s{Teus “suTyoIN Bes snozeumy *sqqjdep MOTTBUS UT esans peg *sIap[nog Mel U4IM SSpeT euUO4SSUTT “suTyoOIN Bes ON *pete}Teys eody ‘“sseisoud s,JoATp pomo [Ss djex Jo juseweTsueyue peg “*spoom Jo espe ut sTTeyus ON *“petejyTeys ejy;nbd Bory “*seyoqzed ut djtey JeotTpRoag *eqBISMOTSUOD YYTM ESpeT euoJSeMIT ‘“suTyoOIN wes mag *su~qoum Bes snozeumN! M0490q JepTnog *spoom jo efpe UT puNOJ sTTeus UeAeTE ‘*pete4yvos ouoTRqY *TTOMS 4USTTIS “dTey Jeet -peorg pue sseiZtee jo seyoyeq “*suTyoIN Bes snocounN *eA0o JO Jej4UeD UT eZpeT Jeptnog uo pate44eos suoTeqY *eley edins ON *9A00 O4UT Sutuuni oSedees re4em Ysety *eaod UT ssBidTeq *yjgo-dozp ydniqe 44tm e2peT YooN *spoom UT STTeUs ON * 30M 04 Aseqy *sdeptnog pede4yeos pue puss 447M espeT Ayooy *ystjieqys snozeumu ‘sutyodn ees meg *perteqyqeos euoTeqy *m0390q wo dTex JeaTpeotg Jo seyojed “*ATTTQTSTA pooyn ‘*suydep moTTeys UT eZins TepTt YZTTS “*suTyoIn wos suey “Sieptnog Jo e#patT uo euoTeqe Jo Zupzmoys pooy *dTex Ting Jo s4sej-pjTou snozeunu pue djteyx jeeTpeoig ‘“sutyoum Bes Auel] *teqem MOTTBUS UI szepTnog jo pueq uo suoTeqe jo Aqtquenb aTey *squem eTaueque dtex mej IoJ ydooxe yom 04 Asve Bery *2eqEM aedeep ut wo440q Apues *eSpeT JepTnog TTeus wo euoTeAY *y10m 03 Asee Beery “*ssedstee ‘edpe,T yoor qqtMm m0930q Apues “*spoom Jo aZpe uy sTTeys Jo sutmoys pooy *Xqo zed djex jJeeTpeolg ‘*sdep—Tnoq [Teus pedeqqeos Mey Y4TM mo330q Apues AT[B1euey “YSsTjieys pues sTTeus meTo AuBy *prqan4 qeqem “*sserZTeo 44t™ Ayoysd °m0990q pues pus pn *JJTITO Jo essq uo pinoy doTTBOSs yoor punod-4/¢ F eu0 *“adans jo Junowe [Tums “Jeet Og 98 JjJo-dorp dzeys 441m m0430q pues pues Jep—nog *pezeqqBos euoTeqy syreUEYy "3AI0 4O 3WIL LY SNIGNNOS 1¥NiI¥ 3NO NO G3Sve8 . pooTa ue TS Pos [oe | we fm Peel ve] oe | a] coca] ween] Sate [rr POOL ue TS: . pools DUETS] ol seq g*c s°s 9°24 4g +/¢ £2 ST uGOsTE9SET uSTsSSoSS gO plem | TS-0E~-6 4S0m pUBTST qae mets Sa ON a de POOL puBTSsT Sa SC ad Da OBTS mets os [orf ve [ee ee] ee | @ [a] eens] sone] Bertone qq et) | eST | ¥/s at IT] aSbiSSoSST| u2eidSoSS seTBM | 1S-S2~6 go e0utig poota puBTsy es g*c +/¢ 9T ve oT uL0s9Eo8ST uSPs8EoSS 8T44nL| TS-Ge-6) yoBTs pueTst MOT wOTIPEQSET| 1001 0%0SS BTTTnsuy| To-$3~6 yoets puetsy 6°S T°6 Wath rag ud¥iSSoSST u6018E0SS Teqtnbsg yoets pussy s*s MOT 8hT Z uOE 1 2SoSST u8S1620SS umMy poota pues] T°? “°c g°ce | 26 %/T 8T SOT uBTsBS SET} ufTs820SS safon qqt pie L°v L°2 $/S 0G ¢ uBS PT oSST u0014209SS BysTpneg poota 0°? £ ¥/e oe uTTsSToSET] u201L2o0SS pooTta ¥/T dT 460sST SET u80sL00SS BqsTqneg wen wes yoets Bg WSTtH uB2iSOoSET u00sS%_SS | OLePBoor], poota Ae uy are so | ete || 9/0 T | uB0sL00e2T | uFO1S%oSS} OLePBOOIT, *ZO cur "sql “ON | OpTd : eyo} Fo *M epngrsuoy |*N epngtqeT | woTyeooT e2e4s : 14 COMMERCIAL FISHERIES REVIEW Vol. 14, No. 9 and summer. In British Columbia, the abalone are found from the zero-foot level down to a depth of several fathoms (Quayle 1940). A Ketchikan salmon-trap diver, who made several dives for Dr. Hanna in 1947, claimed that he had gathered aba- lone as deep as 6 fathoms and had seen them as far down as 15 fathoms. TYPE OF BOTTOM Best concentrations of abalone were found in areas where the bottom was cov- ered with boulders of various sizes interspersed with stretches of clean gravel. The Alaska abalone apparently inhabits more open surfaces than the California species which are reported common in the interstices and on the undersurfaces of rocks (Bonnot 1940). No abalone were encountered where the diver reported bottoms of mud, sand, or shell. SIZE OF ABALONE In a sample of 345 shell lengths, &/ the size of abalone ranged from 1.9 inches (48 mm.) to 5.0 inches (127 mm.) and averaged 3.8 inches (97 mm.). One shell collected on the shore of San Juan Bautista Island measured 5.2 inches (132 mm.). Whole abalone weights varied from 4-ounce (14 grams) to 11.5 ounces (326 grams). The average weight of 356 abalone, including the shell, was 4.6 ounces (130 grams). It is pointed out for comparison that California sauleras divers must abide by a law that sets a minimum size of 6, 7i,and 8 inches, respectively, for the pink or black, green, and red abalones. (Bonnot 1948) A comparison of the Alaska and the California abalones, if based on shell measurements, is apt to be misleading. Table 2 shows that 12 Alaska abalone hav- ing 5-inch shell measurements Table 2 - Size and Weight of | had a gross weight of 8 pounds, ___ Alaska and and California Abalk Abalones- while an equal number of Cali- fornia abalone having 63-inch shell measurements had a gross In. Lbs. weight of 26.7 pounds. The EEO) “Was Alaska abalone, which had shell 3.5] 207 measurements 23 percent less ASO) \ ZsaL than the California abalone, AIS || B52 possessed a gross weight 70 per- 5.0 8.0 cent less than the California 6.5] 26.7 sample. This disparity inweight PO Saloal is also reflected in the yield 7.5 Boa of the two varieties. Whereas 8.0 56h the twelve 5-inch Alaska abalone 8.5 yielded a foot-muscle weight of 9.0 3.4 pounds, the twelve 63-inch 77 BOTH SEXES INCLUDED. CALIFORNIA DATA FROM BONNOT | California abalone yielded 11.8 (1948). pounds. No data are available 2/ WEIGHT CALCULATED BY APPLYING 42 PERCENT RECOVERY BATS GO GROSS MELGME.. to provide direct comparisons of gross weights and recoveries from Alaska and California abalones of equal shell measurements. It would appear, howaver, that the Alaska abalone possess a markedly lower gross weight and recovery weight in proportion to shell measurement than do the California abalone, DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONS In the area covered, diving did not locate sufficient quantities of abalone to warrant their commercial exploitation. It is possible that greater numbers of 8/ ABALONE WERE MEASURED THROUGH THE LONGEST DIAMETER OF THE SHELL WITH A SLIDING CALL| PER-TYPE MEASURER GRADUATED IN MILLIMETERS. September 1952 COMMERCIAL FISHERIES REVIEW 15 abalone occur along the seaward sides of the outer islands in this region; how- ever, weather conditions would frequently make abalone diving in these areas haz- ardous or impossible. Even in California, abalone divers average only about 12 working days a month (Bonnot 1948). When the underwater viewer could be used near the time of low water, better catches usually resulted because first-hand knowledge of the area was obtained prior to diving. At dive locations Nos. 6, 7, 11, and yee the underwater viewer could be used to ascertain bottom conditions before the dive was begun. Diving stations worked at higher stages of the tide made the use of the viewer less effective. The denser abalone beds were found in the inside passages close to the ocean or in areas where either surge or tidal currents provided a constant exchange of water. Abalone were commonly found in and near colonies of sea urchins. One of the Laminarian algaes (referred to in table 1 as broadleaf kelp) often carpeted the bottom, and some abalone were found adhering to this kelp. Areas in whichthe diver reported an unusual abundance of starfish yielded few abalone. There is evidence from California that the smaller abalone are sometimes preyed on by star- fish (MacGinitie and MacGinitie 1949). A number of conditions that made diving difficult in this region should be noted, The very irregular bottom encountered in shoal areas made it difficult to find sufficient swinging room for the diving tender while at anchor. Kelp entan- glements often slowed the diver's progress because he either had to cut the kelp or crawl through it, running the risk of fouling his air line. Bottom surge dis- turbed the diver, but in most locations this was not serious. Strong tidal cur- rents caused excessive strain on the air hose making it harder to pull slack. SUMMARY A diving exploration for abalone was made from September 15 to October 10, 1951, in southeastern Alaska off the central west coast of Prince of Wales Island to determine the availability and abundance of abalone for commercial use. The watersoff the west coast of Prince of Wales Island were selected for ex- ploration because available information indicated that commercial quantities of abalone might be found in this region. A commercial salmon-trap diver and his 38- foot boat were employed. Seventeen dives were made at various locations, usually where there was protection from the weather, No dives were made in waters off the exposed ocean beaches, but weather conditions much of the year would make diving for abalone in these areas hazardous or impossible, Commercial quantities of abalone were not found in the areas investigated. Abalone beds were found in areas where the bottom was covered with boulders that would be partly exposed on the minus tides. The best concentrations of abalone were in areas having active water circulation and extensive kelp beds. The size of individual abalone was small, averaging 3.8 inches in length and 4.6 ounces in weight. The average weight of the foot muscle was 1.8 ounces. The gross weight and the recovery weight of the Alaska abalone in proportion to shell size appears to be much smaller than for the California abalone, Q/ THIS DIVE WAS NECESSARILY HALTED BECAUSE OF WEATHER CONDITIONS. THE DIVER'S CATCH OF 25 ABALONE |S NOT BELTEVED TO BE REPRESENTATIVE OF THE NUMBER OF ABALONE SEEN PRIOR TO THIS DIVE. 16 COMMERCIAL FISHERIES REVIEW Vol. 14, No. 9 LITERATURE CITED BONNOT, PAUL 1940. CALIFORNIA ABALONES. CALIFORNIA FISH AND GAME, VOL. 26, NO. 3, PP. 200-211. 1948. THE ABALONES OF CALIFORNIA. CALIFORNIA FISH AND GAME, VOL. 34, NO. 4, PP. 141-169. INO, TAKASHI j 1951. AMERICAN HALIOTIS KAMTSCHATKANA AND THE FAR EASTERN HALIOTIS KAMTSCHATKANA,. BUL-= LETIN OF THE BIOGEOGRAPHICAL SOCIETY OF JAPAN, VOL. 15, NO. 1 (APRIL), PP. 39-41. MACGINITIE, G. E., AND MACGINITIE, NETTIE 1949. NATURAL HISTORY OF MARINE ANIMALS. MCGRAW-HILL BOOK COMPANY, INC., P. 376, NEW YORK. QUAYLE, D. B. 1941, THE EDIBLE MOLLUSCS OF BRITISH COLUMBIA. PROVINCE OF BRITISH COLUMBIA, REPORT OF PROVINCIAL FISHERIES DEPARTMENT FOR 1940, J83-UJ85. THOMPSON, WILLIAM F. 1914. REPORT ON THE ABALONE OF BRITISH COLUMBIA (HALIOTIS GIGANTEA CHEMNITZ). PROVINCE OF BRITISH COLUMBIA, REPORT OF THE COMMISSIONER OF FISHERIES FOR 1913, R126-R130. VG”? PART II - TECHNOLOGICAL STUDIES ON HANDLING ABOARD SHIP AND PREPARATION ASHORE, AND ACCEPTABILITY OF THE COOKED PRODUCTS By C. J. Carlson* and J. A. Dassow** INTRODUCTION In conjunction with the experimental diving and beach survey work (Part 1), very preliminary studies were carried out on the handling of the abalone aboard ship, methods of preparation ashore, and general acceptability of the cooked prod- ucts. These data are necessary to provide information on the practicability of abalone fishing operations and marketing. HANDLING ABOARD SHIP The limited diving opérations and survey of the beaches (Part 1) indicated that daily deliveries of abalone from the fishing grounds to the processor were not feasible. Therefore, in order to permit utilization of any abalone resource, practical methods of handling aboard ship must be developed to insure delivery of good-quality abalone to the processor or marketing center. The conditions involved during the fishing operations and the distance of the fishing grounds from proc- essing centers seemed to indicate that proper methods for handling abalone would involve holding and delivery in the live state. Since the primary purpose of the abalone investigation concerned the diving operations and the survey of fishing grounds, it was not possible to fully inves- tigate the various methods of handling live abalone. Tests were carried out, how- ever, on holding the live abalone in burlap bags, These bags, containing the live abalone, were suspended from the sides of the boat in the sea water during the fish- ing operations. Whenever the boat was under way, the sacks were placed on deck and _ kept moist with sea water. % CHEMIST, FISHERY PRODUCTS LABORATORY, TECHNOLOGICAL SECTION, BRANCH OF COMMERCIAL soe CHIEF, FISHERIES, U.S. FISH AND WILDLIFE SERVICE, KETCHIKAN, ALASKA. September 1952 COMMERCIAL FISHERIES REVIEW iy/ One test was carried out using three bags of abalone: the first bag con- tained 4 pounds of live abalone; the second, 13 pounds; and the third 40 pounds. (The bags when full hold about 50 pounds of whole abalone.) Underthe conditions indicated, the abalone in the bags containing4 and 13 pounds of shellfish remained alive for 5 days but were inactive at the end of this period. This applied only to the uninjured abalone; those with a cracked or broken shell or with torn mus- cle died rapidly and lastedonly up to2 days. Mostof the abalone inthe largest bag, containing 40 pounds, were dead after 2 days except for the top layers. Those in the top layers lasted about 5 days. The lower layers of abalone appar- ently died of suffocation. Because of the non-rigid construction of the bags, the abalone packed into a compact mass, and only the top layers of shellfish were able to get enough sea water circulation for survival. It is possible that a rigidslatted box container wouldprove more feasible for holding the live abalone. PREPARATION ASHORE Fresh samples of the abalone collected duringthe diving operations were ship- ped alive in burlapbags by airplane to the Ketchikan Fishery Products Laboratory for preparation and cooking tests. The burlap bags andcontents were held in sea water during the fishing operations and prior to loading aboard the airplane. At the laboratory, the contents of the shells were removed byuse of a stiff- bladed knife. The viscera were stripped from the muscle portion, which was then ready for trimming and . ae cleaning. Dataon sizes Sizes and Weights of Component Parts and component parts of of the Alaska Abalone the abalone are shown Component Parts in in table. The muscle | Location ! Percent of the Whole represented about an of Fishing Abalone average of 42 percent Grounds of the weight of the whole abalone. The Kelly Cove amount of trimmed Lulu Island edible meat obtained Blanquizai was about 35 percent Point of the weight of the NOTE: SAMPLES wERE OBTAINED FROM THREE FISHING GROUNDS OFF THE Se digenbalone WEST COAST OF PRINCE OF -WALES ISLAND, ALASKA. Samples of the whole muscles were soaked in each of several dilute solutions of (1) baking soda, (2) salt, and (3) vinegar, and in fresh water in orderto find an easy method of removing the black pigment from the edges of the meats. The common practice of the homemaker in Alaska is to soak the abalone meats in fresh water. No improvement was noted over this method by the use of dilute solutions of baking soda, salt, or vinegar. The cleaned and trimmed abalone meats were tenderized by pounding and were further dressed for the preparation of cooked dishes. Difficulty was encountered in cutting some meats into steaks because the foot of the abalone had apparently assumed the contour of the object to which it had been fastened. In California a method (Bonnot 1948) is used whereby the cleaned and trimmed muscle is allowed to relax on a smooth wet surface before the steaks are cut. It is entirely possible that this procedure might also work for the Alaska abalone, COOKING TESTS Cooking tests with the trimmed abalone meats showed them to be quite accept- able when prepared as chowder, fried steaks, or fritters. The laboratory taste 18 COMMERCIAL FISHERIES REVIEW Vol. 14, Now ¥ panel showed a slight preference for the fried steaks. In general, the meats were very tender and mild in flavor. However, the meats were small in size and presented a ragged appearance. The raggedness was caused by the pounding of the raw meats necessary to make them tender. Perhaps improved methods of pounding or tenderizing the meats would eliminate this problem. SUMMARY Alaska abalone were held alive up to 5 days in burlap bags containing about 13 pounds of the whole shellfish (total capacity of bag was 50 pounds) when placed in sea water while suspended over the side of the fishing vessel. Abalone with cracked or broken shells did not remain alive longer than two days when held in burlap bags immersed in sea water. In the preparation of the meats, soaking of the muscles in fresh water aids in removal of the black pigment. Soaking in dilute solutions of baking soda, salt, or vinegar was of no advantage over soaking in water. The average weight of the meats (whole muscle) was 1.8 ounces or about 42 percent of the weight of the whole abalone. LITERATURE CITED BONNOT, PAUL 1948. THE ABALONES OF CALIFORNIA. CALIFORNIA FISH AND GAME, VOL. 34, NO. 4 (OCTOBER), PP. 141-169. PACKAGING FROZEN FISHERY PRODUCTS The low temperatures which are required for proper storage of frozen fishery products and frozenfoods in general will cause extreme desiccation or drying out unless special preventive precautions are taken. The humidity of the air in a frozen-storage room is quite low. On the other hand, the air immediately surrounding the frozen food is practically saturated with moisture. The dry air in circulating through the room will pick up any moisture that is available, Any exposed or improperly packaged food prod- ucts in the room will thus lose moisture, in the form of water vapor, and will rapidly develop a dry, spongy, and discolored surface, The tissues become tough due to denaturation or irreversible changes in the protein. This condition is known as "freezer burn." The package is of prime im- portance in order to prevent this drying. Care is needed to peckage the food properly in containers which have a very low or, ideally, a zero rate of water-vapor transfer, so as to keepthe moisture where it belongs--within the vackage. --Fishery Leaflet 324 September 1952 COMMERCIAL FISHERIES REVIEW 19 RESEARCH IN SERVICE LABORATORIES August 1952 REFRIGERATION: Freezing Shrimp at Sea--Gulf States Area: Shrimp whichwere brine-and air-frozen in the Gulf of Mexico areafor the study of freezing shrimp at sea were analyzed for salt content. Samples included whole and headless shrimp frozen in brine at 59 F. and held for periods up to 48 hours before removal and storage in air at O° F. Refrozen shrimp were prepared by thawing in water the whole brine-frozen shrimp (frozen in brine at sea), removing the heads, packaging in waxed cartons, and refreezing in air at -20° F. La Wa Results of the salt analyses showed a considerable variation in salt absorp- tion of shrimp in each lot and indicate the desirability for further work to re- solve the factors affecting salt absorption in brine-frozen shrimp. All brine-frozen shrimp tested were frozen and held in sodium chloride brine (85° salometer) at approximately 59 F. The tests indicate the following: 1. The salt content of the meat from frozen fresh shrimp was approximately 0.5 percent by weight. Iced shrimp had a slightly lower salt content than shrimp fresh out of the water, presumably due to the leaching action of melting ice. 2. The salt content of the meat of brine-frozen shrimp varied from 1.1 to 7.4 percent by weight. The meat of fresh whole shrimp frozen and held in brine for periods of 4 hours or less had a salt content of approximately 1.5 percent. 3. After brine-freezing the salt content of the meat of iced whole shrimp and shrimp tails varied from 1.6 to 3.2 percent, or definitely higher than that of fresh whole shrimp brine-frozen immediately. 4e The absorption of salt increased when shrimp were held in the refrigera- ted brine for longer periods, such as 21, 24, and 48 hours. Pending further tests on these factors, it is recommended for commercial ap- plication of brine-freezing of shrimp that: (1) Only fresh, firm, whole or headless shrimp be brine-frozen. (2) Shrimp be chilled in fresh ice water just prior to brine-freezing. (3) Shrimp be removed from the brine within 4 hours after freezing, rinsed in fresh cold water (34°-36°F.), and stored at 0° F. (4) The temperature of the brine be maintained at 10° F. or below to mini- mize salt absorption. (5) Brine-frozen whole shrimp be thawed ashore in fresh running water at 60° F. for 15 minutes, heads removed immediately, washed in fresh water, packaged, either glazed or overwrapped with a moisture vapor-proof film, and stored at O°F. cp kis nis Sus out 20 COMMERCIAL FISHERIES REVIEW Vol. 14, No. 9 Freezing Fish at Sea, Defrosting, Filleting and Refreezing the Fillets: The experimental research trawler Delaware completed Test Cruise No. 13. Approxi- mately 23,000 pounds of Georges Bank scrod haddock were landed. All fish were frozen in-the-round immediately after catching, and were stored in the vessel's refrigerated hold until arrival at port. The entire lot of 23,000 pounds of fish was landed at the Boston Fish Pier and stored in commercial cold storage forlater thawing and processing into packaged frozen fillets. This lot of fish comprises a second commercial lot of fish that will be used for obtaining information onthe length of time that round frozen fish can be stored in commercial cold storage prior to processing. A small lot (approximately 1,000 pounds) of haddock was fro- zen in-the-round for pilot-plant studies on processing round frozen fish into fro- zen dressed fish and frozen fish steaks without defrosting the round fish. ANALYSIS AND COMPOSITION: Composition and Cold-Storage Life of Fresh-Water Fish: The proximate composition of 12 individual Lake Michigan chub was determin- ed. The data are presented in the following table: Composition of Edible Portion of Lake Michigan Chub (Leucichthys s 4) Fillet Weight Yield from Proximate Composition of Fish Eviscerated of Edible Fortion Eviscerated Fish Protein Percent | Percent | Percent] Percent FOOD VALUE OF FISH AND SHELLFISH DO YOU KNOW THAT: That the protein in fish and shellfish amounts to about 18 percent of the edible portion and is from 85 to 95 percent digestible. About 1/3 the protein eaten daily should come from animal sources to balance the less effective proteins of cereals and vegetables, An average serving of fish or shellfish supplies enough animal protein to satisfy this daily requiremente o. . September 1952 COMMERCIAL FISHERIES REVIEW 2a ee | REN DS => —— AND iz ss | fe DEVELO PMENTS: Additions to the Fleet of U. S. Fishing Vessels A total of 55 vessels of 5 net tons and over received their first documents as fishing craft during July 1952--30 less than in July 1951. Washington led with 11 vessels, followed by Florida East Coast with 8 vessels and Virginia with 6 vessels. Vessels Obtaining Their First Documents as Fishing Craft, June and July 1952 7 Mos. ending with Jul fiddle Atlantic .. Chesapeake ....... South Atlantic ... INAS 2, Go66é0000000 LWT a yol'ec ele oleielere 1 ~ 2 - - = al Tove lence. SS ST eS) a ee NOTE: VESSELS HAVE BEEN ASSIGNED TO THE VARIOUS SECTIONS ON THE BASIS OF THEIR HOME PORT. First documents as fishing craft were received by 98 vessels of 5 net tons and over during June 1952--1 more than in June 1951. Washington led with 44 ves- sels, followed by Louisiana with 8 vessels and Texas with 7 vessels, the Bureau of Customs of the Treasury Department reports. KE Federal Purchases of ae Products of fresh and frozen fishery products for the rica secdins of the U. 5. Army , Navy, Marine Corps, and Air Force (see table). Lower than the previous month's purchases by 42.8 percent in quantity and 27.0 percent in value, these purchases were also considerably below July 1951--14.8 percent in quantity and 7.4 percent in value. Purchases of Fresh and Frozen Fishery Products by Department of the Army July and the fins Seven Months, 1952 and 1951) eae 2 oe 9 1952 eae eee 22 COMMERCIAL FISHERIES REVIEW Vol. 14, No. 9 Purchases for the first seven months this year were greater by 7.1 percent in quantity and 18.7 percent in value as compared with the first seven months of 1951. ‘Fresh and frozen fishery products were purchased by the Quartermaster Corps during the first seven months this year at an average price per pound of 46.3 cents--higher than the average of 41.8 cents paid in January-July 1951. This in- dicates to a certain extent that higher-priced products were purchased this