Ml

sv
ol
Mh

SAf
AHPYEEX
Fi shes

Lé

Oe)
of;
z
C
>

FISH and WILDLIFE SERVICE
Washington, D.C.

‘United States Department of the Interior

UNITED STATES
DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR FISH AND WILDLIFE SERVICE

J.A.KRUG, Secretary ALBERT M. DAY, Director

COMMERCIAL &
FISHERIES

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
Wm.H. Dumont and J. Pileggi, Assistant Editors

a

Applications for COMMERCIAL FISHERIES REVIEW, which is mailed tree to members ot the
fishery industries and allied interests,should be addressed to the

Director, Fish and Wildlife Service, United States Department of the Interior, Washington, 25, D.C.

The contents of this publication have not been copyrighted and may be reprinted freely; however, reference to

the source will be apprecioted. The Service assumes no responsibility for the accuracy of material from outside sources.

SSS SSS SSS

CONTENTS

COVER: TRANSFERRING SOCKEYE SALMON FROM PURSE SEINER TO
BUYER BOAT OFF SAN JUAN ISLANDS, PUGET SOUND, WASHINGTON.

PAGE
FISHERY EXPLORATION IN THE HAWAI‘AN ISLANDS (AUGUST TO OCTOBER 1948, BY THE VESSEL
OREGON OF THE PACIFIC EXPLORATION COMPANY), BY HOWARD H. ECKLES...e.eeesereceeceees
RECEIPTS OF FISHERY PRODUCTS AT SEATTLE, 1948, BY E. C. HINSDALE... eee seeeeceeevens 10
*
ahlas) AGE
URES AND) CISVELOFMENUSE 50.010 c eae aie ia FRANC Be peut airs tag eehrey 6 J evalzas ues) MS an neg 44
APN UVC) UO Unde GREE Clr Coso. FUSE IND lAteraeaatotercistorcieretotonevsuctcheieiieletelsvefeieronels) 44
WNC ESSE LS: PaO CIE ae JAP Mids ocdoaeoscscogodcedcoduo0 pc ge 45
ECA PROCUREMENT AUTHORIZATIONS FOR.
NORWAY farciciavencictianeielisiteliclle|sistevelalfelctetetclleselsfelts 46
fulSMERRRODUCTO. pgenehsugranebe zt: PORMUGAMretercisnensstatercuen lela yeterrouals 47
FEDERAL PURCHASES OF FISHERY PROD- SPANISH MOROGCOMsriianle cleleleremetelrsienels 55
UGiBo ode céanoad AAO AtseNEiS
URUGUAYPeeieisinielsiotelerelcteheloretener na 55
FISHERY BIOLOGY NOTES.............. VENEZUELA. Dee UIA I Ee 56
FAO PART IN TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE FEDERALMACTIIONS: seine har cyl cen nae 57
Dee ee DEPARTMENT OF COMERCE:
FAO STUDIES PLANS FOR FUTURE AID TO GLUE eI Ue ALLOCAT ION ENOEN Meas 57
a DL ea Cle 20.0 ot AHENGHENT VONAGE TION GRBEGNNEEH
BAL LeU AREAS 1B "AND 2 CLOSED ON. GANS. 57
UNE 3 en oe Si aie dboddoouEdodODOOQsORdO00
ERIN Gls SITE, IREVRGRINL CHL REVISIONS OF EXPORT REGULATIONS. 58
ING COMMISSION...... Aiewiciorae DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR:
MEETING ON CANNED TUNA STANDARDS. FISH AND WILDLIFE SERVICE:
ERD etme Hemi agile AMENDMENTS TO ALASKA SALMON AND
OYSTER HARVESTING | HALTED | IN ALABAMA HERRING FiSHERY REGULATIONS... 59
TRENDS AND CONDITIONS IN THE FISH- DEPARTMENT OF STATE:
ERIES, FIRST QUARTER 1949, ; U. S.-COSTA RICA INTER-AMERICAN
PACIFIC OCEANIC FISHERY INVESTIGA- TROPICAL TUNA COMMISSION.....,.. 59
TAKONSWCOLWEGTS RUNAL DATACc ecm: EIGHTY-FIRST CONGRESS (FIRST SESSION)
U. S. PACK OF CANNED MACKEREL, 1949 MAIC AIO OOODOODODOUOGOUOGO0U0 0000 62
U. S. PACK OF CANNED TUNA AND TUNA- GRAPHS: DdOCODDAOOUODODDOU DO DO0DOO00N 64
LINE FISHES 5 IOC os 4 54 bcneou LANDINGS “AND IENPUS5 opooodadapoon6 64
VIRGINIA FISHERIES TRENDS, MAY 1949 COLD STORAGE HOLDINGS AND FREEZINGS
WASHINGTON AND OREGON FISHERIES, ORE SHERY/ (PRODUCTS eur latcrnnehseterets 65
MAY; IGA QI ROC a) MEE Ue RON CANNED FISHERY PRODUCTS......c0-+0-0- 66
1948 U. S. PER CAPITA FISH CONSUMP- PRICES, IMPORTS AND BYPRODUCTS...... 67
TION INCREASED. TDS | ALU PORE epg RECENT FISHERY PUBLICATIONS:........ 68
WHOLESALE AND RETAIL PRICES. ri FASH AND. WILDLIFE SERVICE PUBLICATIONS 68
ETSI ACs SOU. RRND ARTICLES BY FISH AND WILDLIFE SERVICE
BIIZONEXIGERMANY20 see eycrmeeint aban mln eras AUTHORS IN OTHER PUBLICATIONS....,. 69
CANAD AMT Regi? Ra IRIN Ge ei alls MISCELLANEOUS PUBLICATIONS......... 69