year. ag Sng Fishery Products Marketing Prospects, July-September 1952 Consumption: Civilian consumption of edible fishery products in 1952 is ex- pected to be about the same as the preceding year's rate. During the first half of this year slight reductions in consumption were indicated for all major groups-- fresh, frozen, and canned--but some pick-up in civilian takings is in prospect aft- er mid-summer. Prices: Retail prices for the year as a whole probably will be about equal to those for 1951. Through mid-year the index of retail prices for all fishery products was almost the same as that of a year earlier. Production: The commercial catch of fish and shellfish has totaled somewhat smaller so far this year than in the same period of 1951. However, production activity is now at its seasonal peak, and will continue high until mid-fall. Prospects for the year as a whole point to a total output about as large as that of 195A Freezings and Cold-Storage Holdings: The commercial freezing of fishery products in the United States and Alaska through mid-1952 has also been somewhat below a year earlier. Commercial freezing operations will be seasonally large in the next three months. Cold-storage holdings of frozen fishery products in the United States and Alaska on July 1 totaled almost 20 percent largerthan a year earlier--record hold- ings for that date. The quantity of fishery products in cold storage will contin- ue to expand until late fall in order to build up supplies for distribution inthe low-production months next winter. Over the past few years, domestic demand for frozen fishery products has expanded. This has been accompanied by a definite up-— ward trend in the quantity of these products held in storage, a sharp increase in commercial freezings, and an increase in imports. Canned Fishery Products: Trade reports indicate that civilians have taken smaller quantities of canned fishery products per person thus far this year than in the same part of 1951. Consumption of canned salmon and tuna was maintained at about the rate of a year earlier, but declines were apparent for Maine sardines and, to a lesser extent, California sardines (pilchards) and mackerel. Some sea- sonal increase will occur this summer, but the consumption rate per person proba- bly will remain somewhat below that of a year earlier at least until early fall when, the present year's packs will move to market in larger volume. Production of canned fishery products in 1952 is expected to total about the same as last year. Current indications are that there will be a much larger pack of Maine sardines, but output of many of the other popular species of canned fish- ery products may be slightly smaller than in 1951. Domestic supplies of canned fishery products may be supplemented by sizable imports of salmon from Canada. This year the United Kingdom (the largest export market for Canadian canned salmon) has indicated that it will not purchase any of this commodity from Canada. September 1952 COMMERCIAL FISHERIES REVIEW 23 Foreign Trade: Imports of fishery products probably will be larger this year than in 1951, but no noticeable expansion in exports is anticipated. Re- ceipts of frozen products from abroad, especially of groundfish (cod, haddock, hake, pollock, and cusk) and ocean perch fillets, may reach a record level in 1952. Through June, imports of groundfish and ocean perch fillets totaled 53.1 million pounds, more than 25 percent above the comparable 1951 total. Exports of canned fishery products thus far in 1952 have been impeded by the foreign trade restrictions and by the relatively short supplies of the types of products-~for example, California sardines (pilchards)--which are popular a- broad. There is no indication that the situation will improve much this year. This analysis appeared in a report prepared by the Bureau of Agricultural Economics, U. S. Department of Agriculture, in cooperation with the U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service, and published in the former agency's July-September 1952 issue of The National Food Situation. New England Tuna Explorations TUNA SIGHTED BY "MARJORIE PARKER" (Fishing Cruise No. Bor Gill nets, tram- mel nets, and long lines were tried by the Marjorie Parker in an ll-dey trip spent in exploring for bluefin tuna in the offshore waters from Georges Bank to Jeffreys Ledge. This vessel, which has been chartered by the U. S. Fish andWild- life Service, left July 5 and returned to Portland on July 15. One small school of tuna was sighted on the last day of the voyage, near Portland Light Ship. Trolling lines failed to produce any strikes although the area was thoroughly covered by the vessel. Fishing operations were started on the first day of the trip when gill nets and trammel nets were set off Halfway Rock, Maine, where tuna had been sighted a few days previously by the small-boat fleet operating in that area. No tuna were caught in this set, although a small quantity of mackerel and herring were meshed in the nets. From July 6 to July 9, long-line trawl sets were made in various spots on the southwestern edge of Georges Bank, South Channel grounds, and on Cashe Ledge with negative results. Later in the trip long-line sets on Stellwagen Bank, Cape Cod Bay, Ipswich Bay, and York Ledges, Maine, were also unsuccessful in producing tuna. Trammel nets were fished in Cape Cod Bay and Ipswich Bay without success, while trolling with surface lures was carried on continuously during daylight hours. Reports from other fishing vessels cited numerous observations of tuna schools in the general vicinity of Cashe Ledge and also in spots from twenty to fortymiles East by South of Cape Ann Light, but the Marjorie Parker was unable to find any fish in these areas. A series of bathythermograph recordings were made during the trip and surface water temperatures were recorded at regular intervals. Results of these tests showed that the thermocline is comparatively shallow with a gradual cooling down to the 15-fathom mark, followed by an abrupt drop to considerably lower tempera- tures down to 75 fathoms. 2k COMMERCIAL FISHERIES REVIEW Vol. 14, No. 9 The vessel left on July 17 for Fishing Cruise No. 4 and was scheduled to re- turn to port on July 30. HR EE "MARJORIE PARKER" BRINGS IN TRIP OF BLUEFIN TUNA (Fishing Cruise No. 4): A total of 87 bluefin tuna (3,800 pounds round weight ) were landed at Portland on July 26 by the Marjorie Parker after completing the fourth trip of the 1952 tuna exploration. The tuna were taken by floating Japanese long line in offshore wa- ters 24 miles SE.x E. of Peaked Hill Bar Buoy off Chatham, Massachusetts, onJuly 23, 24, and 25. A large school of tuna was sighted in the area on the afternoon of July 23. Ten baskets of long line with 70 hooks were baited with frozen squid, and adrift- ing surface set of four hours resulted in a catch of 32 fish, averaging 40 pounds each--a successful fishing effort of 45 percent. A set of 20 baskets was made that evening and 51 fish were caught on the 140 hooks during a period of 105 hours--a 36 percent successful set. A later set of 10 baskets the same day resulted in a catch of 7 tuna. An overnight set of 5 baskets caught 6 more fish the following day. Contact with the school was lost on July 25 when a set of 3 baskets produced a total of 6 fish. While standing by the gear and using dead herring for chum, the school fish were successfully lured alongside the vessel. However, the tuna would not take the dead herring, although using frozen squid for bait two fish were caught on hand lines during this period. Live bait may have proved extremely attractive to the school, and conditions appeared favorable for live-bait fishing with jig poles. Sharks were active in the vicinity, especially during the night sets, andtuna losses were quite high. Two trammel nets were set in the area on the efternoonof July 27, but no tuna were caught by this method. Although 85 hours were spent trolling, no tuna were caught by this method. The fish brought in by the vessel were purchased by a Portland fish company (highest bidder) at {200 per ton. Fishing Cruise No. 5 was started by the vessel on July 30. The vessel, which will fish in the Gulf of Maine, is expected to return to port on August 10. x eK HX hooks were made BAMBOO POLE AND FLAG =k fF SES by the Marjorie FLOAT LINE MAIN LINE Parker on Cruise No. 5 of this year's NewEngland ERAN) UES bluefin explora- tion. The trip was terminated at Fortland on August 10. Total catch was 3,855 pounds of bluefin, averaging 43 pounds (round weight) per fish. As onthe previous trip, all tuna were caught on floating long lines baited with frozen squid. TYPICAL JAPANESE LONG-LINE TUNA-FISHING GEAR WHICH IS BEING TESTED BY THE MARJORIE PARKER FOR BLUEFIN TUNA FISHING IN NEW ENGLAND WATERS. September 1952 COMMERCIAL FISHERIES REVIEW 25 Fishing operations were conducted in two general areas: southeast of Cape Cod and east southeast of Cape Ann. Catches from the latter area accounted for all but five of the tuna taken. Few schools were seen, and practically all the sets were made with no surface signs of fish. Tuma were caught on 13 of the 17 sets made. A set of 8 baskets (56 hooks) on August 8 off Eastern Point resulted in a catch of 26 tuna. On August 9, a set of 20 baskets (140 hooks) caught 35, and 10 baskets produced 14 tuna. Two sets of trammel nets did not catch tuna, and surface trolling was also unproductive. The Japanese long line used on this trip contains 900 feet of tarred cotton main line per basket with 7 short branch lines attached at regular intervals, these ending in a wire leader and baited hook. Support is provided by glass floats, 10 inches in diameter tied directly to each end and to the center of each basket of main line. Flag buoys are attached at every fifth basket. Rigged thus, the gear floats in the warm water zone near the surface. It is set from the stern while under reduced speed, and after drifting for about 4 hours it is hauled from the starboard side amidship. About 13 hours is normal hauling time for 20 baskets. To determine the style of long line most effective for New England bluefin, various modifications of this gear are being tested, such as additional floats to keep the hooks near surface—swimming fish, shortening of branch lines to allow more hooks per basket, and different baits. Successful bids from commercial fish companies for this catch of tuna were at $240 and #220 per ton. The Marjorie Parker left Portland, Maine, on August 14 for fishing Cruise No. 6. Using long lines, surface trolls, and trammel nets the vessel will fish east of Portland in the Seguin Island-Monhegan Island areas, Jeffreys Ledge, southeast of Eastern Point, Gloucester, and Fippennies Ledge. It is expected to return to port about August 24. —————— Pribilof Islands Fur-Seal Take For 1952 A total of 63,870 fur-seal skins was taken : this year in the Government-administered sealing ek operations on Alaska's Pribilof Islands, the Sec- retary of the Interior announced August 1. The annual sesling operations, which are conducted by the U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service, beganon June 20 and were terminated on July 27. The fur-seal industry on the Pribilofs is a responsibility of the United States Government, but 20 percent of the 1952 take will be delivered to the Canadian Government under the terms of the Provisional Fur-Seal Agreement of 1942 with Cana- da. This year's yield was 3,181 skins greater than last year. Pelts are obtained chiefly from three-year-old males. Service officials on the Pribilofs have advised that the remaining ani- mals in the three-year-old class and the carry- over of older males "assure ample reserve stock for the herd." ALASKA FUR SEALS 26 COMMERCIAL FISHERIES REVIEW Vol. 14, No. 9 This year, for the first time, a new beaming machine for the mechanical blub- bering of the seal skins was successfully operated on the islands. Also, a new concrete paddle tank for brine-curing the skins was reported to have operated suc= cessfully. These developments are aimed at streamlining the various operations required to prepare the skins for shipment to St. Louis for dressing and dyeing by the Fouke Fur Company--Government agents in the processing and selling of the seal skins. Approximately 80 percent of the world's furseals come to the Fribilof Is- lands to breed each summer. During the winter they range southward as far as southern California. Pelagic sealing--the killing of seals while they are at sea--is prohibited by an international agreement between Canada and the United States. At one time pelagic sealing nearly brought about the extinction of these animals. New York State Marine Fisheries Production, 1951 New York State's marine fisheries production in 1951 amounted to 339,805,489 New York State Marine Fisheries Production, 1950-51 oe 190m | Quantity | Value | Quantity | Value _| lbs. Fi lbs. $ Fish: Swellfish (blowfish) 738,269 59,062 788,900 Butterfish 1,877,529 281,629 1,036,537 1,893,328 283,999 2,016,870 918,304 91,830 2,22, 210 2,656,528 531,305 4,098,390 Haddock . 13,126 1,969 809, 266 Herring, (je sierelerteredotereieve 50000 542,520 10,850 139,100 Menhaden 144,374,699 | 1,443,746 | 120,281,400 Scup (porgy) 9,832,109 983,210 8,888,513 SG SESS Goes cosoocgededodas 2,771,560 554,312 1,703,114 Striped bass ....... s 684,536 191,670 507,620 Tilefish .. 926,197 (esti? oooodeccodoouT aitveinuaee 661,895 Nelblowt ails secre stale ecccecece b 1, 190, 520 Mixed for Animal Food ...... 3,246,000 Unclassified 2,573,170 42,836,325 | 2,327,392 47,635,440 26,974,240 674,356 | 21,226,720 93,829,055 | 7,513,440 | 81,254,850 Scallops: Bay; oscccccevccsecesoses OO 121,356 243,315 1/ WEIGHT IN THE SHELL. NOTE: ONLY MAJOR SPECIES ARE LISTED |NDIVIDUALLY September 1952 COMMERCIAL FISHERIES REVIEW 27 pounds (valued at $17,441,527 to the fisherman). Compared with 1950, this was an increase of 10.5 percent in catch and 11.7 percent in value. The menhaden catch increased from 120,281,400 pounds (valued at $1,202,814) in 1950 to 144,374,699 pounds (valued at $1,443,746) in 1951. Hard-clam production dropped from 47,635,440 pounds (weight in the shell) in 1950 (valued at $2,530,633) to 42,836,325 pounds (valued at $2,327,392) in 1951. However, this drop in hard- clam production was offset by an increase in the surf-clam production from 21,226,720 pounds (weight in the shell) in 1950 (valued at $530,668) to 26,974,240 pounds (valued at $674,356) in 1951. Oysters also showed a substantial increase-- from 81,254,850 pounds (weight in the shell) in 1950 to 93,829,055 pounds in 1951. Wholesale San Retail Prices WHOLESALE PRICES, JULY 1952: Wholesale price fluctuations from June toJuly this year were mixed. The wholesale over-all index for edible fish and shellfish Table 1 - Wholesale Average Prices and Revised Indexes for Edible Fish and Shellfish, July 1952 with Comparati "Team Specifies Senge | spre ee and Item Specifioation Pricing nit 1947-49 = 100 sees aera 9 102.8 105.8 105.0 Fresh and Frozen Faker Products: se cecceee Drawn, D1 Dressed, or Whole Finfish: Haddock, large, offshore, drawn, fresh ....... Boston Halibut, Western, 20/80 lbs., dressed, fresh Whitefish, mostly Lake Superior, cea (dressed), Whitefish, mostly Lake Erie pound or gill net, Lake trout, domestic, mostly No. 1, drawn (Greased), fresh . Yellow pike, mostly Michigan (Lakes Michi; & Huron), round, fresh . Processed, Fresh (Fish and Shellfish Fillets, haddock, small, skins on, 20- 90.2 33. 6 100.4 94.0 Shrimp, lge. (26-30 count), headless, fresh OF LTOZED eeccccessccceceses ee 5 . 94.9 93.3 88.5 93.1 3 Oysters, shucked, standards ..oc- 111,3 111.3 iil. 112.5 Processed, Frozen (Fish and Shellfi 104.0 102.3 105.4 Fillets: Flounder (yellowtail), akinles Haddock, small, 10-1b. cello-pa Ocean perch (rosefish), 10-lb. Collo-pack sececescers mp, lege 26-30 coun 5-1b oar Fishery Products: ....e.6. - “Salmon, pink, No. 1 tall me i 48 cans per Sardines (pilchards), California, tomato pack, No. 1 oval (15 oz.), 48 cans per case ....se.08 Sardines, Maine, Eves oil, No. } drawn 32 oz.), 100 cans per case ...... J/ REPRESENT AVERAGE PRICES FOR ONE DAY HONDA, oe TUESDAY , Le WATLABLE) DURING a BEGINNING JULY 13. PRICES ARE NOT THE ACTUAL ONES USED TO COMPUTE THE INDEX, INCE THE PRICES D FOR THAT RR OUT. WO _DECIM, (fresh, frozen, and canst) for July was 102. 9 percent of the 1947-49 average (see ania). 1 percent above the previous month, but 2.0 percent lower than in July 1951, the Bureau of Labor Statistics of the Department of Labor reports. Although July fish landings in New England in July were as liberal as in June, increased demand raised July prices for fresh offshore drawn haddock up a- bove June this year and July 1951. Salmon prices dropped in July. Dressed fresh or frozen halibut prices in July were substantially (6.0 percent) above those quoted in June. Drawn whitefish receipts at Chicago were fairly heavy in July and prices were substantially below the previous month and a year earlier. On the other hand, round fresh whitefish receipts at New York City in July were light and prices rose substantially over the previous month, but were lower than in the 28 COMMERCIAL FISHERIES REVIEW A! Coys easy Poa Coe) corresponding month a year ago. Lake trout and yellow pike production in the Great Lakes was light and July prices for these fish were considerably above the previous month and the same month last year. Mainly due to higher prices for fresh haddock and halibut, the drawn, dressed, or whole finfish subgroup index this July was 3.4 percent above the previous month and 2.5 percent higher than in July 1951. Fresh processed fish and shellfish prices from June to July rose only 0.4 percent, but these prices were 0.1 percent lower than in July last year. Heavy haddock landings in New England brought fresh haddock fillet prices in July 3.6 percent below June and 4.0 percent lower than in July 1951. Because of a drop in shrimp production in the Gulf area, fresh headless shrimp prices rose 1.7 percent from June to July this year and were 1.9 percent higher than in July a year ago. = ISAS SUED FI Ial Mle Frozen processed fish and shellfish prices this July dropped 1.3 percent below June and were 2.7 percent lower than in July 1951. From June to July this year, lower prices were quoted for all fro- zen fillets and for frozen shrimp. Compared with July 1951, prices for ocean perch fillets were 2.5 percent higher and for frozen shrimp 0.9 percent higher, while frozen flounder and haddock fillet prices were considerably lower. Canned fishery products prices in July continued to drop due to a decline in tuna, salmon, and Maine sardines. The month's index for this subgroup was 2.6 percent lower than in June and 6.5 percent below July 1951. Compared with July last year, prices for canned salmon were 16.7 percent lower and for Maine sardines 6.9 percent lower, while prices were up for canned tuna (11.9 percent) and for canned California sardines (36.8 percent). RETAIL PRICES, JULY 1952: While retail prices of all foods bought by mod- erate-income urban families have been climbing steadily beginning in April this year, prices of all finfish (fresh, frozen, and canned) have steadily declined since March. The retail food index on July 15, 1952, was 234.9 percent of the 1935-39 average--1.5 percent higher than a month earlier and 3.2 percent above the same period in 1951 (see table 2). But all finfish in mid-July retailed0.5 percent below the previous month and 3.2 percent below the same month a year ear- lier. Although retail prices for fishery products in general seasonally decline during the spring and summer months , the declines reported this year have been more pronounced than in 1951 and 1950. Table 2 - Adjusted Retail Price Indexes for Foods and Finfish, July 15, 1952, with Comparative Data July 15, 1952 | June 15, 1952 shererene 56 231.5 All finfish (fresh, frozen, and canned) 34309 Fresh and frozen finfish ......cceee (1938-39 = 100 anned salmon: pink do. Retail prices for fresh and frozen finfish from June 15 to July 15 dropped 0.5 percent, but were still 1.3 percent above mid-July 1951. Canned pink salmon September 1952 COMMERCIAL FISHERIES REVIEW 29 prices, which have been steadily dropping since June 1951, went even lower and in mid-July were 0.6 percent lower than the previous month and 10.8 percent be- low the same period in 1951. able 3 - Average Retail Prices and Price Ranges of Individual Finfish Products, July 15, 1952 July 15, 1952 | July 15, 1952[June 1952 Frozen Finfish Fillets: Ocean perchl/ POCO OLhGO Hb Haddock2/ GIO ROIROOL CKO lb. Canned Finfish: pink ..-........|l6-0zZ. can 2/PRICED IN 47 CITIES OUT OF 56. | Frozen ocean perch fillets retailed at an average of 45.9 cents and frozen haddock fillets at an average of 50.1 cents per pound in mid-July this year. During the same period a year earlier, retail prices for frozen ocean perch fil- lets averaged 46.6 cents and frozen haddock fillets averaged 50.7 cents per pound. In mid-July canned pink salmon retailed at an average of 56.2 cents per 16-oz. can, compared with 63.0 cents per can in mid-July a year ago. PACIFIC SALMON DRIFT GILL NETTING A gill net is one of the oldest forms of nets used for commercial fishing. In effect, it is an upright fence of netting with an appropriate mesh to permit fish of certain size to pass only part way through. The fish is then "gilled" and can neither go forward nor back = (see figure). Gill nets are = versatile, for various sizes of mesh can be used and the net can be suspended at the surface or the bottom merely by controlling the size and number of floats on the top level andlead weights on the bottom, or at intermediate depts by the addition of floats and buoylines. They may be operated as station- ary or movable gear. Drift gill nets, used extensively in the Pacific GILLING ACTION OF SALMON GILL NET salmon fisheries, consist of a net with one end of net floating or drifting freely in the current while the other end is fastened to the boat. These netsare normal- ly operated by one man, except in areas where large catches are made. They are em- ployed at or near the mouths of larger rivers on the Pacific coast of the United States, British Columbia, and Alaska where the waters are dark in coloror ladenwith silt or md. In relatively clear waters the nets are usually fished at night for the salmon can avoid them in the daylight hours. The size of meshused is dependent on the type of fish prevalent in a locality. --Fishery Leaflet 386 30 COMMERCIAL FISHERIES REVIEW Vol. 14, No. 9 - FOREIGN ———— Belgium INTERNATIONAL FISH EXHIBIT: An international conference and exposition of the fishing industry was held June 21-30, 1952, at Heist-aan-Zee, Belgium. The main purpose of the conference was to formulate plans to improve the fisheries industry in Belgium and to encourage greater consumption of fish. The past three years the fishermen of Belgium have had extremely difficult times due to the rel atively small catch and to low prices which the fishermen have received for their fish, reports a July 25 American Embassy report from Brussels. IMPROVEMENT OF FISHING INDUSTRY PLANNED: Fishing grounds are long distances away from Belgium, frequently requiring around 15 days for the trip. By the time the fish reach the markets, especially those away from the seashore, the fish are of inferior quality. Therefore, an organization was founded to assist the fish- ermen in improving their equipment and modernizing their fishing fleet. Special emphasis will be given to refrigeration of the ships and modernizing equipment of the ships' holds so that the fish will be in better condition when they are land— ed. The organization will also aim at assisting to modernize the transportation, handling, and distribution of the fish in Belgium. It is intended that nine mod— ern shops will be installed for selling fish in each of the provinces. These will be demonstration shops to encourage larger distribution of fish by providing bet- ter quality at lower prices to the consumers. At the present time there are said to be about 17,000 fish peddlers, most of whom operate with carts. The fish shops are mainly in the large cities but even these are seldom equipped with prop= er refrigeration and modern equipment. As a result of the poor equipment of the fishermen, the long distances to the fishing grounds, and: the old-fashioned means of distribution, the quality of the fish is poor and fish consumption in Belgium is very low. Another factor which discourages consumption is the high prices which the consumers must pay. In this respect, the Belgium Director of the Bureaux Techniques de Documentation de la Peche du Commerce et de 1'Industrie du Poisson pointed out that the spread between the price received by the fishermen and the price paid by the consumer is far too large. One example mentioned was the price of 4 francs per kilogram (about 4 U.S. cent per pound) for whiting which the fishermen received as against 20 francs per kilogram (little more than 24 U.S. cents per pound) paid by the consumer. This could be reduced considerably by eliminating the small peddlers and modernizing the shops. As one of the first steps in the program of improving the fishing industry, it is planned that a request will be made to the Government for a grant of 150 million francs (about US$429,000) to modernize the fishing fleet and for 15 mil- lion francs (US$42,900) for refrigeration for a fish auction market. Also com- mittees have been established to provide free technical advice to the fishermen and distributors. September 1952 COMMERCIAL FISHERIES REVIEW sal Canada FILLETING PLANTS PROJECTED FOR NEWFOUNDLAND: The construction of a new fil- leting and fish-meal plant is planned for Placentia, a June 25 American consular dispatch from St. John's reports. Initial construction is expected to begin within the next two months. When fully completed, the plant will have cost in the neighborhood of C#700,000, of which C$350,000 will represent a loan from the Provincial Government. One dragger will be operated at the outset, with addi- tions to the fleet planned later. Long-line fishing, it is expected, will be de- veloped along with other fishing methods. Production is expected to start early in 1953. Between 75 and 100 employees, both men and women, will be on the pay- roll at wages and salaries "in line with whatever recognized scale may be in ef- fect." United States capital (amount not revealed) will be invested in this plant by a Boston fishery firm which will become shareholders and act as a mar- keting outlet in the United States. Another filleting plant is also planned for Placentia. According to best sources of information, another Boston fishery firm is beginning negotiations for a filleting and fish-freezing plant at Marystown (Placentia Bay), but little or no construction work on this plant has been started to date. Balanced opera- tions are envisaged, handling many types of fish, with catches to be supplied by fishermen-owned fishing craft. The plant does not now intend to operate its own vessels, according to reports, and would appear to be the only large firm in the Province to operate wholly on fish purchased from independent fishermen. A leading businessman of Marystown, recently returned from the United States, told the press that he had found in that country widespread interest in the de- velopment of Newfoundland's fresh-frozen fish industry, and that American inves- tors were "anxious and willing" to make investments in Newfoundland filleting plants but were presently reluctant to do so because of the severity of Canadian federal fishery regulations. The businessman "hoped that federal officials would take appropriate steps to enable United States financiers to pour their capital into the development of the Province's fisheries. Work has just begun on a filletingand fish-meal plant to be erected and op— erated at Grand Bank by a St. John's fishery firm. Grand Bank is the center and largest outfitting port for Newfoundland's deep-sea fishing fleet. A member of the firm advises that the plant should be in operation in a year's time; approx- imately 150 men and women will be employed. It cannot be learned thet any United States capital is involved. Colombia TUNA-FISHING VENTURE NOT SUCCESSFUL: A firm, founded by Colombia's semi- official Industrial Development Corporation for the purpose of exploiting the fishery resources of Colombia's Caribbean and Pacific coasts, purchased three 100- foot tuna-fishing boats in order to go into the tuna—fishing business on a com- paratively large scale. However, the firm has consistently shown losses since its foundation in 1946, and the Industrial Development Corporation now thinks that it might have been a bit over-enthusiastic in its plans for the firm's expansion, an April 21 American consular dispatch from Bogota reports. The company now wishes to sell one of the tuna boats and to enter into an agreement with an American firm to come into the company on a partnership basis 32 COMMERCIAL FISHERIES REVIEW Vol. 14, No. 9 or to charter the boats outright and possibly to operate a fish-canning factory, the machinery for which is now arriving in Buenaventura for installation in that city. German Federal Republic AMERICAN TRAWLERS TO BE RETURNED TO U. S.: The remaining 11 of 12 United States fishing trawlers furnished to the Federal Republic of Germany on a charter basis under the authority of the Foreign Aid Appropriation Bill of 1949 are sched- uled to be returned by the German fishing industry to the United States Government for final disposition. The decision to return these vessels to the Department of the Army via HICOG was made after it was determined that the German fishing indus- try had reached a position whereby these trawlers were no longer required. Present arrangements call for the withdrawal of these fishing vessels from the German fleet and return to United States Government control in three trans- fers. The first transfer of four vessels was expected to take place on August15, 1952; four more on September 1, 1952; and the remaining three trawlers on Septem- ber 20, 1952. EXPLORATORY TRAWLER FISHING OFF GREENLAND SUCCESSFUL: After 23 days of ex- ploratory fishing off Greenland's west coast and in Davis Strait, two German trawlers returned to Germany with full loads and much valuable data, according to Fiskaren (July 16), a Norwegian trade paper. Despite the limited time devoted to fishing because of the other technical objectives, the vessels filled their holds with over 250 metric tons of cod and a large quantity of ocean perch (rosefish). The exploratory fishing was successful in all respects. The material andin—- formation collected will be analyzed and upon the results will depend eventual further German participation in the trawl fishery off West Greenland. The German vessels reported meeting many English, Icelandic, Norwegian, Faro— ese, Danish, and Portuguese fishing craft. The Portuguese had three large ves— sels with crews of 82 men each. A total of 62 cutters and schooners were reported based on Greenland. The scientific head of the expedition expressed surprise at finding individ- ual haddock and pollock in the trawl. He was of the opinion that trawlers would be able to fish in Greenland waters with ordinary trawl gear until late in the year. Only drift ice would be a problem. Radar contributed to the good results of the present expedition. Without radar it would have been difficult to trawl because of the numerous drifting icebergs. ‘ A German trawler, which originally intended to fish outside the four-mile boundary off southern Iceland, has gone to Greenland instead. HHREK TRAWLER FLEET DECREASES: During the first quarter of 1952, the Western Ger- man trawler fleet decreased from 216 to 206, according to a June 6 American con- September 1952 COMMERCIAL FISHERIES REVIEW 33 lar report from Bremerhaven. Nine trawlers were scrapped, three were sold a- broad, and one (the 443-ton Bremerhaven trawler Thor) sank in a storm in the North Sea. The newly-built trawler Bonn was put into operation, one trawler was bought from Belgium, and one former German trawler was bought back from France. vA = — Germany (Russian Zone) DEVELOPMENT OF FISHING INDUSTRY: The economic plan formulated by the East German authorities calls for an 84.9 percent increase in fish production for East Germany during 1952. Representatives of the West German fishing industry were skeptical of the ability of the East German fishing industry to meet this goal but considered the pronouncement significant as an indication of state interest in the development of the East German fishing industry, states a June 6 American consular dispatch from Bremerhaven. The new East German 1,050-tontrawler ROS-202 went out on its first fishing voyage in the latter part of March, fishing in the North Sea and Barents Sea. The Soviet Zone state fishing industry continued its shipbuilding program with plans for 36 luggers and 15 trawlers to be built during 1952. The trawlers were all to be of 1,000 gross tons or more in size. Four high-sea luggers were com— pleted during the first quarter of 1952; and the first fish-meal and fish-oil factory in the Soviet Zone began operations. cls Hong Kong OPERATION OF A WHOLESALE FISH MARKET: A wholesale market in Kowloon handles both fish and vegetables. This is representative of the Government fish and veg- etable wholesale markets developed in the Colony. The products handled are col- lected from the fishermen and farmers by the market's vessels and trucks. They are brought to the market where they are unloaded, sorted, weighed, sold by a market auctioneer to local buyers, and distributed by market trucks to local hawkers and stores. For these services a commission of 6 percent of the sales price is charged the fishermen and 15 percent to the farmers. The fish are brought in by both junk and truck and unloaded on the dock where the market's staff sorts them by type and size into baskets up to 29 cat- ties in weight (47 pounds). A triplicate receipt is made out which indicates seller, type of fish, weight, sales prices, and buyer. This is sent to the ac- counting office where records are kept for the buyers and sellers registered with the market. Buyers are required to keep a certain deposit with the market, and when this runs out during the selling, the buyer is notified so that he may re— new his credit. Likewise, a quick accounting is made of the day's sales, so that the fisherman may get his money the same day that his boat is unloaded. The market also advances loans to the fishermen at low rates of interest which are promptly repaid. The officials are constantly seeking out new means of improving the service and technique of the market. A fence has now been erected to separate the buyers from the fish while thay are being sorted and a system of pens is being extended through which the baskets of fish will be passed to keep the fishermen on the sides during the auctioneering. Some sort of conveyor belt will be introduced 3h COMMERCIAL FISHERIES REVIEW Vol. 14, No. 9 later which would convey the fish from the hold, past the graders, and to the auctioneering space. Two importent advantages have been derived from this cooperative market ar-= rangement. One is that the farmer and the fisherman get a fair price for their produce and the middleman's profit is eliminated. The farmer and the fisherman are able to watch the price by maintaining an agent among the buyers who can bid and can authorize the withdrawal of the produce if the price falls too low. The market officials state that in the second place this is one of the only markets in the world where there has been no appreciable rise in prices in the last five years. The additional cost which the consumer has to pay is added by the retail- er to meet his increasing expenses. The market also handles fish and vegetables which are imported from Kwang-— tung in China. It is stated that the rural banks keep an up-to-date list of the prices being charged in these markets and require the exporters to deposit about 80 percent of the expected proceeds before being given permission to export their products, which are principally fresh-water fish, and certain vegetatles. The local fishermen sometimes find it worth while to take their lower—grade fish to China where they get higher prices and better rice, but to bring their higher grades of fish to Hong Kong where they can buy other commodities. The South China authorities have also borrowed the idea of the fish and vegetable market and have set up a similar organization in South China. The manager is a former manager of one of the local cooperative markets and he has introduced the entire procedure down to the same receipt form. FISHERIES RESEARCEK UNIT AT HONG KONG UNIVERSITY: Under the terms of the United Kingdom Colonial Development and Welfare Acts, the British Colonial Office made loans and grants to British territories in Southeast Asia during April 1951- March 1952, according to the Singapore Standard (July 6) and as reported by the American consulate at Singapore. Among the grants was one for 438,000 (US$106,000) to Hong Kong for establishing a fisheries research unit at the Hong Kong Univer- sity. Iceland BRITISH PROTEST ICELANDIC TERRITORIAL WATFRS REGULATIONS: The United Kingdom OO O_O has lodged several protests against the Icelandic territorial waters regulations promulgated by the latter country on March 19, 1952. On June 18, the British Charge d'Affaires in Reykjavik presented a note to the Icelandic Foreign Minister, in reply to the Icelandic note of May 12, which was itself in reply to a British note of May 2, 1952, protesting against the Ice-— landic territorial waters regulations. The British note of June 18 rejected the Icelandic claim that there had been prior consultation with the British before the regulations of March 19, 1952, were promulgated; rejected the Icelandic claim of the validity of the new base line closing off Faxa Bay; and rejected the Icelandic claim on the invalidity of the 3-mile rule in International Law. The British reserved "the right to claim com- pensation from the Icelandic Government for any interference with British fishing vessels in waters which in the opinion of Her Majesty's Government are high seas," a June 19 American Consular dispatch from Reykjavik reports. September 1952 COMMERCIAL FISHERIES REVIEW 35 There is an inference in the clause quoted above that British fishing ves- sels may be advised by the British Government to ignore that part of the new Icelandic prohibited fishing zone which is not recognized by the United kingdom. This would include the zone between the new Icelandic 4-mile limit and the 3- mile limit accepted by the British around the entire coast of Iceland; also an area at the opening of Faxa Bay, where the British do not accept the new Iceland- ic base line. There have thus far been no instances of any fishing vessels, Icelandic or foreign, caught in violation of the new Icelandic regulations, which became ef- fective on May 15, 1952. tiv ur oi Sin A BRITISH TRAWLER ARRESTED IN NEW RESTRICTED ZONE: A British trawler was ar- rested off the northwest coast of Iceland by that country's coast guard cutter on July 16, reports the July 19 issue of The Fishing News, a British fishery periodical. The trawler was accused of fishing inside Iceland's new fishing zone demarcation line. This was the first arrest of a British trawler within the territorial wa- ters boundary established for fishing recently by Iceland. It was reported that the case went before a court at Reykjavik for immediate hearing and the skipper of the vessel was fined b1,970 (about US$5,500). Hoe He KH GROUNDFISH OFFAL MARKET DEVELOPED IN U. S.: The Icelandic fishing industry, according to local newspaper reports, has begun to utilize groundfish offal as an export article. The offal brings a good price in the United States where it is used in the manufacture of glue. The groundfish offal to be exported is separat- ed by special machinery and salted. The skins are packed separately and exported in 110-pound sacks, according to the April 24 issue of Fiskets Gang. India TRANSPLANTING OF PEARL OYSTERS UNSUCCESSFUL: Live pearl oysters were flown from the Persian Gulf to Madras in October 1950 by the Assistant Director of Ma- dras Fisheries for use in research and experimental work and in an effort to re- vive pearl fishing in Madras State. These 800 live pearl oysters were placed in the Gulf of Mannar, between continental India and Ceylon, reports a January 3 American consular dispatch from Madras. All of these oysters died due to their inability to adjust to conditions prevailing in the Gulf of Mannar. Pearl oysters thrive in the Persian Gulf, but have been rare in the Gulf of Mannar in recent years, states the Deputy Director of Madras Fisheries. 36 COMMERCIAL FISHERIES REVIEW Vol. 14, No. 9 Irish Free State NEW FISHERIES LEGISLATION: Sea Fisheries Bill Passed: The Sea Fisheries states an April 30 American Embassy report from Dublin. The Sea Fisheries Bill, 1952, introduced into the Irish Parliament on February 13, reiterated with but few minor changes the terms of the Sea Fisheries Bill, 1950. The earlier bill did not pass. The new bill aims at the reorganization of existing sea fishery associations in order to protect small fishermen working close to shore. It re- tails considerable official control over the industry, by establishing a new Board (An Bord Iascaigh Mhara) with members to be appointed by the Minister of Agriculture (who is also Minister of Fisheries). Fishermen themselves will be organized in a new association (An Comhlachas Iascaigh Mhara), replacing the Irish Sea Fisheries Association which has existed since 1931. Membership in the second new organization will also be open to the fish distributors. The bill makes financial provision for the new bodies and al- lows for interest-bearing loans fromthe Central Fund, upto &500,000 (US$1,400,000) , to be administered by the Government-appointed control body (An Bord Iascaigh Mhara). The new 6-man Board (An Bord Iascaigh Mhara), set up under the act as a new controlling part-time body with greater powers than the former Association which it replaces, was recently appointed by the Minister of Agriculture. The member- ship consists of a member of the Fisheries Branch, Department of Agriculture, as chairman, and representatives of provincial fisheries interests. Through the Board, official controls will be exercised over fisheries. It will operate large boats in areas where small inshore boats cannot go, and will regulate the landings and sale of fish. Salmon Fisheries in Lough Foyle Under Government Control: The Foyle Fisher- jes (No. 2) Bill, 1951, recently passed byboth houses of the Oireachtas (Irish Parliament) provides for the joint acquisition by the Governments of Ireland and Northern Ireland of the valuable salmon fisheries in Lough Foyle. This new bill, which parallels similar legislation introduced into the Northern Ireland Parlia- ment, supersedes a bill introduced by the former. This legislation is expected to eliminate rather extensive poaching activities, which were made possible through divided responsibility in those waters. Fishing rights are to be purchased for £100,000 (US$280,000), in equal shares, by both Governments from a body known as the "Irish Society" which held them for centuries, and following acquisition, will be administered by a joint board representing both parts of Ireland. The concluding ceremony attending the joint purchase of the Foyle fisheries took place in Dublin on April 8. % OR ae wk NEW COLD-STORAGE AND FISH-MBAL PLANT: A cold-storage and fish-meal factory, established by the former Sea Fisheries Association at Killybegs, Donegal, is ex- pected to be in production in a few months, according to an April 30 report. Ma- chinery for making fish meal has reached Ireland from Germany, while the cold-stor- age equipment has already been installed. Cheap grades of fish (in combination with sprats and other fish to insure that the oil content of the meal will not ex- ceed 8 percent) will be converted into animal feedstuffs. This factory is being established as a pilot plant at one of the leading Irish fishing centers. a September 1952 COMMERCIAL FISHERIES REVIEW Sh) Japan CANNED CRAB MEAT CHECK PRICES: On exports of canned crab meat to the Unit— ed States and Canada, the Japanese Government recently announced the following check prices. These prices are for meat packed in crab no. 2 can (7 oz.), 4 dozen cans to the case, f.o.b., and are in effect July 1-December 31, 1952, re- ports an American Embassy report from Tokyo dated July 14. Price Per CaseJ/ || Kind | Grade_| Price Per CaseJ/| US King Crab2/ | Choice Hair Crab Choice PARALITHODES TILESIUS. PARAL: THODES BREVIPES, BRANDT. a 25 CENTS HIGHER PER 2 DOZEN |F PACKED IN PAPER BOX, B) |1F- CANS ARE TO BE LABELED, AN EXTRA CHARGE OF 15 CENTS PER 4 DOZEN WILL BE MADE. * KK OK * MEETING ON JAPANESE FISHERIFS POLICIES AND PROGRAMS: A meeting between a top-ranking official of the Japanese Government and leaders of the Japanese fishing industry was held on July 23 in Tokyo to discuss Japanese Post-Treaty fisheries policies and programs. As reported in the Japanese press (Nihon Keizai, July 24), Minister Kozen Hirokawa, Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry (which includes the Fisheries Agency), met with about 40 leaders "representing financial and marine industrial circles, in addition to scholars, experts, and governors of prefectures where the aquatic industry is thriving," an American Embassy dispatch from Tokyo points out. Minister Hirokawa's speech was summed up as follows: "). Although our aquatic industry has been restored to some 80 to 90 per- cent of the prewar level, there is as yet considerable room for development of our ocean fishery which, in prewar years, accounted for one-third of world-wide marine production. In this respect, I am glad to say that with the abolition of the MacArthur Line, our fishermen started salmon and trout fishing operations in the Northern Pacific Ocean, bonito and tuna in the Southern Pacific Ocean, trawling in the South China Sea, etc. From next year, we would like to start crab fishing under the motherboat system and drag-net fishing in the Northern Pacific Ocean. "2. As measures for small and medium-scale fishing industrialists andother minor fishermen, we deem it essential to carry out further rationalization of their enterprises. The Agriculture-Forestry Ministry is now contemplating to adopt a system of credit funds for the fishery industry. "3. To preserve natural resources of marine products, it is necessary for the Government to take such measures as reduction or reconditioning of fishing craft. In addition, it is of high importance to conduct positive surveys of natural marine resources." cpg in oe os FISHERY CIRCLES CONCERNED OVER TUNA EXFORT SITUATION: "Fishery circles are growing anxious over the anticipated lull in tuna export to the United States in the next six months, reports Nihon Keizai," according to an item in the Japanese press (Kyodo, July 31) as reported by an American Embassy dispatch from Tokyo. 