June 1949 Washington 25,D.C. Vol. 11, No.6

FISHERY EXPLORATION IN THE HAWAIIAN ISLANDS

(AUGUST TO OCTOBER 1948, BY THE VESSEL OREGON OF THE
PACIFIC EXPLORATION COMPANY)

By Howard H. Eckles
INTRODUCTION

From January to October 1948, the Pacific Exploretion Company, under con-
tract with the Reconstruction Finance Corporation, operated the motor vessels
Oregon and Alaska in the region of the Hawaiian Islands and the Pacific Trust
Territories. Scientists
from the Fish and Wild-=
life Service were de-
tailed to accompany
these vessels to observe
the results of the ex-
ploratory fishing and
to collect biological
and oceanographical
data. The period from
January to June 1948 was
covered in a previous
report by O. R. Smit
and M. B. Schaefer.t
The present report TSAR
covers the activities
of the M/V Oregon from
August to October 1948,
I was aboard as observer
from August 11 to Sep-
tember 19, 1948.

The Oregon, equip—
ped for tuna live-bait
fishing, sailed from
Honolulu on August ll,
to conduct exploratory
tuna fishing operations

outside the areas nor~ THE M/V_OREGON CONDUCTED EXPLORATORY FISHING IN THE HAWAIIAN
1 fis b he ISLANDS REGION JANUARY-JUNE 1948. I!NSET SHOWS THE KONA AND
el B88 yee HILO COASTS ON THE ISLAND OF HAWAI1.

local Hawaiian sampan
fishery. A full load of bait was obtained at French Frigate Shoals. Brooks Bank,

St. Rogatien Bank, and part of Gardner Pinnacles Bank to the northwest of French

Frigate Shoals were scouted for tuna. The Oregon proceeded along the chain of

* Marine Fishery Research Biologist, South Pacific Fishery Investigations, U, S, Fish and
Wildlife Service, Stanford, California,

1/"Fishery Exploration in the Western Pacific (Jamary to June, 1948, by Vessels of the
Pacific Exploration Company)," Commercial Fisheries Review, March 1949, page 1.

2 COMMFRCIAL FISHERIES REVIEW Vol. 11, No. 6

small islands and banks from French Frigate Shoals to Kauai. Next, the Kona
Coast region off the Island of Hawaii and then the area around Maui and Molokai
were scouted for tuna. The vessel returned to Honolulu on September 15. During
the first part of October, further bait fishing and tuna fishing activities were
carried out near Maui and southwest Oahu. This completed the exploratory tour and
the Oregon returned to the mainland.

OBSERVATIONS ON BAIT

East Island is the most accessible of the small islands at French Frigate
Shoals; so bait was sought there before the other islands were visited. Approxi-
mately 300 "scoops"2/ of small silver-

sides (Hepsetia insulerum), known to

the Hawaiians as "iao", were caught

at East Island on August 14 and 15.

>. This isthe same species of bait fish
: which the Oregon caught when she
fs visitedthis same area in January and

Vee February 1948,

The bait fishing methods were
similar to those already described
by Smith and Schaefer. The "iao"
found at East Island was mostly found
just offshore between the breakers
and the reef in schools which ranged
in size from approximately 10 to 100
scoops. Usuallya surround net, con-
structed of blanket mesh with open=
ings about 1/5-inch ona side, was
used. This net was 18 fathoms long and 2 fathoms deep. The “iao" is not easily
frightened, which makes the task of surrounding all or part of a school rather
simple. The "iao" found at French Frigate Shoals do not sound or attempt to escape
under the lead line, but merely mill in one spot or attempt to jump the cork line.
This behavior made it pos-
sible to set the net in
water which was 2 fathoms
or slightly deeper, as
long as the net could be
pulled into water that was
waist or chest deep. The
net was usually paid out
from the stern ofa small

THE OREGON ANCHORED AT FRENCH FRIGATE SHOALS.

skiff while one end was VIEW OF A CORAL SAND BEACH, EAST ISLAND, FRENCH FRIGATE
held on shore. When the SHOALS. SEVERAL SETS FOR 1AO WERE MADE JUST OUTSIDE OF
school was surrounded, the THE BREAKERS ON THIS BEACH.

net was pulled in by the

lead line. It was often

necessary for the fishermen to dive down along the lead line and free it from
rocks or snags. Goggles or face plates were used to enable the divers to see
clearly under water. When the net was mostly in, a pocket was formed from the
webbing and the captured bait was transferred to a bait receiver by lowering a
gate on one end and allowing the fish to swim inside. At times, it was possible
2/k "scoop" is estimated to contain about 10 pounds of fish,

June 1949 COMMERCIAL FISHSRIES REVIEW 3

to capture an entire school or to recapture fish which escaped the net, since the
"jao" would lie in adjacent areas while the fish caught in one set were being
transferred into the
bait receiver. Thus,
it was possible to
reset the net upon
these same fish. It
was also possible to
herd the "iao." Con=
sequently, the fisher
men were able to drive
a school into the net
while it was being paid
oute

MAKING A SET ON A SCHOOL OF 1AO (HEPSETIA INSULARUM) TERN
f ISLAND, FRENCH FRIGATE SHOALS. MOST SETS WERE MADE IN WATER
After the first WAIST OR CHEST DEEP.

day, August 14, bait

was scarce at Hast Island. So the Oregon was anchored off Gin and Little Gin Is-=
lands. Hawaiian fishermen aboard the vessel whohad visited the area in March 1948
reported large quantities of "iao" on the sandy shores of Little Gin Island. How-
ever, only a few scattered schools were found in August. Seventy-eight scoops
were taken during two days’ bait fishing there.