38 COMMERCIAL FISHERIES REVIEW Vol. 14, No. 9 "Japan has already exported more than 11,000 tons of the 12,000-ton frozen tuna export goal for the United States. The speedy export has been due to the favorable albacore catch in June. E "Fishery circles, therefore, fear that spearfish catches (which include tuna) to be brought back soon from equatorial waters and albacore to be taken after No- vember will not find their way abroad. These fish do not sell well in domestic markets. "The only ray of hope is for the United States to increase Japanese tuna im-— port, with spearfish catch in the United States this year expected to reach only half the usual amour .. "Japanese frozen tuna exports to the United States aggregated 16,000 tons last year. The export volume this year, however, was kept down to 12,000 tons because of the United States' plan for higher tariff on imported tuna," the news report says. oe bs See THREE-WAY TRADING IN TUNA EXFORTS BEING INVESTIGATED: The Japanese Govern- ment is investigating whether frozen tuna is being shipped from Japan to the U- nited States via Canada to by-pass the Japanese limitation on tuna exports to the United States. This investigation was reported in the Japanese press (Suisan Tsushin, July 28) and confirmed by an official of the Government, a July 31 Amer— ican Embassy dispatch from Tokyo states. Japanese regulations specify quotas and check prices on exports of freshand frozen tuna to the United States. Regulations on frozen tuna do not presently ap- ply to Canada. Check prices on canned tunado apply bothto the United States and Canada. The Government (Ministry of International Trade and Industry and the Min- istry of Agriculture and Forestry--the latter includes the Fisheries Agency) andthe tuna industry have been aroused over recent reportsthat shipments of tuna were be- ing earmarked for the United States by three-way trading; Japanese firm toCanadian firm, hence to an American firm. The newspaper report states in part: "At the time when we are particularly concerned about the disposition of the balance of 12,000 tons, the maximum export quantity on frozen tuna, and 10,900 tons already shipped, a Canadian company is reported to have contracted for 1,000 to 2,000 tons of frozen tuna to be shipped to Vancouver and the compeny applied for a license to ship 500 tons. MITI (Min- istry of International Trade and Industry) did not accept it, but referred the matter to the Canadian Embassy and is investigating the actual status." EXPORT PERMITS REQUIRED FOR CERTAIN CANNED FISHERY PRODUCTS: Canned crab, salmon, salmon trout, and oysters have been designated by the Japanese Ministry of International Trade and Industry as items requiring permission to export. Con- trohs have been imposed on these products in order to prevent possible dumping on certain markets, according to a June 25 Tokyo report quoted by the Canadian De- partment of Trade and Commerce in its publication Foreign Trade (July UG), 1952). *% KH RR NORTH PACIFIC MOTHERSHIF WHALING OPERATIONS: The licensing of North Pacific mothership whaling operations were announced by the Japanese Fisheries Agency on July 8, according to an American Embassy dispatch of that date from Tokyo. The September 1952 COMMERCIAL FISHERIES REVIEW 39 operations will consist of one mothership (Baikal Maru, 4,744 gross tons), 4 catcher boats, and 8 carriers. The goal is 350 baleen whales. The area of op- erations will be the high seas north of 46° N. latitude in the North Pacific, including the Bering Sea. The period of operations will be July 15-September 30. Syeorir te Gr ah ALBACORE TUNA LANDINGS AND EX-VESSEL FRICES: Approximately 26,063 metric tons of "summer" albacore tuna were landed in Japan in May and June this year (May 3,883 tons, June 22,180 tons), accord- ing to a special sur- vey of the leading tuna ports (Yaizu, Shimizu, Misaki, and Tok) by the Japanese Fisheries A- gency. Albacore land- ings have dropped with the end of the season and fishermen have shifted to skipjack tuna fishing, reports an American Embassy dispatch from Tokyo. The approximate maximum cold-storage capacity available during the "summer" albacore season (May through July) is 15,790 metric tons. Cold- storage holdings of albacore on July 1 to- taled 11,900 tons. U. S. $ per Short Ton Average Maximum Minimum Average 8,26 POUNDS TRAWLERS TO RESUME OPERATIONS IN SOUTH CHINA SEAS: The Japanese Fisheries Agency has approved an application for Japanese trawlers to resume operations in some prewar areas of the South China Sea. On July 24, the Agency approved the application of a Japanese company to send 3 pairs of 2-boat trawlers and 2 otter trawlers to the South China Sea. The Agency issued special licenses for the fish- ing in this region, states a July 20 American Embassy dispatch from Tokyo. The license requires that: 1. Fishing be confined within the area south of 25° N. latitude, north of 15° N. latitude, and west of 121° E, longitude (temporarily west of 118°N. longitude). L0 COMMERCIAL FISHERIES REVIEW Voll. 1; No. 9 2. No operations will be conducted in territorial waters (3 miles) of for- eign countries. 3. The fishing boats will not put into any foreign ports for supplies, fuel, etc. 4. The catch cannot be transferred at sea. The catch must be brought to Japan by the fishing vessels engaged in the operations. The license expires June 30, 1953. Each pair of 2-boat trawlers is expected to make 3 trips by October 21, 1952. A catch of 3,000 boxes (1box =57.8 pounds of fish) per trip is enticipated for each pair of 2-boat trawlers. The 2 otter trawlers are expected to make a combined total of 5 trips by October 1953. The catch per trip for each otter trawler is expected to be 7,000 boxes. Units of this fishing fleet were expected to sail about July 27. KH EHE GREAT PEARL OYSTER REGULATIONS: The Japanese Government has applied regula- tions to fishing operations for the black lip pearl oyster and certain other mol- lusks. On July 8 the Japanese Fisheries A- gency, Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry, announced the Ministrywill require licenses for the collection ofthe great pearl oyster (black lip), silver lip (gold lip), brown top-shell, striped ton-shell, great winged Avicula, and the green snail. The regula- tions apply to boats over 20 gross tons and will include restrictions on size limits, catch limits, and fishing season, states a July 14 American Embassy report from Tokyo. In prewar years, much of the Japanese fishing for these species wasin the equato- rial waters, including the Arafura Sea. He HH EK PLANNED REDUCTION IN NUMBER OF SMALL TRAWLERS: The Japanese Fisheries Agency plans to continue reducing the number of small trawlers. As reported in the Japanese press (Suisan Tsushin, July 5) and confirmed by the Fisheries Agency, 1,687 boats will be eliminated from the trawl- ing fisheries during the fiscal year ending March 31, 1953. A total of 233 small trawlers were removed last year. These reductions are part of a program to re- duce the small trawler fleet from the total of 36,644 boats in 1951 to 27,830 boats (67,774 gross tons) within the 5-year period ending April 1, 1956. The pro- gram is aimed at correcting overfishing and improving the economic condition of fishermen, declares a July 14 American Embassy dispatch from Tokyo. DIVING FOR PEARL OYSTERS The Japanese Fisheries Agency originally planned to reduce this fleet to 20,000 boats. This plan has been modified to permit the retention of small hand- or sail-powered boats dragging for shellfish. Owners of boats deleted from the trawl fisheries receive compensation in accordance with a fixed standard of eval- September 1952 COMMERCIAL FISHERIES REVIEW ral uation of boats. Crew members also receive a form of unemployment compensation if loss of work results from tnis reduction in the number of boats. Boats sub- ject to removal from thetrawl fisheries are either sunk, converted to othertypes of fishing, or other non-fishing operations. The reduction will be widespread throughout Japan. The Agency recognizes the need for effective policing of the small trawler fleet to insure that boats earmarked for removal are actually deleted from the fleet and that they or other replacements do not re-enter the trawling fisheries to necessitate a repetition of the reduction in the future. JAPANESE GOVERNMENT Norway DEVELOPMENT OF FROZEN FISH INDUSTRY: When modern deep-freezing of fish be- gan to gain ground some years ago, it was clear at once that this was the solu- tion to the problem of how to send Norwegian fish tag consumers in all parts of the world, according to an article which appeared in a special 1952 Norway Edi- tion of World Fish Trade. The modern deep-freezing technique is a comparatively new conserving method in Norway. In the 1930's there were few who carried on the freezing of fish fil- lets. But the expansion of freezing installations was speeded up just before and in the first two years after World War II. The modern deep—freezing industry is now very well developed in Norway. The freezing plants are established in favorable positions in relation to the fishing areas along the Norwegian coast, and new plants are under construction. Various kinds of freezing equipment are used. Today almost all the usual types of fish caught along the coast are used for producing frozen fish fillets. As the markets have developed, it has becomeclear that it is possible to sell most types of fish. Frozen fish fillets are packed in the following three types of cartons: 1. 1 1b. carton with guaranteed net weight; 24 cartons to an export carton. 2. Inner carton containing 5 lbs. net with 6 cello-wrapped pieces in each box; 8 of these 5-lb. cartons to an export carton containing 40 lbs. net. 3. Inner carton of 10 lbs. with 10 to 12 cello-wrapped pieces; 4 cartors to an export carton. During and particularly since the war, a considerable number of small spe- cialized vessels with freezing machinery have been built for the transport of frozen fish fillets. A number of liner companies have also installed freezing rooms in their ships. For Overland shipment, specially constructed railway cars are used. The frozen fillets are thus transported either by ship or rail from the stores in Norway to the stores abroad. The world market has so far shown a constantly increasing interest in frozen foodstuffs, so that the development of the "freezing-chain" in the various mar- kets has proceeded at great speed. In certain markets Norway has taken the ini- tiative in this development. 42 COMMERCIAL FISHERIES REVIEW Vol. 14, No. 9 To solve the various distribution problems and secure utmost efficiency, the Norwegian fish freezers decided in 1947 to form their own export organiza- tion. All the producers of frozen fish and fillets in Norway are now members of this cooperative organization. It was formed on a voluntary basis and the capital is contributed by the individual freezing plants and some banks and in- surance companies. Since it started, the organization has exported frozen fillets to a number of European and overseas markets and sales have been secured for all kinds of fish. Experience so far shows that the sale of Norwegian frozen fillets is de- veloping very satisfactorily. Hee HK NORTH NORWAY'S FISHING INDUSTRY DEVELOPMENT PLAN PROGRESSES: As part of the program for the economic development of North Norway, plans are being made to increase the facilities for fish drying and processing, to increase repair facilities for smaller ships, and possibly to build small plants to make fish- ing boat engines, states a July 7 American consular report from Oslo. Three million kroner (about US#420,000) have been allotted for experimental fishing boats; the same amount for water works to provide fresh running water in homes and fish-packing plants; and two and one half million kroner (about $350,000) to establish service stations for fisnermen in Finmark. NOTE: ALSO SEE COMMERCIAL FISHERIES REVIEW, MARCH 1952, P. 47. He ue HH gian trade paper. One purse seiner took 213 large tuna in a single set. Tuna prices have been fixed at 1.42 kroner per kilo (9 U.S. cents per pound) on the grounds, and 1.57 kroner (10 U.S. cents per pound) delivered to the freezers. Me KH EH LOWER 1952 OUTPUT OF MARINE OILS FORECAST: Norway's production of marine oils in 1952 is expected to be somewhat below the 1951 volume of around 320,000 short tons, reports the American Embessy, Oslo. The decrease in 1952 is expect- ed to occur principally in herring-cil production which is estimated at about 77,000 tons, as compered with the all-time record output of 88,200 tons (revised) in 1951. Cod-liver oil output is expected to be the same as in 1951 when some 12,300 tons were produced. Total production of all fish-liver oils in 1951 reached the all-time high of 16,400 tons as compared with 10,200 tons in 1950. Norwegian whale and sperm oil production during the 1951-52 Antarctic season and from the Norwegian shore station at Husvik Harbor, South Georgia, totaled 211,400 tons. This is slightly more than the 208,400 tons preduced during the preceding season. Production of whale and sperm oil from shore-based operations in Norway probably will approximate the 2,760 tons produced in 1951. It is not known whether Norway will agein engage in sperm whaling off the coast of Peru. Some 3,670 tons of sperm oil was produced from whales caught in those waters by Norway in 1951. FISHING VESSEL ON DEMONSTRATION TOUR TO SOUTH AFRICA: A Norwegian cutter— — — type fishing vessel (60 feet long, 18s feet wide, and with a cargo capacity of September 1952 COMMERCIAL FISHERIES REVIEW 43 72 tons) is ready to start a demonstration tour to South Africa, according to the April 16 issue of Fiskaren, Norwegian trade paper. It is equipped with a 150 hp. motor, and has a hydraulic winch, radiotelephone, and echo sounder. A- mong its fishing geer are purse seines for herring and small tuna. The crew numbers 10. The vessel will fish along the African coast with its primary purpose being to demonstrate and increase the export of Norwegian fishing craft and equipment. It will visit Lisbon, Dakar, Freetown, and Angola on the projected 9=-month tour. Seychelles Islands FISHERIES SCHEME FAILS: The Colonial Development Corporation has given no- tice that two fishing vessels of 300 gross tons each utilized in the Seychelles fishing scheme are for sale, according to a July 7 American consular dispatch from Mombasa, Kenya. The Isle of Saint Anne and the Isle of Silhouette have been brought to Mombasa to be sold; the third “ship engaged in | in the fishing scheme, the Isle of Maho, will be used as a freighter on the Mogadishru-Beira run, with oc- casional trips to the Seychelles. Although officials of the Corporation have made no definite statements asto the future of the fishing scheme, they have declared that the Corporation lost £28,000 (US#78,610) during the first six months of operations. Bad weatherwhich interfered with fishing, the high cost of manning the vessels with European of- ficers, and repairs to the ships were mainly responsible for this loss. These officials also stated that the Corporation has been unable to find a market suf- ficient to support the operating expenses of the fleet. There is a considerable demand for dried fish in the Seychelles, but because of competition from small local suppliers prices are low and the corporation income from this source proved too small to meet expenses. One Corporation official said that, largely because of high fuel prices, the cost of getting to the fishing grounds and returning was "prohibitive for the type of markets we were serving," and admitted that "the whole scheme was uneconomical." It isreported that the drying sheds on the Isle of Saint Anne, which can process 20 metric tons of fish at a time, are now operating at less than 10 per- cent of their capacity and are entirely dependent upon fish caught near the Is- lands from canoes and small dhows. The Corporation may carry on some fishing in the future using small Seychel- les craft to supply fresh fish to the islands of that group. NOTE: SEE COMMERCIAL FISHERIES REVIEW, JUNE 1951, PP. 75-6. Union of South Africa U. S. IMPORTANT MARKET FOR SPINY LOBSTERS: The spiny lobster industry inthe Union of South Africa has made substantial progress in marketing its products in the United States despite restrictions since 1947 by the South African Government on exports of canned and frozen spiny lobster for conservation purposes. United States imports of spiny lobster from South Africa in 1951 totaled 6,836,000 pounds (including 5,444,000 pounds of frozen and 1,392,000 pounds of Ah COMMERCIAL FISHERIES REVIEW Vol. 14, No. 9 canned), according to the U. S. Bureau of the Census. Imports in 1946 amounted to only 2,564,000 pounds (all frozen). The Union of South Africa in the year ended October 31, 1951, produced ap— proximately 6,300,000 pounds of canned spiny lobster tails. KKK RK NEW FISHERY BYPRODUCTS DEVELOPED: Waste-water residue or stickwater of the whale-rendering industry can be spray-dried into a powder rich in proteins and containing B-group vitamins, the South African Council for Industrial and Scien- tific Research announced early this year, the March 1952 World Fish Trade reports. The Council has also established that whale liver provides the same liver extract that is obtained from the livers of domestic and other animals. Whale- liver extract contains vitamin P92, which is most valuable for combating perni- cious anaemia. Since South Africa has an annual catch of about 1,000 whales, it is reported that the raw material for these new byproducts is readily available. x eK KH FISH OIL QUTPUT SHOWS RAPID EXPANSION: Production of crude fish-body oil in the Union of South Africa and in South West Africae is expected to reach 22,400 short tons during the 1952 season new in progress as compared with 17,420 tons in 1951 and 11,340 tons in 1950, according to an American consular dispatch from Capetown. Based on returns during the 1951 season and taking into consideration pro- jected plant expansion (particularly in the Walvis Bay area, South-West Africa), combined production in 1953 may approach 28,000 tons. Most important among the factors responsible for the sharp rise in produc- tion in 1951 were an expanded fishing fleet manned by more experienced crews, an exceptionally good season at Walvis Bay, improved fishing techniques, and the in- creased use of more modern equipment, including ship—to-shore radio and echo- sounding gear. The reduction plant capacity also was increased during the year to reach 200 tons of raw fish per hour in the Union of South Africa and 65 tons per hour at Walvis Bay. The export of crude fish-body oil from the Union was under embargo in 1951 because demand exceeded supply. Exports (subject to permit) of refined oil a- mounted to approximately 1,620 tons in 1951, the bulk of which was destined to Italy, the United Kingdom, the Netherlands, Australia, and Germany. The shortage of fish oils in the Union in 1951 was due, in part, to the com- paratively high prices of vegetable oils, fats, and tallow on the world market. Priced at 470 per long ton (US#175 per short ton)f.o.r. Vrendenberg (iodine content 180 units), fish-body oil became a popular substitute for the foregoing commodi- ties. Wholesale prices are fixed yearly by the Fish Body Oil Producers! Associa- tion, subject to Government approval. No change in crude oil prices from 1951 is anticipated during the current year. Prices of marine drying oils are substantiallyhigher this year than in 1951, ranging from £103-5-O to £150-10-0 (US$289-$21) per short ton, f.o.r. Simonstown for the local market and from £123-5-O0 to 4170-10-0 (US$345-#477) c.i.f. European ports on the export market. September 1952 COMMERCIAL FISHERIES REVIEW 45 United Kingdom CANNED TUNA PURCHASES: Canned tuna purchases by the United Kingdom from South America were reported in the June 28, 1952, issue of the British period- ical, The Grocer, according to an American Embassy dispatch from London. When the Reina del Pacifico arrived in the Mersey on June 20, it brought 25,000 cases (1,250,000 c ans) of canned tuna (probably bonito) from Peru and Ghitesa food item jebeieen to fill the gap caused by the great decline in can- ned red salmon deliveries. Before World War II, the people of the United Kingdom were the world's big- gest consumer of red salmon accounting for 43,000 tons a year, but since then only about 3,700 tons a year have been imported. Canned tuna has been given a trial in Scotland, Ulster, and Wales, and the present consignment--the largest shipment of the kind to the United Kingdom-- will, it is hoped, eventually lead to the replacement of a lost Liverpool indus- try. a ae Le BRITISH TO INVESTIGATE FISHERIES OFF GREENLAND: A series of investigations to determine the possibilities of waters off the east coast ef Greenland as fish- ing grounds is to be made by the Scottish fisheries research vessel Scotia, which is being sent out by the Scottish Home Department in September this year. The findings of this cruise will be considered together with those of the English research vessel Ernest Holt, which is also to make a survey voyage, states the April 19 issue of The Fishing News, a British fishery periodical. The Scotia will take echo soundings of the sea bed to determine its suita- bility for trawling and will record the temperature structure of the water, which has an important influence on the distribution of fish. The voyage is expected to last several weeks, and will be the longest ever undertaken by a Scottish re- search vessel. ee International NORTHWEST ATLANTIC FISHERIES COMMISSION PANEL 1 MEETING: A meeting of the panel for Subarea 1 will be held at Copen- hagen immediately following the 50th aniversary meetingof the International Council for the Exploration of the Sea. The International Commission for the Northwest Atlantic Fisheries Panel 1 one-day meeting will be held at Char- lottenlund Slot, Copenhagen, October &, 1952. The Contracting Governments participating in the Panel will be represented at the meeting by Commissioners, who may be assisted by experts or advisers. The Con- tracting Governments, as of August 8, 1952, are Canada, Denmark, Iceland, Norway, Portugal, Spain, United Kingdom, and United States. Of these, Denmark, Norway, Portugal, Spain, and United Kingdom are members of the Panel for Subarea 1 (Greenland). L6 COMMERCIAL FISHERIES REVIEW Vol. 14, No. 9 Included in the agenda is consideration of a long-term research programand cooperation in carrying through the 1953 program in Subarea 1; review of fisher- ies statistics for Subarea 1 and a consideration of ways and means of improving them for the purposes of the Commission; and formulation and adoption of recom- mendations to the Commission. FOOD AND AGRICULTURE ORGANIZATION FISHERIES STATISTICS MEETING: The first meeting of its kind on the subject "Purposes and Methods of "Fishery Statistics" convened in Copenhagen, Denmark, on May 26. It was called by the Food and Agriculture Organization for the purpose of discussing statistical problems of the various member coun= tries as well as those of the FAO in the international field. Delegates from 15 countries and observers from 2 inter- national organizations attended: Belgium, Canada, Costa Rica, Denmark, Egypt, Faeroe Islands, Finland, France, Federal Re- public of Germany, Italy, Netherlands, Norway, Sweden, United Kingdom, and the United States of America; and the Interna- tional Council for the Exploration of the Sea and the Inter- national Commission for the Northwest Atlantic Fisheries. The fishing industry of the United States should be particularly interested in the results of this meeting as the information obtained through the FAO from foreign countries is one of the few direct benefits received by it from this or- ganization. With present conditions in the industry throughout the world, every- one connected with the production or distribution of fishery products should be interested in obtaining as much current data on both the domestic and foreign fisheries. During the discussion, particular emphasis was placed on the need for ap- praising the data in the light of its intended use. It was felt that wider use of the data now available could profitably be made and that additional informa- tion should be obtained on some subjects. A number of delegates described the collection of statistics in their respec- tive countries with emphasis on the more unique aspects. Several delegates noted that the only country in which daily market data are furnished by the Government is the United States. Everyone felt that this type of information