The Oregon was equipped with two bait tanks on the deck aft and a well on
each side just forward of the midships section, equipped to hold bait, and the
methods of transporting and handling bait on the Oregon were similar to those
used by California live-bait tuna fishermen off Mexico and Central America. Two
hundred scoops were placed in the forward bait tank. These fish started milling
almost immediately and survival was good. Bait placed in the after bait tank did
not fare as well. Forty scoops were lost out of 180 originally placed in the tank.
Part of these fish were handled rather roughly, as it was necessary to hold them
longer than usual in the net, and transfer to the bait receiver was difficult.
Smith and Schaefer noted a similar difficulty in holding fish in the aft bait
tank.

After visiting Disappearing Island and East Island a second time, where no
bait was sighted, the Oregon was anchored off Tern Island. This island is not
: easily reached, due to a wide expanse
hs of reefs and coral heads. Therefore,
eo it was necessary to anchor close by
the reef and go in with a power boat
and bait receiver. Very large schools
of "iao" were present off Tern Island
in water 3-15feet deep. They occur
red mainly in the quiet water along-
side a dock area. Over 500 scoops
were taken duringtwo days. This com—
pleted the vessel's bait load of ap-=
proximately 900 scoops.

CLOSING THE SURROUND NET AROUND A SCHOOL OF 1AO During the period August 14 to

AT TERN ISLAND. 19, all of the more accessible islands

of French Frigate Shoals had been

scouted for bait with the results above noted. Whether the stock of "iao" present
in this area would maintain a sizable bait fishery is not known. However, quanti-
ties of bait sufficient to supply at least two or possibly three tuna clippers the

4 COMMERCIAL FISHERIES REVIEW Vol. 11, No. 6

size of the Oregon were present during the August period when the vessel was at
French Frigate Shoals. Weather conditions were quite favorable during this period,

TOWING BAIT RECEIVER, FROM THE SAND ISLANDS OF
FRENCH FRIGATE SHOALS, TO THE OREGON. A SKIFF
|S PLACED ACROSS THE STERN TO GIVE ADDED BUOYANCY
TO THE BAIT RECE!VER.

day, on which approximately 100 scoops died.

although observations made be-
fore and after the time spent
at French Frigate Shoals showed
the northeast trade winds to be
constant in this area, often
reaching velocities as high as
25 miles per hour. Thus, calm
weather may be the exception and
considerable chop might ordina-
rily be encountered while bait
fishing in the French Frigate
Shoals area. These conditions,
although not prohibitive, would
hamper transferring bait in re-
eeivers and brailing from the
receiver to the live-bait tanks.

Mortality of the bait after
leaving French Frigate Shoals
was negligible after the first

This mortality occurred mainly in the

two brine wells among the last fish transferred aboard the Oregon, and it is be-
lieved that it was mainly due to rough handling, as the “iao" survived well after

n u

TRANSFERRING |!AQ FROM BAIT RECEIVER TO THE TUNA EXPLORATORY FISHING VESSEL, OREGON, OFF
FRENCH FRIGATE SHOALS, HAWAIIAN ISLANDS. THE BAIT RECEIVER WAS TOWED FROM THE SMALi. SAND
ISLANDS IN THE AREA WHERE THE BAIT WAS TAKEN,

June 1949 COMMERCIAL FISHERIES REVIEW 5

becoming accustomed ‘to the conditions in the tanks, even though fairly rough seas
were encountered. The bait were fed ground-up fish and fish blood daily.

The "iao", though not generally used by Hawaiian skipjack fishermen, has
proven to be a good tuna bait. It is readily taken by tuna when thrown as chun.
When the Oregon wasn't moving, or was moving very slowly, the bait would school
up alongside the boat and a few times it was possible to recapture the fish with
a scoop net and return them to the bait tank. As many as eight "iao"” were removed
from one skipjack stomach after capture. Most of the bait was expended as chum
for the tuna schools encountered during the trip, but a few scoops remained aboard
the Oregon on its arrival at Honolulu on September 15,