was extremely valuable, but there was considerable doubt whether available funds would permit its use in other countries. In France, a Central Committee on Maritime Fisheries represents the industry in dealing with the Governmental agencies. In order to speed up the publication of fishery statistics this committee handles part of the compilation and publica— tion of the data. In Norway, a permanent fishing vessel register is maintained by the Norwegian Fishery Directorate. This register contains information on the registration num- ber, name and address of owner, size of vessel, type and make of engine, horse- power, type of vessel, auxiliary equipment (depth recorders, radar, etc.), date of building, date of rebuilding, and similar data. The original information and changes, when necessary must be furnished to the local or district supervisor. Fishery administrators from continental European nations were generally in agree- ment that a registry of all fishing vessels was of vital interest, particularlyin showing the "fleet potential" of both the vessels actually fishing and those which were registered for fishing but were not active. They felt that it would beprac— September 1952 COMMERCIAL FISHERIES REVIEW 47 tically impossible to manage their fisheries without it, because of the intensive fishing and limited markets. Discussions on the use of sampling in fishery stetistics evoked a rather gen- eral agreement that sampling did not appear to be a satisfactory means of collect- ing production statistics, but that it coild be advantageously used in many other fields, both biological and economic. Consideration of the use of preliminary data and estimates resulted in agree- ment that, particularly for economic usage, they were of great value although ev- ery effort should be made to have final figures available as soon as possible. The following excerpts from the report of the drafting committee summarizes some of the results of the meeting:... Various authors submitted their papers to the meeting. Some of the papers were circulated in ad- vance, others were mede available at the meeting. These were supplemented by statements by the authors and other speakers during the course of the meeting, which were recorded for inclusion in the final re- port. It was agreed that the FAO secretariat should be asked to bring all the papers and supplementary papers into the final report which will cover allthe points raised. Clearly this meeting could not deal with all the many problems of fishery statistics. It was there- fore decided to focus attention on some outstanding aspects. The need for statistics: The maintenance and de- velopment of world fisheries require statisticai services which are based on the following broad prin— ciples: (a) Basic accuracy; (b) International com- parability; (c) Coordination at various stages - catching, handling (including processing), and dis- tribution; (d) Proper and timely presentation. The meeting was of the opinion that such statis- tics should be directed towards the needs of the ad- ministration, the industry, and biological and eco- nomic research. While some countries already have evolved a system of statistics which goes a long way towards these objectives, it is felt that in nocase have all the requirements been met. In allstatisti- cal services, the efficiency could be improved by a more frequent review of their purpose, and this would involve closer contact between the users of the statistics and those responsible for their com pilation. In addition to the statistics which are required ror international use, which will be dealt with lat- er inthis report, it was recognized that eachcoun— try must provide statistics to meet its own domestic needs, but that here also the services of the FAO Fisheries Division may be of great assistance. In order to improve the use of the collected material, FAO could be of further help in disseminating infor- mation on the methods of economic analysis. Catch Statistics: While it was agreed that vari- ous methods of collecting statistics, adapted to the conditions of each country must continue to be used the meeting felt that the exchange of information afforded bythe papers and discussions should prove of great value to each country in any re-organiza- tion or extension of its statistical services which might be contemplated. For example, the use of du- plicate catch receipt slips, as given to fishermen at first-hand sales, has worked efficiently where practicable, but it was recognized that this method would not be applicable in some countries or incer= tain circumstances. The importance of obtaining information as to fishing grounds and fishing effort, i.e. the method and duration of fishing, was stressed, and it was recommended that in the interests of the efficiency of the industry and the preservation of the stocks of fish, this information should be collected as completely as possible. Wherever possible, details of the catch of ev- ery species of fish landed should be collected, and it was agreed that where fish is landed in commer- cial size categories, it is desirable to record the quantities of each category separately. Fishing Craft and "effort" statistics: It was recommended that greater attention should be paid to the collection of information about fishing craft; their equipment and crew. The three most important considerations are: (1) the method of fishing; (2) the method of propulsion, and power; and (3) length or gross registered tonnage; but further details of the vessels and their technical equipment should be obtained where possible. It was noted that a number of Eurorfean countries are already successfully operating some form of in- dex for recording this information. These particulars of the vessels and their equip- ment and gear, together with the detailed catch sta- tistics for the various fishing operations, provide abasis for the calculation of fishing effort. Trade Statistics: ered under two heads: nal. Trade statistics were consid- (1) external and (2) inter- With regard to external trade statistics, the Meeting urged that the Statistical Commission of the United Nations should take account cf the fol- lowing recommendations when considering forthcoming reports of the United Nations Statistical Office on external trade: (a) For purposes of comparability, the export and import figures, when reported to the Food and Agriculture Organization, should be shown in the same basis of weight as that used for the catches which, for international purposes, are converted 48 into round fresh weight. This would in most cases involve the use of conversion factors, and the first essential, therefore, is to determine and publish as complete a record as possible of the conversion factors. (b) Direct landings by foreign craft should be separately recorded both by the country in which the fish is landed and by that to which the craft belongs. While it was agreed that internal trade statis— tics are primarily of interest to the countries concerned, it was considered that in order to pro- vide the necessary information as’ to food supplies and consumption data for FAO, every endeavor should be made to see that these internal trade statistics are complete and accurate. It was apparent that in every country this section of the statistics was insufficiently developed. The collection of fig= ures relating to the stocks of fish products was not unanimously considered essential, but it was recognized that in certain countries, this special information is of great value. It was pointed out that the quantity of fish taken home by fishermen or caught by amateur fishermen for their own con- sumption is not included in the national consump- tion figures; in some countries the quantity, though it has not yet been estimated, is undoubted- ly considerable. A suggestion was made that sta-- tistical data should be made a basis for the fore= casting of economic conditions in the fishing in- dustry. . The Presentation of the Statistics: It was a- greed that although each country must frame its statistics to meet the needs of its own edministra— tion and industry, it would be of advantage if the special requirements of FAO could, where possible, be incorporated. Further, as the value of the sta- tistics is greatly increased by timely presentation, it was recommended that both domestic material and that required by FAO should be available at the earliest possible moment. Especially in the caseof figures for domestic purposes, this may sometimes involve the issue of provisional figures. cation: These subjects were considered by a special panel, and its recommendations, which have been ac~ cepted by the Conference, are given in the appendix. Conclusion: This Conference was the first occa= sion on which the problems of fishery statistics have been considered on so wide an international ba- sis. It afforded a unique opportunity to reviewnot only the statistical requirements of the individual countries represented, but also those of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations. The full outcome of the conference may not be ap- parent for some time, but it was evident that a careful study was being made of the papers on many different aspects of fishery statistics which had been submitted and that careful consideration would be given in all countries to the recommendations for improvement and extension of the statistical services. Appendix B List of Documents Collection of Fishery Statistics, England and Wales, by J. le G. Lacy. COMMERCIAL FISHERIES REVIEW Vol. 14, No. 9 General Notes on Purpose and Methods in Develop- ing Fisheries Statistics, by G. M. Gerhardsen. Fishing Fleet Statistics of the Federal Republic of Germany, by G. Meseck. The Statistical Requirements of the Internation= al Commission for the Northwest Atlantic Fisheries, by W. R. Martin. Statistics on Marketing and Processing of Sea Fish in Western Germany, by O. Bauer. Le Role Present et le Role Futur des Statisti- ques Economiques des Peches Maritimes, by J. M. Besseteaux. International Comparability of Statistics on the External Trade in Fisheries Commodities, by L. P. D. Gertenbach. The Norwegian Register of Fishing Craft and Sta=- tistics based on the Register, by H. Angerman. Les Besoins en Statistiques de 1'Industrie des Peches, by J. le Garrec. ; The Biologists! Needs for Fisheries Statistics, by A. W. H. Needler. Statistics on the Fishing Fleets, by M. J. Gir- ard. Long Term Trends with Special Reference to the United States, by A. W. Anderson. Development of Fishery Statistics in the Manage- ment of Philippine Fisheries, by B. Ongchangco. The Commercial Fishing Statistics Required for Research and Regulation of the North Sea Fisheries, by R. J. H. Beverton. Notes on Conversion Factors in Fisheries Statis- tical Work, by G. M. Gerhardsen and L. P. D. Gerten- bach. The Statistical Work of the International Coun- cil for Exploration of the Sea in Retrospect, by N. Rosen. Essais de Coordination des Donnees Statistiques Destinees a etre publiees dans 1'Annuaire Statis- tique des Peches de la FAO, by Ch. Gilis. Appendix to preceding paper: Methode de travail permettant l'analyse de la statistique de la peche Maritime. Fishery Statistics Necessary for Predictions of Catches and for Determinations of the Optimal Catches, by Aa. I. C. Jensen. The Importance of Statistics for the Export of Fish, by F. F. Erichsen. The Reorganization of Denmark's Fisheries Statis— tics, byA. C. Strubberg. L'Etablissement de Statisticue sur la Feche en Italie et les difficultes resultant de la dispersion des marches det des centres de producticn, by R. Cusmai and G. Bazzuoli. September 1952 Statistics on Fish Market Investigations, by D. J. van Dijk. The Collection of Pelagic Fish Statistics, by PB. B. Parrish. Fisheries Commodities, by FAO Fisheries Division. A Short Report on the Egyptian Fisheries, by M. Hegazi. Statement on External Trade Stetistics, by W. R. Leonard. Comments on the FAO Questionnaire on Catch, Land- ings, Disposition and Utilization, by G. Cartwrifht. Collection of Data and Statistical Investigations of the Italian Fishery, by The Central Institute of Statistics, Rome. Swedish Fisheries Statistics - Fxisting organiza- tion and planned improvements, by O. Zetterberg. Sea Fishery Statistics in the Federal Republic of Germany, by G. Hass. Collection of Fishery Statistics, The Netherlands, by Netherlands Delegation. Notes on Statistical Treatment of Fish in Food Balance Sheets, by FAO Fisheries Division. Note on Document 7 "International Comparability of Statistics on the External Trade in Fisheries Commodities," by Netherlands Delegation. Appendix C The FAO Questionnaire: The group considered the latest version of the FAO questionnaire for a pre- liminary report on catch,disposition, and utiliza- tion and suggests that FAO revise it along the fol- lowing lines: COMMERCIAL FISHERIES REVIEW 49 (a) The column for species group should be left blank so that countries can insert defined species groups in the order best suited to the available data. (b) The columns on (i) landings and (ii) catch should be replaced by new ones providing for the presentation of raw fish data on (1) catch landed by domestic craft within the national territory (2) imports in the form of direct landings by for- eign craft and those entering as cargo and boxed imports (3) exports. The disposition should be based on the total supplies retained for the home market. (c) Thecolumns for channels of disposition are satisfactory and should not be simplified. (d) The columns for "cured" products should not be left vacant but FAO should consult with the fish- eries experts in those 20 or so countries which reg. ularly complete the questionnaire in adequate de- tail, as to the four or so most acceptable clearly defined "cured" categories. (e) The definition of "canned" should be in ac- cord with the Standard International Trade Classi- fication. (f) The species breakdown for the table on oils and meals should be reduced to the 3 or 4 that are of significance in this industry. (g) The breakdown of "oils" should be reviewed and it might be better to state clearly that the "body oils" columns include both edible and ined- ible oils. Trade Classification: It is suggested that the secretariat of FAO should further consult the UN Statistical Office and reach a mutually acceptable breakdown for the minimum groupings to be used by FAO and submit the revised proposals to countries for comment after study at leisure. The last paragraph of the report points out some of the intangible results of the meeting. Certain revisions in the FAO statistical publications will re- sult from the meeting, and a number of the member countries may make changes in their national fishery statistics in line with ideas presented at the meeting. Any improvements in these foreign and international statistics will be of benefit to the U. S. Government and to the fishing industry. MEDITERRANEAN FISHERIES COUNCIL AGREEMENT ACCEPTED BY FRANCE: The Govern ment of France has accepted the Agreement drafted in Rome, Italy, on September 24, 1949, for the formation of a General Fisheries Council for the Mediterranean. Notification was received by the Food and Agriculture Organization on July 8, 1952, and France became a member of the Council as of that date. HH XK "WORLD FISHERIES ABSTRACTS" INAUGURATES NEW SERVICE: % From now on any fish- eries technologist requiring FAO's World Fisheries Abstracts and who has had dif- ficulties in obtaining it in the past may acquire his subscription free in ex- change for technical information, states a March 26 release from the FAO Rome headquarters. All that is necessary is to write a letter to F.A.0., Viale delle 50 COMMERCIAL FISHERIES REVIEW Vol. 14, No. 9 Terme di Caracalla, Rome, Italy, expressing interest and willingness to contri- bute to FAO information on special subjects which may be asked for from time to time. Such non-confidential information may be incorporated in the work of FAO, its documents, and publications. Because of currency difficulties, many people have been prevented from sub- scribing to the periodical. To solve this problem, FAO has worked out a plan so that there is a fair exchange between readers and publishers--a free subscrip- tion to the periodical in exchange for information. Practical fishermen, boat— owners, and fish processors as well as scientists, often have practical hints and experiences that can help fishermen and processors all over the world. These are screened and published by FAO. The purpose of the World Fisheries Abstracts is to give fishermen, boat own- ers, fish processors, canners,and curers a brief but up-to-date resume of themost recent developments in their fields. The abstracts are designed to be cut out of the book and filed alphabetically or by subject for use at a future date. WHALING SPERM OIL OUTPUT IN 1952 EXPECTED TO DECREASE: World production of spermoil in 1952 is expected to fall substantially below the record 1951 output of 118,000 short tons, according to information available to the Office of Foreign Agricul- tural Relations. Although the production of sperm oil from the 1951-1952 Antarc- tic season reached 53,600 tons, or 12 percent above the preceding season, produc- tion in other areas is expected to drop sharply. The fall in oil prices and lag- ging sales are expected to discourage many companies from operating outside the Antarctic in 1952. The record output of sperm oil in 1951 was due to the sharp demand created by the international situation which practically eliminated stocks of this product in 1950. A large number of the sperm whales killed in 1951 were taken in waters off the coast of Peru. Factoryships operating in this area produced some 36,500 tons of oil, whereas in 1950 no factoryships operated in this region. Whale-oil production (excluding sperm oil) from all areas in 1952 is expect— ed to increase slightly. Antarctic production in 1951-52 totaled 408,000 tons, an increase of 6 percent from last year. SS SS SS TEXAS LANDINGS OF FISHERY PRODUCTS DO YOU KNOW THAT.... Texas during the 1950-51 fiscal year (September 1950-August 1951) pro- duced 81,216,823 pounds of fish and shellfish--5 percent less than the 85,243,237 pounds landed in the previous fiscalyear. Aconsiderable increase in shrimp production was more than offset by asubstantial drop in menhaden landings. Shrimp (heads on) landings during the 1950-51 fiscal year amounted to 51,333,000 pounds as compared with 37,883,308 pounds during the previous year. However, menhaden landingsduring that year totaled 26,880,240 pounds as compared with 44,085,842 pounds during the previous year. Texas Landings, C.F.S. No. 675 September 1952 COMMERCIAL FISHERIES REVIEW oul > FEDERAL '# ACTIONS Department of Commerce NATIONAL PRODUCTION AUTHORITY AUTOMATIC ALLOTMENT PROCEDURE FOR CONTROLLED MATERIALS ANNOUNCED BY NPA: ly 10,000 manufacturers of "B" products beginning with the first quarter of 1953 was announced recently by the National Production Authority. This will particu- larly assist such groups in the fishing industry as shipyards, ship-repair yards, and manufacturers of fishing equipment. In announcing this step, effective August 11, 1952, NPA said that these pro- ducers may calculate their own allotments and obtain necessary priority assist- ance in procuring controlled materials without submitting CMP-4B applications. The large majority of small businesses will not have to file applications for al- lotments of controlled materials; however, NPA will still process individual CMP- 4B applications which will account for approximately 85 percent of carbon steel. NPA revealed that tentative levels for automatic allotments of copper and aluminum for the first quarter 1953 are set at 100 percent of third quarter 1952 allotments--up to 40,000 pounds of copper and 60,000 pounds of aluminum. However, as a result of the loss in production sustained during the steel strike, first quarter 1953 allotments of carbon steel under the automatic-allotment procedure will not permit any additions to the already authorized advance allotment level, which is 60 percent of the third quarter 1952 quantities. At the same time, NPA stressed that these tentative steel allotments may have to be revised downward when analysis of the first quarter 1953 requirements and supply is completed and the full impact of the eight-week steel strike is appraised. These are the actions taken by NPA: 1. A new Direction 18 to CMP Regulation 1 which provides the automatic-al- lotment procedure for certain "B" product producers who received third quarter 1952 allotments. Such producers are told how to calculate their own allotments. Direction 1&8 requires them to use the same allotment symbol they used to obtain materials for third quarter 1952. 2. Amendment 2 to Direction 1 of CMP Regulation 1 establishes a cut-cffdate of December 31, 1952, for the use of the current self-euthorization procedure and provides that it shall not be used after the fourth quarter of 1952. 3. A new Direction 17 to CMP Regulation 1 stipulates that, beginning with —>| —_ — ————_ S _ ders only if his total requirements of controlled materials do not exceed 25 tors of carbon steel, one ton of alloy steel, 500 pounds of nickel-bearing stainless steel, 10,000 pounds of copper, and 20,000 pounds of aluminum. It permits such 52 COMMERCIAL FISHERIES REVIEW Vol. 14, No. 9 producers to use the allotment symbol SU to obtain controlled materials, and the rating DO-SU to secure other materials. NPA emphasized that the automatic-allotment procedure should not be confus- ed with the self-authorization procedure. "The automatic allotment procedure takes up where the self-authorization procedure leaves off," NPA explained. Direction 18 provides a small bonus to those who are eligible for the auto- matic-allotment method over those who will file CMP-4B applications. For exam- ple, it permits producers who use the automatic-allotment procedure to receive 100 percent of the first 60 tons of carbon steel, plus 60 percent of the excess between that tonnage and 500 tons. Under the automatic-allotment procedure, a producer may calculate his own allotments and place purchase orders without submitting a CMP-4B application to NPA for any calendar quarter if his total third quarter 1952 allotment of each kind of controlled material did not exceed the following amounts: Carbon steel (including wrought iron)- 500 tons Alloy steel (except nickel-bearing stainless) - 90 tons Nickel-bearing stainless steel - 10,000 pounds Copper and copper-base alloy brass mill products, copper wire mill products, copper and copper-base alloy foundry products and powder - 40,000 pounds Aluminum - 60,000 pounds The amount he calculates as his allotment does not take into consideration the fourth quarter 1952 carry-over quantities of controlled materials whichmany manufacturers also will receive during the first calendar quarter 1953. "Although the review of the first quarter 1953 requirements and supply posi- tion has not been completed," NPA reports, "we felt it was necessary to takethis action at the same time the first quarter 1953 CMP-4B forms were distributed so as to provide the necessary information to the manufacturers who will be relieved of filing applications for allotments." Furthermore, the automatic-allotment method will be very helpful to these producers who will know each quarter the amount of their allotments without wait- ing for authorization from NPA. For details see: Direction 17 (Self-authorization procedure for producers of class B products) to CMP Regulation 1; Amendment 2 Direction 1 (Procedures for obtaining minimum quantities of materials by producers of class B products) to CMP Regulation 1; Direction 18 (Automatic allotment procedure for producers of classB products) to CMP Regulation 1; and news release NPA-2477; all dated August MALS IGF. KKK KH H INVENTORY CONTROLS ON CERTAIN MATERIALS REVISED: Inventory controls were re= moved from more than 50 widely-varied commodities by the National Production Au- thority on July 23 in a major revision of its basic inventory regulation. Some materials of interest to the fishery and allied industries are included. The amendment to NPA Regulation 1 is intended to make the order current by reflecting changes in the supply-demand situation of materials since April 1952, September 1952 COMMERCIAL FISHERIES REVIEW 53 date of the last large-scale revision of the order, The regulation covers all short-supply items not subject to restrictions of the Controlled Materials Plan. It is anticipated, NPA said, that the amendment will enable a large portion of the Nation's industrial economy to return to normal inventory practices. A number of items currently in short supply have been added to the revised order. These materials now are subject to the inventory controls of the amended regulation. Designation of Scarce Materials 1 (formerly Notice 1) has been revised to conform with amended NPA Regulation 1. This lists scarce materials which are subject to the anti-hoarding provisions of the Defense Production Act. For details see: DSM-1 (Designation of Scarce Materials and Withdrawal of Previous Designation) as amended; NPA Regulation 1 (Inventory Control) as amend- ed; and press release NPA-2430; all dated July 23, 1952. Also List of Basic Ma- terials and Alternates Issue No. 7 issued by the Defense Production Administra- tion on July 8. Sa i Lo SULPHURIC ACID ORDER M-94 REVOKED: Of interest particularly to producers of fish solubles will be the action of NPA in revoking Order M-94 (Sulphuric acid) effective August 18, 1952. The revocation, which lifts distribution controls on sulphuric acid, was made possible because the supply and demand for sulphuric ac- id now appear to be in approximate balance. Order M-94 was originally issued December 29, 1951, to prevent serious maldistribution of sulphuric acid and re- quired producers to maintain the same ratio between sales and captive use of to- tal production of sulphuric acid which they maintained in 1950. The revocation of M-94 does not imply that elemental sulphur is no longer in short supply. Sulphur consumption is governed by Order N-69 which restricts sul- phur use to 90 percent of 1950 usage and which continues to remain in effect. For details see: M-94 (Sulfuric Acid) Revocation, dated August 18, 1952, and news release NPA-2510 of August 19, 1952. NOTE: FULL TEXTS OF MATERIALS ORDERS MAY BE OBTAINED FROM NATIONAL PRODUCTION AUTHORITY, WASHINGTON 25, D. C., OR FROM ANY DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE REGIONAL OR FIELD OFFICE. ® Economic Stabilization Agency SALARY STABILIZATION BOARD SALARY REGULATION 1 AMENDED: General Salary Stabilization Regulation 1, A- mended, was issued by the Salary Stabilization Board on August 18, incorporating changes required by the Defense Production Act Amendments of 1952 and including substantive changes in policy. Changes required by law include the salary exemption for "small-business en- terprises." Substantive changes in policy include new provisions relating to com- pensation for a regularly extended workweek. In addition, this amendment of GSSR 1 combines in one document all salary stabilization policies relating to general adjustments in salaries, adjustments to maintain compensation relationships be- tween groups of employees and to avoid hardships and inequities, and adjustments 5k COMMERCIAL FISHERIES REVIEW Vol. 14, No. 9 for individual employees in the form of merit or length-of-service increases, promotions, transfers, and other changes in position. For details see: GSSR 1, Amended. & Department of the Interior KASK APPOINTED TO TWO INTERNATIONAL COMMISSIONS: Dr. John L. Kask, Assist- ant Director of the U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service, has been appointed by the President as a United States member of the Inter-American Tropical Tuna Commis- sion and the International Commission for the Scien- tific Investigation of Tuna, the Secretary of the In- terior Oscar L. Chapman announced in August. On both of these Commissions Kask succeeds Mil- ton C. James who retired as the Service's assistant director on March 31 of this year. Kask is now in Costa Rica to attend the fourth meeting of the Inter-American Tropical Tuna Commis- sion being held in San Jose from August 13 to 15. These Commissions were established by conven- tions between the United States and Costa Rica and the United States and Mexico. Both were set up to make a joint study of certain tuna fisheries, name- ly yellowfin and skipjeck, and related coastal bait OR. JOHN L. KASK fisheries, in the tropical waters of the eastern Pacific Ocean, "with a view to maintaining the populations of these fishes at a level which will permit utiliza- tion year after year without depletion." The Mexican convention was signed at Mexico City on January 25, 1949, and entered into force on July 11, 1950. Washington on May 31, 1949, and entered into force on March 3, 1950. The Costa Rica convention was signed at This agree- ment is open to adherence by other interested governments. WHALING REGULATIONS PUBLISHED: Ke KKK The Schedule of the Convention for the Regu- lation of Whaling as last amended by the International Whaling Commission inJuly 1951, was published in the August 28, 1952, issue of the Federal Register. The Whaling Convention Act of 1949, the legislation implementing the International Convention for the Regulation of Whaling, provides that regulations of the Com- mission shall be published by the Secretary of the Interior. published in the Federal Register follow. Part 351—W2HALING Basis and purpose. The Whaling Con- vention Act of 1949 (64 Stat. 421-425: 16 U. S. C., 1946 ed., Supp. IV, 916-9161), the legislation implementing the Inter- national Convention for the Regulation of Whaling signed at Washington De- cember 2, 1946, by the United States of ‘America and certain other governments, provides that regulations of the Com- mission (defined to mean the whaling regulations in the Schedule annexed to and constituting a part of the Conven- | tion in their original form or as modified, : revised, or amended by the Commission) , Shall be submitted for publication in the . FEDERAL REGISTER by the Secretary of the Interior. The provisions of the Sched- “ule have been edited to conform the num- bering, internal references, and similar items to regulations of the Administra- tive Committee of the Federal Register, but no changes have been made in the The regulations as substantive provisions. As so edited, the Schedule of the Convention as last ‘amended by the Commission in July 1951, pursuant to Article V of the Convention appears below. The provisions of the Schedule are applicable to nationals and whaling enterprises of the United States. Bec. 351.1 Inspection. $51.2 Killing of gray or right whales prohibited. ‘851.8 Killing of calves or suckling whales prohibited. September 1952 Bec, 351.4 851.5 $51.6 $51.7 351.8 351.9 351.10 851.11 Operations of factory ships limited... Closed areas for factory ships. Limitation on the taking of hump- back whales. Closed season for baleen whales. Catch quota for baleen whales. Minimum size limits. Open seasons for land stations. Use of factory ship in waters other than south of 40° South Latitude. Complete processing required. Prompt processing required. Remuneration of employees. Submission of laws and regulations. Submission of statistical data. Factory ship operations within ter: ritorial waters. 851.18 Definitions. AUTHORITY: §§ 351.1 to 351.18 are issued under 64 Stat. 421-425; 16 U. S. C., 916-9161. § 351.1 Inspection. (a) There shall be maintained on each factory ship at least two inspectors of whaling for the purpose of maintaining twenty-four hour inspection. These inspectors shall be appointed and paid by the Govern- ment having jurisdiction over the fac- tory ship. (b) Adequate inspection shall be maintained at each land station. The inspectors serving at each land station shall be appointed and paid by the Gov- ernment having jurisdiction over the land station. $351.2 Killing of gray or right whales prohibited. It is forbidden to take or kill gray whales or right whales, except when the meat and products of such whales are to be used exclusively for local consumption by the aborigines. § 351.3 Killing of calves or suckling whales prohibited. It is forbidden to take or kill calves or suckling whales or female whales which are accompanied by calves or suckling whales. $351.4 Operations of factory ships limited. It is forbidden to use a factory 851.12 351.13 851.14 851.15 $51.16 851.17 ship or whale catcher attached thereto for the purpose of taking or treating baleen whales in any of the following greas: (a) In waters north of 66° North Lati- tude except that from 150° East Longi- tude eastward as far as 140° West Longi- tude the taking or killing of baleen whales by a factory ship or whale catcher shall be permitted between 66° North Latitude and 72° North Latitude; (b) In the Atlantic Ocean and its de- South pendent waters north of 40° Latitude; (c) In the Pacific Ocean and its de- pendent waters east of 150° West Longi- tude between 40° South Latitude and 35° North Latitude; (d) In the Pacific Ocean and its de- pendent waters west.of 150° West Longi- tude between 40° South Latitude and 20° North Latitude; (e) In the Indian Ocean and its de- pendent waters north of 40° South Lati- tude. $351.5 Closed areas for factory ships. It is forbidden to use a factory ship or whale catcher attached thereto for the} gata provided, the date on which the purpose of taking or treating baleen|maximum catch of whales shall be} whales in the waters south of 40° South|qeemed to have been reachéd and shall Latitude from 70° West Longitude west- ward as far as 160° West Longitude. COMMERCIAL FISHERIES REVIEW $351.6 Limitation on the taking of humpback whales. It is forbidden to use a factory ship or a whale catcher attached thereto for the purpose of tak- | ing or treating humpback whales in any waters south of 40° South Latitude: Provided, That in the pelagic whaling season for baleen whales, 1952, a maxi- mum of 1,250 humpback whales may be taken in these waters commencing on February Ist. § 351.7 Closed season for baleen whales. (a) It is forbidden to use a, factory ship or a whale catcher attached thereto for the purpose of taking or treating baleen whales in any waters south of 40° South Latitude, except dur- ing the period from the second day of January to the seventh day of April following, both days inclusive. (b) Each Contracting Government. shall declare for all factory ships and whale catchers attached thereto under its jurisdiction, one continuous open season not to exceed eight months out of any period of twelve months during which the taking or treating of sperm whales by factory ships may be per- mitted: Provided, That a separate open season may be declared for each factory ship. (c) Notwithstanding the prohibition of treatment in paragraphs (a) and (b) of this section during a closed season, the treatment of whales which have been taken during the open season may be completed after the end of the open season. § 351.8 Catch quota for baleen whales. (a) The number of baleen whales taken during the open season caught in any waters south of 40° South Latitude by whale catchers attached to factory ships under the jurisdiction of the Contracting Governments shall not exceed sixteen thousand blue-whale units. (b) For the purposes of paragraph (a) of this section, blue-whale units shall be calculated on the basis that one blue whale equals: (1) Two fin whales; or (2) Twoand a half humpback whales; or (3) Six sei whales. (c) Notification shall be given in ac- cordance with Article VII of the Con- of each calendar week, of data on the ships under the jurisdiction of each Con- tracting Government; and in addition| § 351.6, including nil returns on days when no humpback whales are taken, shall be given at the end of each day. | (d) If it should appear that the maxi- mum catch of whales permitted by par- agraph (a) of this section may be other body as the Commission may desig- nate, shall determine on the basis of the notify each contracting Government of 55 that date not less than two weeks in ad- vance thereof. The taking of baleen whales by whale catchers attached to factory ships shall be illegal in any waters south of 40° South Latitude after midnight of the date so determined. (e) On the basis of data on number of humpback whales taken in accordance with the provisions of § 351.6 and re- ported in accordance with paragraph (c) of this section, the Commission, or such other body as the Commission may designate, shall determine the date on which the maximum catch of humpback whales shall be deemed to have been reached and shall notify each factory ship and each contracting Government three days in advance thereof. The taking of humpback whales in all waters south of 40° South Latitude shall be illegal after midnight of the date so determined. (f) Notification shall be given in ac- cordance with the provisions of Article VII of the Convention of each factory ship intending to engage in whaling operations in any waters south of 40° South Latitude. § 351.9 Minimum size limits. (a) It is forbidden to take or kill any blue, sei, or humpback whales below the following lengths: (1) Blue whales 70 feet (21.3 metres) ; (2) Sei whales 40 feet (12.2 metres) ; (3) Humpback whales 35 feet (10.7 metres). Except that blue whales of not less than 65 feet (19.8 metres), and sei whales of not less than 35 feet (10.7 metres) in length may be taken for delivery to land stations: Provided, That the meat of such whales is to be used for local con- sumption as human or animal food. (b) It is forbidden to take or kill any fin whales below 60 feet (18.3 metres) in length for delivery to factory ships or land stations in the southern hemi- sphere, and it is forbidden to take or kill fin whales below 55 feet (16.8 metres) for delivery to factory ships and land stations in the northern hemisphere; except that fin whales of not less than 55 feet (16.8 metres) may be taken for delivery to land stations in the southern hemisphere and fin whales of not less than 50 feet (15.2 metres) may be taken vention, within two days after the end|for delivery to land stations in the north- ern hemisphere provided in each case number of blue-whale units taken in any|that the meat of such whales is to be waters south of 40° South Latitude by|Used for local consumption as human all whale catchers attached to factory|©r animal food. (c) It is forbidden to take or kill any sperm whales below 38 feet (11.6 metres) notification of data on the number of|1 length, except that sperm whales of humpback whales taken in pursuance of Ot less than 35 feet (10.7 metres) in P 3 Jength may be taken for delivery to land tations. (d) Whales must be measured when at rest on deck or platform, as accurately las possible by means of a steel tape meas- lure fitted at the zero end with a spiked reached before the seventh day of April,|2@ndle which can be stuck into the deck of any year, the Commission, or such planking abreast of one end of the whale, 'The tape measure shall be stretched in straight line parallel with the whale’s ody and read abreast the other end of he whale. The ends of the whale, for easurement purposes, shall be. the oint of the upper jaw and the notch etween the tail flukes. Measurements, 56 after being accurately read on the tap measure, shall be logged to the nearest! foot: That is to say, any whale between}. 75’ 6’’ and 76’ 6’’ shall be logged as 76’,|' and any whale between 76’ 6’’ and 77’ 6’’ shall be logged as 77’. The measurement of any whale which falls on an exact half foot shall be logged at the next half foot, e. g. 76’ 6’’ precisely, shall be logged as qT. § 351.10 Open seasons for land sta- tions. (a) It is forbidden to use a land station under the jurisdiction of a con= tracting Government, and whale catch- ers attached to such land station, for the taking or treating of baleen and sperm whales, except as permitted by the con- tracting Government in accordance with paragraphs (b), (c), and (d) of this section. (b) Each contracting Government shall de Jare for all land stations under its jurisdiction, and whale catchers at- tached to such land stations, one open season during which the taking or treat- ing of baleen (excluding minke) whales shall be permitted. Such open season shall be for a period of not more than six consecutive months in any period of twelve months and shall apply to all land stations under the jurisdiction of a con- tracting Government, provided that a separate open season may be declared for any land station used for the taking or treating of baleen (excluding minke) whales which is more than 1,000 miles from the nearest land station used for the taking or treating of baleen (exclud- ing minke) whales under the jurisdiction of the same contracting Government. (c) Each contracting Government shall declare for all land stations under its jurisdiction and for whale catchers attached to such land stations, one open season not to exceed eight continuous months in any one period of twelve months, during which the taking or treating of sperm whales shall be per- mitted, such period of eight months to COMMERCIAL FISHERIES REVIEW \paragraphs (a), (b), (c), and (d) of this include the whole of the period of six months declared for baleen whales, as provided for in paragraph (b) of this section: Provided, That a separate open season may be declared for any land sta- tion used for the taking or treating of sperm whales which is more than 1,000 miles from the nearest land station used for the taking or treating of sperm whales under the jurisdiction of the same con- tracting Government. (d) Each contracting Government shall declare for all land stations under its jurisdiction and for all whale catchers one open season not to exceed six contin- uous months in any period of twelve months during which the taking or treat- ing of minke whales shall be permitted (such period not being necessarily con- current with the period declared for other baleen whales, as provided for in para- graph (b) of this section): Provided, That a separate open season may be de- clared for any land station used for the taking or treating of minke whales which is more than 1,000 miles from the near- est land station used for the taking or treating of minke whales under the juris- diction of the same contracting Govern- ment. Vol. 14, No. 9 (e) Notwithstanding the provisions of (e) A record similar to that described in paragraph (d) of this section shall be maintained by land stations, and all of the information mentioned in the said paragraph shall be entered therein as s00n as available. § 351.14 Remuneration of employees. Gunners and crews of factory ships, land stations, and whale catchers shall be engaged on such terms that their re- muneration shall depend to a consider- ‘able extent upon such factors as the species, size, and yield of whales taken, and not merely upon the number of the whales taken. No bonus or other re- muneration shall be paid to the gunners: or crews of whale catchers in respect of the taking of milk-filled or lactating whales. § 351.15 Submission of laws and reg- ulations. Copies of all official laws and regulations relating to whales and whal- ing and changes in such laws and regu- lations shall be transmitted to the Commission. § 351.16 Submission of statistical data. (a) Notification shall be given in accordance with the provisions of Article VII of the Convention with regard to all factory ships and land stations of statis- tical information (1) concerning the number of whales of each species taken, the number thereof lost, and the number treated at each factory ship or land station, and (2) as to the aggregate amounts of oil of each grade and quan- tities of meal, fertilizer (guano), and other products derived from them, to- ‘gether with (3) particulars with respect to each whale treated in the factory ship or land station as to the date and ap- proximate latitude and longitude of tak- ing, the species-and sex of the whale, its length and, if it contains a foetus, the length and sex, if ascertainable, of the foetus. The data referred to in subpar- agraphs (1) and (3) of this paragraph shall be verified at the time of the tally and there shall also be notification to the Commission of any information which may be collected or obtained concerning the calving grounds and migration routes of whales. (b) In communicating this informa= tion there shall be specified: (1) The name and gross tonnage of each factory ship; (2) The number and aggregate gross tonnage of the whale catchers; (3) A list of the land stations which were in operation during the period con- cerned. § 351.17 Factory ship operations with- \dn territorial waters. (a) A factory ship ‘which operates solely within territorial |waters in one of the areas specified in paragraph (c) of this section, by permis- sion of the Government having jurisdic- tion over those waters, and which flies the flag of that Government shall, while so operating, be subject to the regula- tions governing the operation of land stations and not to the regulations gov- erning the operation of factory ships. (b) Such-factory ship shall not, with- section, the treatment of whales which have been taken during an open season may be completed after the end of such open season. (f) The prohibitions contained in this paragraph shall apply to all land sta- tions as defined in Article II of the Whaling Convention of 1946 and to al factory ships which are subject to the regulations governing the operation 0 land stations under the provisions of § 351.17. § 351.11 Use of factory ship in. waters other than south of 40° South Latitude. It is forbidden to use a factory ship which has been used during a season i any waters south of 40° South Latitud for the purpose of treating baleen whales in any other area for the same purpos within a period of one year from th termination of that season. § 351.12 Complete processing required. (a) All whales (except minke whales) taken shall be delivered to the factory; ship or land station and all parts of such whales shall be processed by boiling or otherwise, except the internal organs, whalebone and flippers of all whales, the meat of sperm whales and of parts of whales intended for human food or feeding animals. (b) Complete treatment of the car- casses of “Dauhval” and of whales used as fenders will not be required in cases where the meat or bone of such whales is in bad condition. § 351.13 Prompt processing required. (a) The taking of whales for delivery to a factory ship shall be so regulated or restricted by the master or person in charge of the factory ship that no whale carcass (except of a whale used as a fender, which shall be processed as soon as is reasonably practicable) shall re- main in the sea for a longer period than thirty-three hours from the time of kill- ing to the time when it is hauled up for treatment. (b) Whales taken by all whale catch=- ers, whether for factory ships or land stations, shall be clearly marked so as to identify the catcher and to indicate the order of catching. (c) All whale catchers operating in| conjunction with a factory ship shall} report by radio to the factory ship: | (1) The time when each whale is} taken; (2) Its species; and (3) Its marking effected pursuant to paragraph (b) of this section. (d) The information reported by radio pursuant to paragraph (c) of this sec- tion shall be entered immediately in a permanent record which shall be avail- able at all times for examination by the whaling inspectors; and in addition there shall be entered in such permanent record the following information as soon as it becomes available. (1) Time of hauling up for treatment, (2) length, measured pursuant to § 351.9 (d), (3) sex, (4) if female, whether milk-filled