Limited observations on bait at other islands in the Hawaiian Chain were
possible, although no effort was made to catch bait except at Kihei on Maalaea
Bay, Maui, The bait founi Casi
at Kihei isa small ancho=
vy locally called "nehu"
(Anchoviella purpureus).
This fish is not only the
most common kind of bait
inthe Hawaiian area, but
it is also preferred above
other species by the Ha-
waiian skipjack fisher-
men. It occurs at Kihei
in schools similar in
size tothe schools of
"iao," just off the break-
ers and out into deeper
water. It prefers muddy
or sandy bottoms and very
often occurs in cloudy
waters, so that a slight
flipping or "breezing" DIPPING NET INTO BAIT RECEIVER.
at the surface is the
only indicationthat a school is present. The Oregon's crew took nearly 400 scoops
of "nehu" using a 40=-fathom by 2-fathom net. However, a somewhat longer and deeper
net is needed for this fish, as it often occurred in waters three or more fathoms
deep. The vessel returned to Kihei during the first part of October. This time,
a blanket mesh seine 72 fathoms long and 55 fathoms deep in the center was used.
This net tapered to 35 fathoms at each end. Approximately 900 scoops of "nehu"
were taken during two days. The "nehu" is both smaller and more delicate than the
"iao." When transferring this bait from the net to the receiver and from the re=-
ceiver to the bait tanks, it was necessary to use buckets to make certain that
the fish were not crowded excessively. The "nehu" lived well in the bait tanks
for several days, until expended on schools of skipjack.

OBSERVATIONS ON TUNA AND TUNA FISHING

After obtaining bait at French Frigate Shoals, a short run was made to the
eastern side of Gardner Pinnacles Bank, by way of Brooks Bank and St. Rogatien
Bank. Calm weather was encountered on the first day's fishing, but thereafter
unfavorable weather conditions prevailed. Numerous black skipjack (Zuthynnus

aito, the western Pacific relative of the black skipjack, Euthynnus lineatus,
which oceurs off Mexico and Central America) and a few 15- to 25=pound yellowfin

6 COMMERCIAL FISHERIES REVIEW Vol. 11, No. 6

tuna (Neothunnus macropterus) were taken on troll lines and by the fishermen in
the racks on the first day. One small school of one=poles/ yellowfin tuna was
chummed up to the Oregon.
These fish swam near and
under the boat and took
the live bait readily,
but took lures (squids)
or live-bait hooks re=
luctantly. Consequently,
only a few fish were
caught. No further tuna
were taken inthe area
northwest of French Fri-
gate Shoals except by
trolling. Black skipjack
were numerous and would
bite the trolled lures
readily. They often were
of a large size for this
species, being nearly 30
inches long and 15 pounds
TRANSFERRING BAIT (IAQ) FROM BAIT RECEIVER TO THE OREGON'S inweight. Howey ets Rune;
BAIT TANKS. did not appear to occur

in large schools. Birds
were absent on banks at this time and the tuna caught were all located by means
of trolling.

From August 22 to August 26, the Oregon explored the chain of banks from
French Frigate Shoals to Kauai, including waters around Necker, Nihoa, and Niihau
Islands. Black skipjack, wahoo (Acanthocybium solandri), and dolphin (Coryphaena
hippurus) were taken frequently on : ox om : :
troll lines. Black skipjack were
abundant on banks and around the
islands in relatively shallow
water. Sea birds were very common
inthis area east of French Frigate
Shoals. Sooty terns, noddy terns,
and wedge-tailed shear-waters were
common. Booby birds and the black-
footed albatross were present, but
tended to remain in the vicinity
of the small islands. On August 24,
west of Nihoa, the first school
of oceanic skipjack (Katsuwonus
pelamis) encountered was located
by birds "working."4/ The school
was chummed up and 26 fish were
taken by fishermen in the racks. oe a
The fish were small, averaging crew MEMBERS OF THE OREGON BRAILING IAQ (HEPSETIA
4-5 pounds in weight. They were INSULARUM) FROM A BAIT RECEIVER INTO LIVE BAIT
reluctant to approach the Oregon TANKS. NOTE USE OF THE CROWDER NET.
and they did not bite well except
for a brief period. During the morning and afternoon of August 25, west of Niihau
Island, numerous schools of very small black skipjack averaging 11-12 inches and
3/a term used in the eastern Pacific tuna fishery to designate fish under 30 pounds which

would ordinarily be caught by one fisherman using one pole.
4/Birds' diving and flying low over the waves while feeding.

June 1949 COMMERCIAL FISHERIES REVIEW v4

one pound in weight were located under birds. These fish took bait readily and
were easily caught from racks. However, because the fish were so small, fishing
for them was soon discontinued. Two yellowfin tuna were taken on troll lines late
the same afternoon, but schools of yellowfin tuna could not be located by chunming
these areas. On August 26, numerous schools of eceanic skipjack were located by
observing birds diving and feeding at the surface in the area southwest of Niihau
Island. Indications were that oceanic skipjack were abundant here, as birds could
be seen "working" and fish were jumping over a wide area. Skipjack were chummed
up to the Oregon on two different occasions and nearly 100 fish were taken from
the racks. These were also small 4~- to 5-pound fish. As before, they were reluctant
to take either live-bait hooks or "squids," although the "iao” were taken readily.

From August 27 to August 29, tuna were sought in the area 35 miles northeast
of Nawiliwili, Kauai. The weather during this period was generally bad for tuna
fishing due to rain, poor visibility, and strong northeast trade winds. Four
schools of large oceanic fe
skipjack, probably 15 to \

25 pounds, were located
by birds during the three
days. The skipjack were
moving fast and were feed—
ing onflying fish. This
made it difficult to catch
the fish or to maneuver
into a position so that
bait could be thrown ef=
fectively. Strong winds
made chumming difficult,
because the bait fish were
often blown out of posi-
tion alongside the racks
when thrown from _ the
height of the Oregon's : :
bait tanks, which were \yiew OF NIHOA ISLAND LOOKING WEST FROM THE STERN OF THE
approximately 10 feet OREGON.

above the water. Rough seas and rolling of the ship made the use of side racks
extremely hazardous. The skipjack were seen jumping astern of the vessel after
the bait which had been thrown, but none came close enough to the racks to be
caught. It was evident that there were commercial quantities of skipjack in this
vicinity, but their rapid movement and poor weather conditions made it impossible
to make a catch.

SSS epee a ee

In the hopes of finding more tuna and better weather conditions, the Kona
Coast off the Island of Hawaii and the area northwest of the Kona Coast around
to Hilo, Hawaii, were scouted from September 1 to September 9. The southwest side
of Maui and the area around Lanai and Kahoolawe Islands were scouted en route.
Several schools of small skipjack were spotted by "working" birds, but the fish
were scattered and moving rapidly; so chumming was not successful. The weather
was generally good, except when crossing channels or outside the lee of the islands.
The weather on the Kona Coast was continually good during this period, as there
is a lee from the trade winds formed by the high elevation of the Island of Hawaii.
However, signs of tuna were scarce and only occasional catches of oceanic skip-
jack were made. Schools were located by birds "working" at the surface, but the
behavior of the fish was so erratic that it was difficult to maneuver the ship
into position to chum effectively. At times, a school was worked up astern and

8 COMMERCIAL FISHERIES REVIEW Vol. ll, Now 6

alongside, but the skipjack kept outside the reach of the tuna poles, even though
extra long ones were used. An opportunity was offered to observe these schools.
The numbers of fish did not appear to be large
nor were they concentrated into compact schools.
A few fish were apparently spread over a wide
arsa. Local fishermen of the Kona Coast stated
that large schools of both yellowfin and skipjack
tuna are fairly common on the Kona Coast in the
late spring and summer,

From the Kona Coast, the Oregon proceeded
to Maui. The areas around Maui and Lanai were
scouted until September 14, One very large school
of oceanic skipjack was located to the windward
of Maui and was followed and chummed for nearly
two hours. Fish were seen breaking the surface
and many birds were flying and "working" over an
area estimated to be nearly a mile square. How=
ever, the main school apparently remained deep,
as no fish were brought up to the vessel's racks.
The great numbers of birds, and their actions,

a

DISPLAYING A SMALL YELLOWFIN

TUNA (NEOTHUNNUS MACROPTERUS) indicated that an extremely large school of fish
TAKEN ON ST. ROGATIEN BANK were present. Other flocks of birds were seen from

NORTH WEST OF FRENCH FRIGATE

SHOALS. time to time, but chumming usually raised no fish.

As the bait supply was nearly exhausted and provisions were running low,
it was necessary to return to Honolulu...

In early October, further scouting was carried out around Maui and south=
west Oahu. As before, numerous flocks of birds were present and some oceanic skip=
jack schools were located. Approximately 60 skipjack, 10 to 15 pouads, were taken
southwest of Oahu. These fish were also reluctant to bite.

SUMMARY AND CONCLUSIONS

During the period from the middle of August to early October, approximately
50 schools of tuna were encountered. Only one school of yellowfin tuna was seen,
although yellowfin were taken on troll
lines at five different times, so that
other schools were probably present.
Thirteen schoolsof black skipjack were
encountered. These were mainly located
by trolling, although three schools
were located by following "working" :
birds. Twenty-one schools of oceanic OCEANIC SKIPUACK (KATSUWONUS PELAMIS)
skipjack were encountered. All of these TAKEN OFF THE KONA COAST, HAWAII.
were located by birds. No oceanic skip-
jack were taken on troll lines, Four=
teen unidentified schools were indicated by large numbers of birds. The oceanic
skipjack was most common around Kauai, Oahu, Molokai, and Hawaii, and it is pro=
bable that most of the unidentified schools were oceanic skipjack. The black
skipjack was most common near the islands and shoals from Gardner Pinnacles
to Niihau. Yellowfin tuna were not seen in abundance during this survey, but
Hawaiian fishermen reported two large schools of yellowfin near Niihau during
September while the Oregon was on the Kona Coast.

June 1949 COMMERCIAL FISHERIES REVIEW 9

Whether mainland=-style "tuna clippers" would be commercially feasible in
the Hawaiian Islands cannot be determined by an exploratory period of such a short
duration. It certainly can be stated that
the abundance of tuna is sufficient for sein
considerable expansion of the present local : % me |
fishery carried on by live=bait sampans _ v
for skipjack and "flagline"® boats for ©
yellowfin tuna, which is now well estab-=
lished in the waters adjacent to the main
islands. Sea conditions resulting from
the northeast trade winds make the opera=
tion of a tuna clipper difficult in most
areas except in the lee of the islands.
The rapid and erratic movements of the
tuna make a fast and highly maneuverable
vessel desirable. A thorough knowledge
of local conditions would be essential.
Experience is necessary to be able to es=
timate the movements of a tuna school by
observing the movements of birds above
then. The tuna in this area rarely stop
and feed in one spot; therefore, skill is needed in maneuvering and running with
the school to insure effective chumming and the landing of a good catch.