or lin a period of one year from the termi- lactating, (5) length and sex of foetus, |ination of the season in which she so if present, and (6) a full explanation of | operated, be used for the purpose of each infraction. treating baleen whales in any of the September 1952 COMMERCIAL FISHERIES REVIEW 57 other areas specified in paragraph (c) of this section or south of 40° South Latitude. (c) The areas referred “to in para- graphs (a) and (b) of this section are: (1) On the coast of Madagascar an its dependencies; (2) On the west coasts of Frenc Africa; (3) On the coasts of Australia, namel on the whole east coast and on the wes coast in the area known as Shark Bay and narthward to Northwest Cape and including Exmouth Gulf and King George’s Sound, including the Port of Albany. by the name of blue whale, Sibbald’s ror-|Eubalaena glacialis, E. australis, etc.; qual, or sulphur bottom. Neobalaena marginata) means any “Dauhval” means any unclaimed dead} whale known by the name Atlantic right whale found floating. whale, Arctic right whale, Biscayan “Fin whale” (Balaenoptera physalus) } right whale, bowhead, great polar whale, means any whale known by the name of} Greenland right whale, Greenland whale, common finback, common rorqual, fin-] Nordkaper, North Atlantic right whale, back, finner, fin whale, herring wHale,} North Cape whale, Pacific right whale, razorback, or true fin whale. pigmy right whale, Southern pigmy “Gray whale” (Rhachianectes glaucus)| right whale, or Southern right whale. means any whale known by the name of “Sei whale” (Balaenoptera borealis) gray whale, California gray, devil fish,| means any whale known by the name of hard head, mussel digger, gray back, or| sei whale, Rudolphi’s rorqual, pollack rip sack. whale, or coalfish whale and shall be “Humpback whale” (Megaptera nodosa] taken to include Bryde’s whale (B. or novaeangliae) means any whale known) brydei). aa by the name of bunch, humpback, hump-| “Sperm whale” (Physeter catodon) § 351.18 Definitions. The following] back whale, humpbacked whale, hump| means any whale known by the name of expressions have the meanings respec-| whale, or hunchbacked whale. sperm whale, spermacet whale, cachalot, tively assigned to them, that is to say:| “Minke whale” (Balaenoptera acutoro-| or pot whale. Baletn whale” means any whale|strata, B. davidsoni, B. huttoni) means} “Toothed whale’ means any whale which has baleen or whale bone in the| any whale known by the name of lesser} which has teeth in the jaws. mouth, i. e., any whale other than a|rorqual, little piked whale, minke whale, toothed whale. pike-headed whale, or sharp headed Dated: August 21, 1952. “Blue whale” (Balaenoptera or Sib-| finner. Oscar L. CHAPMAN, balus musculus) means any whale known| “Right whale” (Balaena mysticetus; Secretary of the Interior. FISH AND WILDLIFE SERVICE SOUTHEASTERN ALASKA HERRING FISHERY QUOTA ELIMINATED: .The retention of the present maximum quota of 100,000 barrels for Southeastern Alaska commercial her- ring catches is not required, the U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service announced by an amendment to the Alaska commercial fisheries regulations published in the Fed- eral Register of August &, 1952. The full text of the amendment as it appeared in the Federal Register fol- lows: Parr 116—SovrHeasTerN AtasKa Area |to the commercial fishery it has been| eastern Alaska Area Fisheries Other FISHERIES OTHER THAN SALMON determined that effective conservation| Than Salmon is amended in § 116.3 by HERRING FISHERY of these fisheries does not require re- deleting the first sentence of text. Basis and purpose. On the basis of ; A t Eattaone) A ra ae a ae This amendment shall be effective information developed by field repre-| sentatives of the Fish and Wildlife Serv- It also appears that the maximum| immediately. ice on the age composition of the com- quota of 100,000 barrels probably will} (sec, 1, 43 Stat. 464, as amended; 48 U. 8. O. i 2 mercial herring catches of Southeastern{ In order to permit optimum South-| ALBERT M. Day, be filled this date. 21) Alaska and the availability of the stocks|tion of these fisheries Part 116, South- Dissctor (m) Department of State DUTIES ON CERTAIN CANNED FISHERY PRODUCTS: A revised trade agreement, supplement- ing and superseding the original 1939 U. S.-Venezuelan Reciprocal Trade Agreement, was signed in Caracas, Venezuela, on August 29, 1952, by representatives of the two governments. Negotiation of the revised agreement by teams appointed by the re- spective governments was initiated inCaracas in April 1952 and concluded in Wash- ington during August. The new agreement results in an increase in the Venezuelan import duties on three fishery items in that nation's tariff schedules, the trade in which amounted to $531,000 in 1950 and $663,000 in 1951 in terms of United States exports to Vene- zuela. The rate on canned shellfish, while listed in the new agreement, has been 58 COMMERCIAL FISHERIES REVIEW Vol. 14, No. 9 raised from the 1939 agreement rate to the most-favored-nation rate. Canned sardines and salmon, which were in the 1939 agreement, have been excluded from the new agreement. Accordingly, the rate of duty on canned sardines imported into Venezuela will be increased from .28 bolivares per gross kilogram (about 3.8 U.S. cents per pound) to the most-favored-nation rate presently at 2.00 bolivares per gross kilogram (27.3 U.S. cents per pound). Likewise, the rate on canned salmon will be increased from .90 bolivares per gross kilogram (12.3 U.S. cents per pound) to 2.00 bolivares (27.3 U.S. cents per pound). The rate on canned shellfish will be increased from 1.50 bolivares per gross kilogram (20.5 U.S., cents per pound ) to 2.00 bolivares per gross kilogram (27.3 U.S. cents per pound); but since this item is included in the agreement, it is bound against increase at 2.00 bolivares (27.3 U.S. cents per pound ) and cannot exceed this rate. The supplementary trade agreement revises some of the general provisions of the original 1939 agreement. The more important changes are (1) a revised pro- vision under which tariff concessions are better protected against nullification or impairment by the use of quota restrictions, (2) a new reciprocal undertaking with regard to customs fees and formalities, and (3) the inclusion of the stand- ard escape clause pursuant to section 6-b of the Trade Agreements Extension Act of 1951. The effective date of the agreement will probably be early in October. A Presidential proclamation will be released as soon as the necessary documents can be prepared, at which time the effective date will be established. The following table shows data on the fishery items which are affected: United States Exports to Venezuela lelcielctclele Bolivares Per Gross Kilogram 28 1.50 230 Sardines, canned Shellfish, canned Salmon, canned Bh 167,000 3D 98,000 NOTE: TONS ONE VENEZUELA BOLIVAR EQUALS ABOUT 30 U. S, CENTS. VENEZUELA MEASURES THE FULL WEIGHT OF A SHIPMENT, INCLUDING CANS AND CAR- Under the 1939 agreement, preferential rates were given to imports into Vene- zuela for canned salmon, sardines, and shellfish. Venezuelan import duties, on fish products were substantially increased effective March 1, 1951. This action was taken, according to reports from the U. S. Embassy in Caracas, to provide additional protection to the national fish-canning industry. The rates of duties were set at 2 bolivares per gross kilogram, except for those items contained in the 1939 trade agreement. The revised agreement succeeds in bringing the 1939 trade agreement items to the level sought by the industry for other fishery prod-= ucts. Total Venezuelan concessions in the nature of reductions or bindings of rates of duty made in the revised agreement cover 179 agricultural and industrial items, having a trade value in 1950 of US#241 million or approximately 62 percent of the value of United States exports to Venezuela. As compared to the 1939 agreement, Venezuela grants new or improved conces- sions on US$154 million of imports from the United States; on US#12 million of imports they are withdrawing the 1939 concessions; and on US#6 million of imports the new agreement provides for higher Venezuelan rates than in the 1939 agreement. September 1952 COMMERCIAL FISHERIES REVIEW 37) Under the 1939 agreement, only 35 percent of our exports were covered. The trade coverage of the 1939 agreement as supplemented by the new agreement is US$240 million or about 60 percent of total United States exports to Venezuela. Total United States concessions are valued at US$314 million or 98 percent of the 1950 trade value of imports from Venezuela. Of the U.S. total, US#288 million consists of crude petroleum and residual fuel oils, which accounted for 90 percent of the U.S. imports from Venezuela. It is estimated that the 1950 value of trade on which United States granted improved customs treatment is about US$175 million, of which practically all was crude petroleum and residual fuel oil. No fishery items in the United States tariff are affected by this agreement. OYSTERS ROCKEFELLER Since September opens the fresh-oyster season in the Eastern States, the home- maker can again plan to use these delicately-flavored shellfish for family and party dinners. Aside from having no waste and being easy to prepare, oysters are an excellent source of the "protective" nutrients--proteins, minerals, and vitamins. Few foods are better balanced nutritionally than oysters. "Oysters Rockefeller" is one of the dishes that have made New Orleans cuisine known the world over. This dish had its origin in that city anunber of years ago at world-famous Antoine's restaurant and was so named at once when a guest to whom it was being served exclaimed, "Rich as Rockefeller!" Either Eastern or Pacific oysters may be used in this receipe, according to the home economists of the U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service. OYSTERS ROCKEFELLER *36 SHELL OYSTERS TEASPOON CELERY SALT 2 CUPS COOKED SPINACH TEASPOON SALT CUP ONION DROPS TABASCO SAUCE 2 BAY LEAVES 6 TABLESPOONS BUTTER OR OTHER FAT, MELTED | TABLESPOON PARSLEY 4 CUP DRY BREAD CRUMBS Shuck and drain oysters, place on deep half of shells. Put spinach, onion, bay leaves, and parsley through food grinder; add seasonings. Lightly brown in butter for about 5 minutes, Add bread crumbs; mix. Spread mixture over oysters. Bake in a hot oven, 400° F., for 10 to 15 minutes or until brown. Garnish with lemon slices. Serves 6. *|F SHELL OYSTERS ARE NOT AVAILABLE, uw PINTS OF SELECT SHUCKED OYSTERS MAY BE USED. DRAIN OYSTERS AND ARRANGE ON A SHALLOW, WELL-GREASED BAKING DISH; SPREAD WITH SPINACH MIXTURE, AND COOK AS ABOVE. 60 LANDINGS AND In Millions of MAINE - LANDINGS _.NOT INCLUDING IMPORTS CUMULATIVE DATA 1952 - 116.4) 6 MOS. Oo JAN. FEB. MAR. APR. MAY. JUNE JULY AUG. SEPT. OCT. NOV. DEC. ‘NEW YORK CITY-RECEIPTS OF FRESH & FROZEN FISH SALT-WATER MARKET CUMULATIVE DATA 1952 - 118.1 - 117.4 = 172.6 8 MQS. Os aa ie 12 1951 fo) JAN. FEB. MAR. APR. MAY. JUNE JULY AUG. SEPT. OCT. NOV. DEC. GULF - SHRIMP LANDINGS HEADS OFF - FOR ALL USES CUMULATIVE DATA | JULY AUG. SEPT. OCT. NOV. DEC. JAN. FEB. MAR. APR. MAY JUNE In Thousands LANDINGS CUMULATIVE DATA CALIFORNIA - PILCHARD JAN. FEB. MAR. APR.MAY JUNE JULY AUG. SEPT OCT. NOV. DEC. COMMERCIAL FISHERIES REVIEW Vol. 14, No. RECEIPTS Pounds MASSACHUSETTS - LANDINGS | _BOSTON , GLOUCESTER , NEW BEDFORD , & CAPE cope 1952 - H 6 mgs. 2 JAN. FEB. MAR. APR. MAY. JUNE JULY AUG. SEPT. OCT, NOV. DEC. CHICAGO - RECEIPTS OF FRESH & FROZEN FISH WHOLESALE MARKET 2 CUMULATIVE DATA 8 mgs. 8 12 JAN. FEB. MAR. APR. MAY. JUNE JULY AUG. SEPT. OCT. NOV. DEC. SEATTLE - RECEIPTS OF FRESH & FROZEN FISH WHOLESALE MARKET , LANDINGS , & IMPORTS _ "CUMULATIVE DATA 8 MOS. 1952 - 64, Bim 1951 - 2 1951 JAN. FEB. MAR. APR. MAY. JUNE JULY AUG. SEPT. OCT. NOV. DEC. of Tons CUMULATIVE DATA - 1952 - 88.4 1951 - 103.9 1951 - 173.2 9 CALIFORNIA~ TUNA AND TUNA-LIKE FISH | JAN. FEB. MAR. APR. MAY. JUNE JULY AUG. SEPT. OCT. NOV. DEC. September 1952 COMMERCIAL FISHERIES REVIEW 61 COLD STORAGE HOLDINGS and FREEZINGS of FISHERY PRODUCTS In Millions of Pounds U.S. & ALASKA - HOLDINGS OF FROZEN FISH U.S. & ALASKA - FREEZINGS . 1952 - 195) - te) JAN. FEB. MAR. APR. MAY. JUNE JULY AUG. SEPT. OCT. NOV. DEC. JAN. FEB. MAR. APR. MAY. JUNE JULY AUG. SEPT. OCT. NOV. DEC. 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 S O,u fF a oO N @O © JAN. FEB. MAR. APR. MAY. JUNE JULY AUG. SEPT. OCT. NOV. DEC. WASHINGTON, OREGON, AND ALASKA - HOLDINGS OF FROZEN FISH {OLDINGS OF FROZEN FISH. od 48 = ie) JAN. FEB. MAR. APR. MAY. JUNE JULY AUG. SEPT. OCT. NOV. DEC. 62 COMMERCIAL FISHERIES REVIEW Vol. 14, No. 9 CANNED FISHERY PRODUCTS In Thousands MAINE - SARDINES , ESTIMATED PACK CUMULATIVE DATA 1O50}| 2 mes. 1952 - 750.4 Zi OST) mes 4e77 12 1951 - 1,603.6 Les = JAN. FEB. MAR. APR. MAY. JUNE JULY AUG. SEPT. OCT. NOV. DEC. UNA-LIKE FISH 1,237.4 JAN. FEB. MAR. APR. MAY. JUNE JULY AUG. SEPT. OCT. NOV. DEC. 510 CALIFORNIA - MACKEREL - 1952 - 1951 - JAN. FEB. MAR. APR. MAY. JUNE JULY AUG. SEPT. OCT. NOV. DEC. WASHINGTON - PUGET SOUND SALMON - 1951 - 870.0 , 1950 - 769.0 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 210 AUG, 1 - JULY 31) TOTAL - 779.6 1950/51 SEASON AuG. 1 - vuLy 31) ToraL - 849.8} [BO JULY AUG. SEPT. OCT. NOV. DEC. JAN. FEB. MAR. APR. MAY JUNE ‘CALIFORNIA - PILCHARDS 1739 CUMULATIVE DATA 1951/52 SEASON, AUG.-JAN. 1950/51 SEASON, AUG.-JAN, JULY AUG. SEPT. OCT. NOV. DEC. JAN. FEB. MAR. APR. MAY JUNE ALASKA - SALMON CUMULATIVE DATA 0 aus. 30, 1952 - 3,348.4 2800 TO SEPT. 1, 1951 - 3,320.4 TOTAL 1951 - 3,473.6 Ea erie “JAN. FEB. MAR. APR. MAY. JUNE JULY AUG. SEPT. OCT. NOV. DEC. STANDARD CASES Variety No.Cans Can Designation Net. Wat. SARDINES 100 1/4 drawn 3,1/4 oz. SHRIMP 48 —_— 7 oz. TUNA 48 No. 1/2 tuna 7 oz. No. 1 oval 15 oz. PILCHARDS 48 MACKEREL 48 No. 300 15 oz. l-pound tall 16 oz. SALMON 48 September 1952 PRICES , BOSTON - WEIGHTED AVERAGE PRICE ON NEW ENGLAND FISH EXCHANGE IN ¢ PER POUND UMULATIVE DATA 8 mas. AYG. 1952 - Peis) ie 1951 - 8 JAN. FEB. MAR. APR. MAY. JUNE JULY AUG. SEPT. OCT. NOV. DEC. In Millions of U.S. - IMPORTS OF _ FRESH & FROZEN FILLETS OF GROUND FISH, INCLUDING ROSEFISH CUMULATIVE DATA In Millions of U.S.- IMPORTS OF CANNED TUNA ap TUNA-LIKE FISH iy mS: 1952 - 2! 1951 2 1 195) - oer NWO dB aD 1 © JAN. FEB. MAR. APR. MAY. JUNE JULY AUG. SEPT. OCT. NOV. DEC. . U.S. & ALASKA - PRODUCTION OF FISH MEAL IN _ THOUSANDS OF TONS 405 NUNULATIVE ‘DATA m7 MQS. 1952 = 97.7 1951 1951 - ie] JAN. FEB. MAR. APR. MAY. JUNE JULY AUG. SEPT. OCT. NOV. DEC. COMMERCIAL FISHERIES REVIEW 63 IMPORTS and BY-PRODUCTS MAINE - IMPORTS OF FRESH SEA HERRING IN MILLIONS OF POUNDS CUMULATIVE DATA JAN. FEB. MAR. APR. MAY. JUNE JULY AUG. SEPT. OCT. NOV. DEC. Pounds U.S.- IMPORTS OF FRESH AND FROZEN EXICO SHRIMP FROM | CUMULATIVE DATA JAN. FEB. MAR. APR. MAY. JUNE JULY AUG. SEPT. OCT, NOV. DEC. Pounds U.S.- IMPORTS OF CANNED SARDINES (Include in oil and not in oil ) CUMULATIVE DATA JAN. FEB. MAR. APR. MAY. JUNE JULY AUG. SEPT. OCT. NOV. DEC. U.S. & ALASKA - PRODUCTION OF FISH OJL _IN MILLIONS OF GALLONS | :.). 7 MQS. 1952 - JAN. FEB. MAR. APR. MAY. JUNE JULY AUG. SEPT. OCT. NOV. DEC. 64 COMMERCIAL FISHERIES REVIR\ Vol. 14, No. 9 o> ele’ 3 - 4 yee RECE a “FISHERY PUBLICATIONS <. eee st : OO 8g aa A a le ee he 2s I. + - See, : NT © a fea 0 ew mma et ata os OSETIA Recent publications of interest tothe commercial fishing industry are listed FISH AND WILDLIFE SERVICE PUBLICATIONS THESE PROCESSED PUBLICATIONS ARE AVAILABLE FREE FROM THE DIVISION OF INFORMATION, U. S. FISH AND WILDLIFE SERVICE, WASH- TYPES OF PUBLICATIONS ARE DESIGNATED AS FOLLOWS: CFS - CURRENT FISHERY STATISTICS OF THE UNITED STATES AND SEP.- SEPARATES (REPRINTS) FROM COMMERCIAL FISHERIES REVIEW. below. INGTON 25, D. C. ALASKA. FL - FISHERY LEAFLETS. SSR.- DISTRIBUTION). Number Title CFS-743 - Maine Landings, Annual Summary 1951, By Counties, 12 p. CFS-764 - Pacific Coast Fisheries, Annual Summary 1950, 8 pe CFS-771 - Frozen Fish Report, July 1952, Final,8 p. CFS-772 - Canned Fish & Byproducts, 1951 Annual Summary, 20 p. CFS-775 - Texas Landings, June 1952, 4 p. CFS-776 - Fish Meal and Oil, June 1952, 4 p. CFS-777 - Maine Landings, May 1952, 4 p. CFS-778 - Florida Landings, May 1952, 6 p. CFS-779 - New Jersey Landings, January 1952, 2 p. CFS-780 - New Jersey Landings, February 1952, 2 p. FL -254 - List of Fishery Associations in the United States, Alaska and Hawaii (revised), 8 po. FL -404 - Tilefish Recipes, 3 p. FISH. - SPECIAL SCIENTIFIC REPORTS--FISHERIES (LIMITED Number Title SSR-Fish. No. 68 - Sea Lamprey Spawning Runs in the Great Lakes, 1951, by Vernon C. Applegate, Bernard R. Smith, Alberton L. McLain and Matt Patterson, 40 p., illus., March1952. SSR-Fish. No. 70 - Sea Lamprey Spawning: Michigan Streams of Lake Superior, by Howard A. Loeb and Albert E. Hall, Jr.,7lp., illus., February 1952. Sep. No. 319 - Georges Bank Haddock Fishery--1951. Part I--Analysis of 1951 Fishery. Part II--Accuracy of 1951 Prediction. Sep. No. 320 - Potential Markets for Alaska Salmon Cannery Waste. THE FOLLOWING SERVICE PUBLICATIONS ARE AVAILABLE ONLY FROM THE SPECIFIC OFFICE MENTIONED Landings and Prices of Fishery Products, Boston Fish Pier, 1951 (Includes an Analysis of Boston Fish- ery Landings and Trends), by John J. O'Brien, 26 pe, processed, August 1952, (Available free from the Market News Service,U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service, 10 Commonwealth Pier, Boston 10, Mass.) A review of the fish marketing trends and condi- tions in Boston for 1951 is found in this publi- cation. Detailed data on landings and weighted average prices of fish and shellfish landed at the Boston Fish Pier during 1951 are given. Sta- tistics are presented by months and species, to- gether with comparative data for previous years. Landings and Receipts at Seattle--1951, by Charles M. Reardon, 30 p., processed, July 1952. (Avail- IN THE REVIEW. able free from the Market News Service, U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service, 421 Bell Street Ter- minal, Seattle 1, Washington.) This publication contains an article which reviews the Seattle fisheries trends and conditions for 1951. The balance of the report is made up of tables giv- ing the landings and wholesale receipts (includ- ing approximate values) at Seattle for 1951 by species, by months, and by points of origin; halibut fishery landings by months; a monthly index of receipts of certain fishery products at Seattle; carload shipments of fishery products by months; and names, classifications, and ap- proximate standards for fresh and frozen fishery products sold on the Seattle market. September 1952 COMMERCIAL FISHYRIES REVIEW 65 THE FOLLOWING SERVICE PUBLICATIONS ARE FOR SALE AND ARE AVAILABLE ONLY FROM THE SUPERINTENDENT OF D DOCUMENTS, WASHINGTON 25, D. C. "Public Sentiment: An Important Factor in Fishery Management (with Special Reference to the St. Johns River and Lake Okeechobee, Florida)," by John F, Dequine, article, pp. 98-103, illus. (From The Progressive Fish-Culturist, vol. li, no. 3, July 1952, processed. The history of a controversy between sportsmen and commercial fishermen regarding the management of the fish- eries of the St. Johns River and Lake Okeechobee, the major conclusions of a survey, recommenda- tions for the management of the commercial fish- eries, and the present status of Florida's prob- lem are presented. The author states that "the modern fishery manager cannot confine his activ- ities to gathering facts, drawing conclusions, and making recommendations. He must, in addition, become a salesman and an educator if he is to accomplish his objective, whether it be removal of an unnecessary regulation, adoption of a new program, or other. The problem of creating fa- vorable public sentiment must be attacked with the same vigor and care applied to a fish-popu- lation analysis, a food-habits study, or a creel census. InFlorida," the author continues, "fish- ery biologists are convinced that controlled com- mercial fishing operations form the only practi- cal method available to provide more successful fishing trips and better utilization of the fish- ery resources of the State's large natural fresh waters," Flounders of the Genus PARALICHTHYS and Related Genera in American Waters, by Isaac Ginsburg, Fishery Bulletin 71 (From Fishery Bulletin of the Fish and Wildlife Service, Volume 52), 88 p., illus., printed, 60 cents, 1952. An account of the important group oft flatfishes belonging to the genus Paralichthys, and the closely related genera Hippoglossina and Pseudorhombus, which occur in American waters and, in the aggregate, are food fishes of great economic importance,is presented. Proportional measurements of the several species are given in tabular form. An- alysis of the data reveals remarkable changes in form with growth, and changes in proportipnal measurements at different stages of growth. For example, medium-sized specimens of Paralichthys albigutta average a relatively deeper body than P. lethostigma, while in the larger specimens the latter species averages the deeper body. In addition to questions involved in the properdis- tinction of the species, the facts known about the biology of the species are summarized. 