FISHERMEN OF THE OREGON IN THE RACKS.

The sampan-type vessels used in Hawaii are not generally equipped with cir-
culating pumps for live-bait wells, or with refrigeration for holding the catch.
The addition of these features to this type of vessel, or the use of a smaller,
more rapidly maneuverable tuna clipper, would probably give a more efficient type
of vessel for fishing tuna in the Hawaiian area.

5/A fishery employing long-lines buoyed to fish several fathoms below the surface. Hooks

are baited with dead fish.

AQUATIC RESOURCES OF THE RYUKYU AREA

Obtaining a supply of live bait is the most important problem of
the Ryukyu skipjack fisherman. The Japanese sardine and anchovy, which
are considered best for skipjack fishing, are not available in Ryukyu
waters, so the natives resort to whatever species of small fish are pre-
sent. Most important among these are the Ryukyu sardines, red scads,
and cardinal fishes. Ryukyu coastal and offshore operations for the
skipjackare limited by the availability of bait; very often boats cannot
fish on their regular schedule because of lack of this necessity.

Skipjack fishing vessels operating from Kyushu obtain bait at a
large live bait center near Kagoshima Bay, where adequate amounts of
sardines (Sardinia melanosticta) and anchovy (Engraulis japonicus) are
available.

--Fishery Leaflet 333

10 COMMERCIAL FISHERIES REVIEW Vol. 11, Noo 6

RECEIPTS OF FISHERY, PRODUCTS. Aly SE ATT EE two.

By E. GC. Hinsdale*

INTRODUCTION

The continued importance of Seattle's position in the northwest fisheries
of the Pacific Coast was again proven by the volume of fishery products received
during 1948, Landings and wholesale receipts, including imports of fresh and
frozen fish, shellfish, and livers totaled 85,101,000 pounds, valued at slightly
more than $16,499,000 (the highest yet. recorded). The volume was the second largest
since records were first obtained in 1939, exceeded only by the peak year 1945,
when approximately 89,500,000 pounds were received.

SOURCES OF RECEIPTS

The principal sources of supply were again the waters of Washington and Ore-
gon, contributing 50,248,000 pounds or about 60 percent of the total receipts.
British Columbia was second, supplying 16,420,000 (20 percent), and Alaska third,
with 14,790,000 pounds (18 percent). Other sources--California, Gulf States,
New York, Nova Scotia, Mexico, South Africa, and Japan--supplied 1,317,000 pounds
(2 percent), Japanese imports of 1,082,000 pounds accounted for four-fifths of
the volume from miscellaneous sources, (Table 1).

Table 1 =_ soeuile Receipts ee aL Peatacts by ES 2 _- 1947-48

Source

Local4/
California 75,000 2%, 000
Gulf States 27,000 82,000
Alaska 395,000} 849,000
British Columbia
Othe

Total ..... 6
1/Washing ton and Oregon,
2/New York, New Jersey, Mexico, Japan, Nova Scotia, and South Africa.

Over 1000 percent.

The trend towards heavier imports of fishery products is shown by the advance-
ment of British Columbia to second place in the total volume of receipts. Al-
though imports of fresh fishery products from the Province dropped to less than
half the 1947 quantity, due principally to an embargo placed on the exports of
some species of fresh fish and the diversion of water-borne shipments through
competing ports, the imports of frozen products {heaviest on record) rose to
more than three times the volume for last year. .Heavier imports of frozen halibut,
chum and silver salmon, albacore tuna, and soles and bottomfish fillets were re-
sponsible for the increase. The decline of Alaska to third place in volume was
caused mainly by the 95-day West Coast maritime labor dispute during the last
quarter of the year when the heaviest coastwise shipments of frozen products are
normally made. Frozen receipts totaled 14,395,000 pounds, a decline of 36 percent
from last year. While one Puget Sound port, not affected by the labor dispute,
received large quantities from the north, the bulk of -Alaska's outbound shipments
were discharged at Canadian ports for transshipment to the United States. In
addition, Alaska's shipments of fresh fishery products to Seattle were less than
* Fishery Marketing Specialist, In Charge, Fishery Market News Service Office, Branch of

Commercial Fisheries, Seattle, Washington,

June 1949 COMMERCIAL FISHERIES REVIEW ll

half the 1947 volume, influenced to a large extent by good consumer demand, higher
prices, and the retention of more fresh salmon in the Territory.

FACTORS AFFECTING LANDINGS

The trend for greater halibut landings in Aleska was influenced by three
major developments:

1. Establishment of more freeging facilities at strategic ports and the
improvenent of port facilities in others;

2, More equitable price range for halibut which encouraged and aided
fishermen;

3. Landing at the nearest port because of shorter fishing seasons and
heavier small-boat competition, (This enabled the fishermen to
gale more trips to the grounds than would have been possible by
making the longer haul to Seattle.)

As a result of these developments, halibut landings at Seattle and major
Canadian ports have, with few exceptions, steadily declined during the past 10
years. Shipping difficulties, labor disputes and price differentials have, on
occasion, contributed to several deviations from the general downward trend.

RECEIPTS OF LEADING SPECIES AND TRENDS

Salmon: In 1948, salmon receipts Lor i taal of 25,492,000 pounds valued
at more than $5,500, 000 led all other
varieties. These fischanlls were about
6,500,000 pounds, or 24 percent, be=-
low 1947. The value, however, netted
fishermen an increase of nearly 33 cents
a pound.

The anticipated heavy spring and
fall runs of king and silver salmon
failed to materialize and vessel
catches, both offshore and in the
straits, were somewhat disappointing.
As a result, the silver salmon receipts
dropped 26 percent and king salmon
dropped 19 percent. Since 1948 was
not a cycle year for pink salmon, re-- ; en
eceipts of this species, as expected, LIFTING A NET LOAD OF FISH ABOARD A PACIFIC
fell sharply. The Canadian embargo on COAST OTTER TRAWLER OFF THE COAST OF OREGON.
the exportation of pink, sockeye, and silver salmon, inaugurated early in the
season, was also instrumental in lowering the port's salmon receipts. On the
other hand, substantial gains were made in the receipts of chum and sockeye salmon.
Closure regulations, levied in 1947 by the State of Washington, cut into the pos-
sible larger catch of chum salmon, particularly in the waters adjacent to the local
port. Fishing was permitted only from October through November within set limits
off the western shore of Bainbridge Island and several other Sound points. Despite
the curtailed chum season, purse seiners caught and landed more than 3,290,000
pounds at Seattle.

Halibut: Other than salmon, no other major fleet fishery of the Northwest
showed any marked decline. However, arrivals of a number of important species,

12 COMMERCIAL FISHERIES REVIEW Vol. 11, No. 6

RED OR SOCKEYE SALMON FISHING VESSELS RACING TO A FAVORITE SPOT TO MAKE SETS AT THE TURN
OF THE TIDE.

including halibut, were lower than the previous year, due principally to shipping
difficulties. Halibut receipts of 20,326,000 Here valued at nearly $4,000,000
; was the second most Aaworstce
species by volume. However,
this was the smallest quantity
received since 1944. The sea-
son, the shortest on record,
opened on May 1 and closed July
ll--a total of only 72 days of
fishing. The 1948 halibut catch
quota had been increased from
52,500,000 to 54,000,000 pounds.
Local halibut vessels made a
total of 461 trips to the fish-
ing grounds, or 155 more than
last year, and landed 9,080,000
pounds of halibut at Seattle--
FLOUNDER, STARFISH, ARE OFTEN CAUGHT ON HALIBUT LINE. a very large increase over 1947
NOTE THE BAIT STILL ON THE LINE AFTER A FOUR-HOUR SET. landings of 5,874,000 pounds
when the local fleet was tied
up 4a large part of the season by a dispute between owners and fishermen. These
landings compared favorably with 1944 and 1945, two other years of high volume.
The average price for halibut in 1948 dropped nearly 3 cents a pound from the
1947 average of 23.6 cents. Directly due to the shipping labor dispute, receipts
of frozen halibut from Alaska declined from 11,000,000 toa little less than 9,000,000
pounds despite strenuous efforts by some dealers to ship via chartered boats. Frozen
halibut (1,261,000 pounds) imported from British Columbia took up scme of the slack.
The bulk of these shipments arrived via rail, trucks and packer boat.

Landings of halibut by American vessels (Figure 1), reveal that those made
at Alaska ports steadily increased from a low of 7,000,000 pounds in 1939 to a
high of 23,000,000 pounds in 1948.

June 1949 COMMERCIAL FISHERIES REVIEW 13

Sablefish: Shipping diffi-
culties also affected the 1948
receipts of sablefish (3,107,000 | o5
pounds) at Seattle. Nearly
1,500,000 pounds were landed fresh
by the halibut, long-line, and
trawl fleets, and slightly ex-
ceeded the 1947 volume. However,
a large part of Alaska's shipments
of frozen sablefish normally bound
for the local port was diverted
through strike-free ports with a
resulting decline of nearly 750,000
pounds.

FIG.I- PACIFIC COAST HALIBUT LANDINGS BY AMERICAN VESSELS, 1939-48

POUNDS

AT SEATTLE
aN

-

OF

MILLIONS

OTTER-TRAWL FISHERY

Trawlers enjoyed a fairly
favorable market throughout the

year, and the fleet operations were exceptionally active. More than 19,000,000
pounds of bottom fish were caught and landed by vessels of the local trawl fleet=-=
more than double the 1947 landings and exceeded only by 1945. Trawlers made 814
trips, which was about one-third of 1946. Due to more strenuous fishing effort,
use of better gear, and the discovery and exploitation of several new grounds,
the average catch per boat rose from 1,310 pounds in 1946 to 1,747 pounds in 1947
and 2,339 pounds in 1948.

The trawl catch was valued
at approximately $1,067,000
with an average return of
about 5.6 cents a pound
tothe fishermen, compared
to 5.2 cents received in
1947. Approximately one-
third of the total catch
was rockfishes and the
balance mostly English and
petrale soles, flounders,
mixed cods and some skate
and sturgeon. With recep-
tive markets throughout
most of 1948, trip re-
strictions were few and
of small consequence, and
little opportunity was af-
forded for gluts to de-
velop.

on

A TYPICAL PACIFIC COAST OTTER TRAWLE For a number of years,
otter-trawl landings at
Seattle indicated that
nearly all species increased from 1940 to 1943 but dropped sharply in 1944, 1946,
and 1947 (Figure 2). The downward trend during these years was largely the result
of drastic cuts in purchases by the Armed Forces and some curtailment in civilian

R

14 COMMERCIAL FISHERIES REVIEW Vol. 11, Now 6

FIG. 2-- LANDINGS BY OTTER-TRAWL FLEET AT SEATTLE, I940-48

on
z
(e)
~l)
af
=

Ol
1940 1941 i942 1946 I947 1948

buying. However, since high prices prevailed for meats and other protein foods,
consumer resistance lessened in 1948 and substantial gains were made in the land-
ings of all trawl fish.