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 PUBLICATIONS THAT FOLLOW SHOULD BE ADDRESSED TO THE RESPECTIVE AGENCIES OR PUBLISHERS MENTIONED. IF READILY AVAILABLE, ARE SHOWN. "Age and Length Composition of the Sardine Catchoff the Pacific Coast of the United States in 1951- 52," by Frances E. Felin, Ray Anas, Anita E. Daugherty and Leo Pinkas, article, California Fish and Game, July 1952, vol. 38, no. 3, p.427, printed, Department of Fish and Game, San Fran- cisco, Calif, This is the sixth report on the age and length composition of the catch of sar- dine (Sardinops caerulea) off the Pacific Coast of North America. During the 1951-52 seasonthere was no fishery for sardines off the British Co- lumbia, Washington, and Oregon coasts and no in- terseason fishery in California. The tables, therefore, give length and age composition forthe regular California fishing season only. Included are tables showing, by sex and region of catch, the length-frequency distributions of fish of each year class from the random scale samples taken in the 1951-52 season; the mean length and standard error of the mean for each year class sampled in the 1951-52 season, by sex and region of catch; the calendar dates for the lunarmonths in the season; and the numbers of fish, byregion of catch and in each year class, caught during the season, "Anybody Can Smoke Fish," by Herbert J. Fisher, article, Missouri Conservationist, June 1952, vol. 13, no. 6, pp. 12-13, illus., printed, Missouri Conservation Commission, Jefferson City, Missouri. Methods of smoking fish described in thisarticle pertain to home smokers. Details of the constru- tion of a smoker and the preparation of the fish for smoking are included. DATA ON PRICES, "Carp: Control and Utilization," by Nicholas J. Miller, article, Wisconsin Conservation Bulletin, May 1952, vol. 17, no. 5, pp. 3-7, illus., printed. Wisconsin Conservation Department, Madison 2, Wisconsin. This article describes the carp man- agement program of the State of Wisconsin andthe ‘necessity of removal operations to prevent over- abundance and resultant destruction of game-fish habitat. The Wisconsin Conservation Department is attempting to effect greater utilization of this resource through liberalizing the regula- tions permitting the taking of carp by spearsand bow and arrow, as well as sponsoring cooperative removal projects with groups of sportsmen, and disseminating information on facts concerning carp and its utilization for food and sport. In addition, both contract fishermen and State crews continue to work together in removing carp from Wisconsin waters. Carp weighing 24 pounds and over are generally sold for human food and those weighing less than 24 pounds are canned at the Wisconsin Conservation Department's cannery and used to feed trout in hatcheries. Small carp are also sold to mink and fox ranchers for feed. The major portion of the carp production of 4,500,000 pounds for 1951 was used as food for human con- sumption and the wholesale proceeds to the fish- erman derived from the sale of these fishamoqunted to $265,000. "Cleaning Losses in King and Silver Salmon," by Donald H. Fry, Jr., article, California Fish and Game, July 1952, vol. 38, no. 3, pp. 425-2 26, SSE Department of Fish and Game, San Fran- 66 COMMERCIAL FISHERIES REVIEW Vol. 14, No. 9 THESE PUBLICATIONS ARE NOT AVAILABLE FROM THE FISH AND WILDLIFE cisco, Calif. This report gives data on a study of the factors affecting cleaning losses in king and silver salmon, i.e., the loss in dressing the fish. "Conflicting Interests in Marine Fisheries," by Nelson Marshall, article, Transactions of the Fourteenth North American Wildlife Conference, March 7, 8 and 9, 1949, pp. 429-40, printed. Wildlife Management Institute, Investment Bldg., Washington 5, D. C. (This article is contribu- tion No. 29 from the Virginia Fisheries Labora- tory, Gloucester Point, Va.) Discusses the con- troversies between conflicting interests in ma- rine fisheries. "The Decline of the Pacific Mackerel Fishery," by John E. Fitch, article, California Fish and Game, July 1952, vol. 38, no. 3, pp. 381-89, illus., printed. Department of Fish and Game, San Fran- cisco, Calif. Describes the history of the Pa- cific mackerel (Pneumatophorus diego) fishery, its decline and attempts at regulation, and the future outlook for the Pacific mackerel. This report also discusses the age composition of the Southern California catch of Pacific mackerel, the mortality rates, and the story behind the catch. "Designed for Fishery Research," article, Pacific Motor Boat, June 1952, vol. 44, no. 7, p. 30, illus., printed. Publication Office, 815 S. Witmer St., Los Angeles 17, Calif. Describes the new U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service vessel Charles H. Gilbert which was designed for fish- ery research. This vessel will operate in con- junction with the Pacific Oceanic Fishery Inves- tigations out of Honolulu and is built to fish in the Japanese long-line manner. It is hoped by the researchers that this craft will be able to adapt to western mechanical standards a method of fishing which has been used for hundreds of years by the Japanese fishermen who operate more or less by hand. Economic Aspects of Wildlife Resources of the State of Washington, by Robert F. Wallace, Economic and Business Studies Bulletin No. 19, 49 pe, printed, $1.00. State College of Washington, Pull- man, Wash., February 1952. The subject of this bulletin is currently pertinent and fast becom- ing of increasing interest. More and more of the states are assaying the value of their wild- life resources. This has been done in the sub- ject publication. Scientific and basically sound technical theory appears to have been used inthe methodology of obtaining the information for the estimates. Questionnaires were’ used with de- tailed follow-up procedures. Both the commercial and sport fisheries are included in theestimates of expenditures as well as the wildlife resources used by hunters. For the State of Washington in the year 1950 an estimated $100 million expend- iture within the state for, or in connectionwith, wildlife is reported. No attempt is made to cap- italize the value of this expenditure. omission is fortunate. It indicates at least that the author has not committed himself through this publication to the. premise that sport fish- ing and hunting are a productive factor in the economic sense. This whole field of estimating The latter} the value of wildlife resources has many facets and probably will be debated far into the future. The present author uses method and logic which appear to be basically sound in arriving at one type of evaluation of the wildlife resources of his state. --W. H. Stolting "FAO Fisheries Statistics," Reprint from Monthly Bulletin of Agricultural Economics and Statis- tics, vol. 1, no. 2, pp. 3-7. Food and Agricul- ture Organization of the United Nations, Rome, Italy, June 1952. Statistics on fish landings in selected countries and statistics on produc- tion of certain fisheries commodities in select- ed countries are presented. Includes statistics available up to June 15, 1952. (FAO) World War Against Want (The Work of FAO 1950/ 51), C51/21, 67 p., printed. Food and Agricul- ture Organization of the United Nations, Rome, Italy, 1951. This is a reprint of the Director- General's yearly progress report, prepared for the Sixth Session of the FAO Conference, which was held in Rome, November 19-December 7, 1951. Although it does not attempt to tell thecomplete story of FAO's activities and program, it does highlight the practical assistance designed to raise levels of nutrition and standards of living in its member countries by the increased produc- tion of food and forestry products. The field of FAO's activities, region by region andcountry by country, are surveyed. Described is the work being done to improve nutrition, to encourage the wise use and conservation of land, to reduce or eliminate animal and plant diseases, to save grain and other foods, to introduce modern methods of production, to encourage the adoption of wise forestry policies, to improve fishing practices, and to help governments to improve their statis- tical and other technical systems. The emphasis of the report is upon the practical assistance FAO is rendering to its member countries. Among the many projects reported upon are those onfish- eries. Official Agencies of the United States, HNHE- 1163, 49 p., processed. Nutrition ProgramsServ— ice, Bureau of Human Nutrition and Home Econom- ics, U. S. Department of Agriculture, Washing- ton 25, D. C., July 1952. This is the sixthedi- tion of a publication on the food and nutrition services of the Federal and quasi-official agen- cies of the United States. The following agen- cies are concerned with the national nutrition program: Department of Agriculture, Department of Defense, Department of the Interior (Fishand Wildlife Service), Department of Labor, Atomic Energy Commission, Economic StabilizationAgency, Federal Security Agency, Federal Trade Commis— sion, Veterans Administration, The American Na- tional Red Cross, and National Research Council. The activities and services of the various agen- cies concerned with food and nutrition are de- scribed. "Harvesters of the Sea Reaping Co-op Benefits," by Jack Jennings, article, June 1952 News for Farmer Cooperatives, vol. 19, no. 3 (June 1952), pp. 1ll- September 1952 COMMERCIAL FISHERIES REVIEW 67 SERVICE, BUT USUALLY MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE AGENCIES ISSUING THEM. 12, printed, 10 cents per issue. A general de- scription of the activities of fishery coopera- tive associations in the United States, their growth in recent years, and some of their aims and objectives are given in this article. Much of the article is devoted to a description of the successful activities of two of the more outstanding organizations in this field. These two organizations are the Twin City Fishermen's Cooperative Association, Inc., and the Point Judith Fishermen's Cooperative Association, Inc. Technical descriptions are avoided by the author, | easy and fast-moving style is used, and thearti- cle in general makes interesting reading. In addition, a few photographs of cooperative ac- tivities are shown. ~--W. H. Stolting "How to Make Life-like Model of Your Prize Catch," by Gustaf T. Sundstrom, article, Popular Home- craft, July-August 1952, vol. 22, no. 6, pp. 355- 56, illus., printed, 35 cents per issue. General Publishing Co., Inc., 154 East Erie St., Chicago 11, I11. Describes the simplest and most prac- tical methods of making an artificial model ofa fish. Instructions are given for making molds of plaster of Paris, rubber, and glue. (Louisiana) Fourth Biennial Report, Department of illus., printed. Department of Wild Life and Fisheries, New Orleans, Louisiana. A report of the Department, its work and activities, cover- ing the calendar years ending December 31, 1950, and December 31, 1951. Pertinent information on expenditures, income, licenses, violations, sta- tistics, and reports from the several depart- mental divisions are presented. The report on fresh- and salt-water fisheries deals with reve- nue derived from and the value (estimated at $110,000,000 to the State of Louisiana) of the commercial fishing and shrimping industries. The Gulf States Marine Fisheries Compact, deal- ing with commercial fishing, shrimping and oys- ters, which was signed in 1948 by the five Gulf states is given major consideration. Production of shrimp by the Gulf states and comments onthe compact are shown in tabulated statistics. Also included are reports from the Division of Oys- ters and Water Bottoms, whose chief function is to insure the productivity of the oyster bottoms of the State; and the Division of Fish and Game, whose activities have been greatly enlarged for a continued effort towards restoration of the fish and game resources of the State of Louisi- ana. Oystershell and Grit Supplements for All-Mash Poul-~ try Feeds, by Charles A. Dupras, WilliamRobinson, and Clarence S. Platt, Bulletin 762,8 v., printed. New Jersey Agricultural Experiment Station, Rut- gers University, New Brunswick, New Jersey, Feb- ruary 1952. This circular is a continuation of the studies initiated at Rutgers University some years ago to determine the value of various cal- cium-containing supplements and of insoluble grit in poultry feeds. "Results indicated no significant difference between the various sup- plements when measured by egg production, effi- ciency of feed consumption, mortality, eggshell strength, hatching quality of eggs, or gain in weight of the fowls," state the authors, "Range and Habitat of the Clam POLYMESODA CAROLIN- IANA (Bosc) in Virginia (Family CYCLADIDAE) ," by Jay D. Andrews and Catherine Cook, article, Ecology, vol. 32, no. 4 (October 1951), pp. 758- 60, illus., printed. Ecological Society of Amer- ica and the Duke University Press, Box 6697, College Station, Durham, N. C. (This article is Contribution No. 35 from the Virginia Fisheries Laboratory, Gloucester Point, Va.) A descrip- tion of the distribution and habitat of the clam, Polymesoda caroliniana, in Tidewater Virginia is presented. "Polymesodais limited to slightly brackish waters and the family is a brackish to fresh-water transition group. The species now has a discontinuous distribution and extension of its range appears to be precluded by salt-—and fresh-water barriers," according to the authors. "Repeated Semiannual Spawning of Northern Oysters," by V. L. Loosanoff and H. C. Davis, article, Science, June 20, 1952, vol. 115, no. 2999, pp. 675-6, printed. American Association for the Advancenent of Science at the Business Press, 10 McGovern Ave., Lancaster, Pa. Describes studies designed to determine whether the gonad develop- ment and spawning of the northern oyster, Crasso- strea virginica, were of the exogenous type--in- itiated and regulated by periodical seasonal changes of environment--or of the endogenous type--controlled by a pattern confined within the organism itself. The experiments have shown that the processes of gonad development andspawn- ing of these oysters are not of the endogenous type; i.e., there is nothing in their physical pattern that will not permit reproductionoftener than once a year, provided the ecological condi- tions are favorable for all aspects of the physi- ological activities involved in this complex process. The experiments have also demonstrated that the oysters, in developing gonads, showed no dependency on seasonal changes in such factors as light, tidal rhythm, precipitation, small var- iations in salinity, or other changes that usual- ly occur during the spring and early summer when the gonads of oysters are rapidly developing. It has also been shown that gonad development of oysters is not dependent on certain types of plankton organisms that are present in the water only during the spring and summer, the time of normal gametogenesis and spawning. "Report on Experiments Designed to Determine Effects of Underwater Explosions on Fish Life," by Carl L. Hubbs and Andreas B. Rechnitzer, article, Cal- ifornia Fish and Game, July 1952, vol. 38, no.3, pp. 333-66, illus., printed. Department of Fish and Game, San Francisco, Calif. This investiga- tion arose from a conflict between different in- terests involved in the exploitation of the ma- rine resources of California. Seismographic ex- ploration for submarine oil had been suspended, through the revocation of licenses, because the explosions had destroyed large numbers of fish. The purpose of the study covered by this report was to determine if the explosives might not be handled in such a way, as through a reduction in the size of charge or through altered methods, that most of the danger of killing fish would be eliminated. Black-powder explosions proved to 68 COMMERCIAL FISHERIZS REVIEW Vol. 14, No. 9 be relatively innocuous in a series of experi- ments, even with charges as high as 20 to 45 pounds, whether the charge was buried in the sed— iments, resting on the bottom, or suspendednear the surface. Indications were obtained that black-powder discharges do not even drive fish away or prevent them from feeding. The evidence leads to the conclusion that exploration for oil can be continued without the undue destruction of fish life. "Review of the California Sardine Fishery," by Frances N. Clark, article, California Fish and Game, July 1952, vol. 38, no. 3, pp. 367-80, illus., printed. Department of Fish and Game, San Francisco, Calif. This report reviews the California sardine fishery, and gives data onthe seasonal catch (in tons) and utilization of sar- dines along the Pacific Coast from 1916-17 to 1951-52. It also includes information on the biology of the Pacific sardine (Sardinops caerulea), the present status of the population, and manage- ment of the Pacific Coast sardine fishery. Review of Kenya Fisheries, 1950, by Hugh Copley, 55 pe, printed. The Government Printer, Nairobi, Kenya. Reviews the Kenya fisheries for 1950,with special reference to the river fisheries, fresh- water fish (coastal areas), a fish-culture farm, sea fisheries research and investigation, and the marine fisheries. The report on the marine fish- eries discusses production, prices, marketing and distribution, and types of gear. Scottish Home Department, 1952. Her Majesty's Stationery Office, Edinburgh, Scot- land.) Statistics on the Scottish fisheries for the year 1951 are presented. Number, net tonnage, and value of different types of fishing vessels; types and value of gear; number of fishermen em- ployed; and the amount and value of the fishcatch by species and by areas and type of vessels, aver- age prices, utilization of the catch, andfishery products exports are some of the statistical data included. "Study of Nylon and Cotton Gill-Nets," by L. C. Hewson, article, Trade News, June 1952, vol. 4, no. 12, pp. 3-4, illus., processed. Department of Fisheries, Ottawa, Canada. An investigation conducted by the Central Fisheries Research Sta- tion of the Fisheries Research Board of Canada at Winnipeg to compare nylon and cotton gill nets during a routine study of the winter commercial fishery on Lake Winnipeg is described. In the 1950-51 season it was found that of all species of fish combined, the nylon nets caught 57 pounds Washington State Shellfish, 7 p., printed. per 100 yards of net as compared with 17 pounds for the cotton nets--a ratio of about 3:1. A similar comparison of data from the 1951-52 sea- son showed the nylon nets to be more efficient. Of all species of fish combined, the nylon nets caught 67 pounds per 100 yards as compared with 31 pounds in the cotton nets. Cutting and A. Bannerman, Food Investigation Leaf- let No. 14, 8 p., illus., printed, 9d. net (about 11 U.S. cents). Torry Research Station, Depart- ment of Scientific and‘ Industrial Research, Aber- deen, Scotland, 1951. (Available from British Information Services, 30 Rockefeller Plaza, New York 20, N. Y.) The general principles and main features of a small kiln, suitable for the small- scale production of smoked fish, are described and illustrated. This kiln possesses all the es- sential features which provide control, uniformity, and reproducibility of smoking and drying. About 140 pounds of fish can be smoked in this kiln in four hours. "The Virginia Fisheries Laboratory," by J. L. McHugh and Robert L. Marble, article, The Commonwealth, December 1951, pp. 2-4, illus., printed. Virginia State Chamber of Commerce, 111 North 5th Street, Richmond 19, Virginia. (This article is Contri- bution No. 36 from the Virginia Fisheries Labora- tory, Gloucester Point, Va.) _In 1940 funds were provided by theVirginia legislatureto establish the Virginia Fisheries Laboratory. The laws of Virginia describe the functions of the laboratory as follows: "The Fisheries Laboratory shallcon- duct studies and investigations covering the sea- food industry as a whole, and shall make annual reports of its findings to the Commission of Fish- eries; and shall, in addition thereto, make such special studies and investigations touching any part of the seafood industry as it may be re- quested to do by either the Commission of Fish- eries, or the Governor of Virginia." Emphasis has been concentrated on investigations of four fisheries of major importance--the oyster, the blue crab, the croaker, and the shad. Consider- able progress has been made toward an understand- ing of the habits and lives of these important sea foods, and of the effects of the fisheriesand of natural and artificial conditions on their abundance. This article describes the ‘activi- ties of the Laboratory. Washing- ton State Department of Fisheries, 1308 Smith Tower, Seattle, Washington. The shellfish that thrive along the State's Pacific Ocean shore, the coastal harbors, and the inland waters of Puget Sound-~-oysters, razor clams, hard-shell clams, shrimp, and Dungeness crabs-—~are discussed. September 1952 COMMERCIAL FISHERIFS REVIEW CONTENTS, CONTINUED FOREIGN (CONTD.): IRISH FREE STATE: NEW FISHERIES LEGISLATION ..ccceccecses NEW COLD-STORAGE AND FISH-MEAL PLANT .. JAPAN: CANNED CRAB MEAT CHECK PRICES ..cereeee MEETING ON JAPANESE FISHERIES POLICIES ANDBEROGRAMS Wrenteters laterclsfaleisis! sus ec.ere%o, 008 FISHERY CIRCLES CONCERNED OVER TUNA EXPORT SITUATION THREE-WAY TRADING IN TUNA EXPORTS BEING TINVESIAIGATED) wontcre ere ctersieraieivle e-vless e's EXPORT PERMITS REQUIRED FOR CERTAIN CANNED FISHERY PRODUCTS .....ceeeeees NORTH PACIFIC MOTHERSHIP WHALING aeee OPERATIONS wecccccresceererece.creces ALBACORE TUNA LANDINGS AND EX-VESSEL PRICES ceccccccccccereseceseresescvce TRAWLERS TO RESUME OPERATIONS IN SOUTH CHINA SEAS cserecccercrervveseveresve GREAT PEARL OYSTER REGULATIONS .. PLANNED REDUCT!ON TRAWLERS NORWAY: DEVELOPMENT OF FROZEN FISH INDUSTRY ... NORTH NORWAY'S FISHING INDUSTRY DEVEL - OPMENT PLAN PROGRESSES ..cccccccccccs BLUEFIN-TUNA FISHERY HAS PROMISING IN NUMBER OF SMALL Ce ee BEGINNING ceceeeccceseccreccescereces LOWER 1952 OUTPUT OF MARINE OILS FORE- CAST cowsevccervccsecessccrscccossses FISHING VESSEL ON DEMONSTRATION TOUR TO SOUTH AFRICA SEYCHELLES |SLANDS: FISHERIES SCHEME FAILS ... UNION OF SOUTH AFRICA: U. S. IMPORTANT MARKET FOR SPINY LOBSTERS eeesesvcccereverecccesccoces NEW FISHERY BYPRODUCTS DEVELOPED ..aee. FISH O|L OUTPUT SHOWS RAPID EXPANSION . UNITED KINGDOM: CANNED TUNA PURCHASES BRITISH TO GREENLAND ee INVESTIGATE FISHERIES OFF Ce ec oc ec PAGE 36 36 37 3 37 38 38 42 43 43 44 44 45 45 69 PAGE FOREIGN (CONTD.): |NTERNAT | ONAL: NORTHWEST ATLANTIC FISHERIES COMMISS|ON: BANE MEET NGetetersrereletertelelsicieisileisieiei=)- 42 FOOD AND AGRICULTURE ORGANIZATION: FISHERIES STATISTICS MEETING ...e...4- 46 MEDITERRANEAN FISHERIES COUNCIL AGREE- , MENT ACCEPTED BY FRANCE, .os+eseeeee+ 49 WORLD FISHERtES ABSTRACTS |NAUGURATES NEWRSERVANCEMIe es sels sicieimintnieteie areieielc elolere 40 WHALING: SPERM O|L OUTPUT IN 1952 EXPECTED TO DECREASE. ieisictale sisisinveioaineisieniecis(cciiees OO FEDERAL ACTIONS: .esacusseccscccecereccses DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE: NATIONAL PRODUCTION AUTHORITY: AUTOMAT!C ALLOTMENT PROCEDURE FOR CON- TROLLED MATERIALS ANNOUNCED BY NPA . 51 INVENTORY CONTROLS ONCERTAIN MATERIALS REVISED eraleisieiscistelsisisietelsiclefeteisicle|a «iatele!e1 OG SULPHURIC ACID ORDER M-94 REVOKED .... 53 ECONOMIC STABILIZATION AGENCY: SALARY STABILIZATION BOARD: SALARY REGULATION 1 AMENDED .....+0... 93 DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR: KASK APPOINTED TO TWO INTERNATIONAL GOMMINSSIHONS teleteterats cleterelslelcieteieis slefevslsie sie! D4 WHALING REGULATIONS PUBLISHED ....-e+0- 94 FISH AND WILDLIFE SERVICE: SOUTHEASTERN ALASKA HERRING FISHERY QUOTA ELIMIINATED: .ccc.csccvescveseses D/ DEPARTMENT OF STATE: REVISED UNITED STATES VENEZUELAN TRADE AGREEMENT |NCREASES VENEZUELAN |MPORT DUTIES ON CERTAIN CANNED FISHERY FRODUGhSimeiateivreinle(ale eletenntstele ol efels\s/aieferereys)el 17; GRAPH Siamese ctepetele arcvetehersistekalaleletainiain icles) stelel sliclateteren OO LANDINGS AND RECEIPTS cerccsscereccseres 80 COLD STORAGE HOLDINGS AND FREEZINGS OF FISHERY: PRODUGIS) c:eaieiolale(sisiole/sjclelele siels)s)= (Ol CANNED FISHERY PRODUCTS ....e-e+eeeeeeee 62 PRICES, IMPORTS, AND BYPRODUCTS ..+-e-e- 63 RECENT FISHERY PUBLICATIONS: ..eeeceeseeee 64 FISH AND WILDLIFE SERVICE PUBLICATIONS . 64 MISCELLANEOUS PUBLICATIONS ....ee.eeeee0- 59 Editorial Assistant--Ruth V. Compositors--Jean Zalevsky, Betty Coakley, Keefe Illustrator--Gustaf T. Sundstrom Irene Mainster en re Sen oe OG oe 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 and pp. 8, 10, 11, and 12--R. Livingstone, Jr.; pp. 1, 2, 3; and 4--North Atlantic Fishery Investigations staff. INT.—DUP. SEC., WASH., D.C.397997 HAAN CANNED FISH & BYPRODUCTS--1951 3 9088 01018 1436 The 1951 pack of canned fish and shellfish and the production of byproducts for the United States and Alaska are given in the publication: Canned Fish & By- products--1951, C.F.S; No. 772. Among the detailed data presented are summaries of production by commodities (canned and byproducts) and by states, as well as the number of plants (by areas and states) engaged inthe production of canned fishery products and byproducts. Included in the canned fish and shellfish statistics are the packs | of canned salmon, Maine sardines 1a I (including seaherring), California \ t sardines (pilchards), alewives, | tuna and tuna-like fish, mackerel, 1 groundfish flakes, animal food from { } fishery products, fish roe and cav- a a ; ERS ivar, clams andclam products, crab Ngayeereeunn aS SS oS a SES ORR i 4c PAX A 4 meat, oysters, shrimp, and miscel- CNN. y ( laneous fishery products. h i gee yy A eae er y 4 Byproducts data include the GSS _= production of marine-animal scrap CARIES? Smaart and meal, marine-animal oil, oyster- shell products, fresh-water mussel- shéll products, and marine pearl-shell buttons. A table giving the imports of canned fishery products from 1947 through 1951 is also included, as well as historical statistics for packs of major canned prod- ucts and the production of leading byproducts. 3 The pack of canned fishery products in the United States and Alaska in 1951 a- mounted to 800,514,576 pounds, valued at 301,210,295 to the packers--a decrease of | 17 percent in volume and 9 percent in value as compared with 1950. The 1951 pro- duction of fishery byproducts was valued at $69,313,027--9 percent less than in the previous year. Copies of C.F.S. No. 772 are available free upon request from the Division of Information, U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Washington 25, D. 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