TUNA

The largest receipts of tuna (1,356,000 pounds) onrecord were received during
1948 at Seattle, nearly six times the 1947 quantity. Approximately three-fifths
of these receipts were frozen albacore and skipjack imported from Japan for the
first time in many years. The bulk of the Japanese fish were ultimately shipped
to California for canning.

June 1949 COMMERCIAL FISHERIZS REVIEW 15

Fresh albacore tuna landed in Washington and Oregon totaled nearly 13,000,000
pounds, a drop of 500,000 pounds from the 1947 landings and the third smallest
catch since 1941.

INDIANS HAULING IN SALMON BEACH SEINE ON THE SHORES OF THE SITUK RIVER IN THE YAKUTAK
BAY DISTRICT OF ALASKA.

For the first time in history, albacore tuna wes caught in commercial quan-
tities in Alaska. Trollers equipped with jig gear and fishing in the waters of
Dixon Entrance off Langara and Graham Islands landed 361,000 pounds from late
August through September. Although a few tuna hseG previously been caught in this
area from time to tims, the 1948 commercial catches were a surprising development
and caused considerable excitement in the coast's tuna industry. While future
runs of commercial importance in the northern waters are considered problematical
by most of the fishing industry, it is expected that fishermen will expend con-
siderable effort in the future toward the catching of this species. Alaska fish-
ermen received an average of around $525 a ton, while at Seattle and other state-
side ports, the average price was $650 a ton compared to $530 in 1947.

SHELLFISH

Receipts of shellfish totaled 4,558,000 pounds, valued at $1,756,000, which
exceeded the 1947 volume and value by about one-fourth. Although comparable to
the 1944-46 receipts, the 1948 shellfish volume was 18 percent below the 1945
peak of 6,526,000 pounds. Oysters, crabs, shrimp meat, and clams accounted for
about 90 percent of the total receipts. The rise in value was due largely to
higher prices paid for Dungeness crabs, crab meat, oysters and scallops, with
the prices for other shellfish comparable to those paid in 1947. The weighted
average price rose from 38 cents in 1947 to 38.5 cents a pound in 1948.

FISH LIVERS AND VISCERA

The local fish liver situation caused processors increasing concern, since
for a number of years there has been a gradual drop in receipts. In 1948, Seattle
received 3,511,000 pounds of livers and viscera, 5 percent below the 1947 receipts,
and the smallest volume since 1942. Largely responsible for the decline were
smaller receipts of grayfish (dogfish) livers from local areas, and frozen livers
and viscera of halibut and sablefish from Alaska, Fishing for grayfish was fairly
extensive in Hood Canal, central Puget Sound, and the Grays Harbor areas, but
the fish were reported to be quite small in size with a smaller liver yield per

16 COMMERCIAL FISHERIES REVIEW Vol. 11, No. 6

FIG.3 TOTAL SEATTLE RECEIPTS OF FISHERY PRODUCTS
-—DOMESTIC AND IMPORTS, 1939-48

DOMESTIC

p22!2:] IMPORTS

Ww
(a)
Zz
=)
(o)
a

OF

MILLIONS

I939 1940 1941 1942 1943 1944 1945

fish. Catches of soupfin shark, from which the most valuable liver is obtained,
showed some improvement over last year, but was of too small a volume to indicate
a return of the former heavy runs. No market or other commercial use for grayfish
or soupfin was developed during 1948, with the result that the carcasses of these
fish continued to be thrown overboard.

The 1948 value of the livers and viscera was approximately $2,879,000 slightly
more than last year. While the average price per pound for some bottom fish livers

June 1949 COMMERCIAL FISHERIES REVIEW . na7,

was lower than last year, the prices paid for soupfin and miscellaneous livers
raised the over-all average price to 81.7 cents a pound. This was the next highest
average price recorded, being exceeded only by the 1945 average of 84.5 cents a
pound. With few exceptions, the average’ price trend has been upward, rising from
25.8 cents in 1940 to the present figure. This increase in value has developed
through expansion of the pharmaceutical and other commercial uses of edible fish
oils, and the practice of blending oils to meet the market's demands for both high
and low notency oils.

OTHER FISHERY PRODUCTS

Supplementing the receipts of freshand frozen fishery products, nearly 8,000,000
pounds of cured products, 14 tons of fish meal, and 1,250,000 gallons of oil were
landed at Seattle. The cured fish volume was about 952 percent heavier than last
year with imports of salt cod and herring from Europe accounting for 4a sizable
portion. Meal and oil receints were somewhat less than in 1947, principally due
to the poor herring catch in Southeastern Alaska. Received for the first time
were moderate amounts of shark, tuna, whale and miscellaneous oils from Japan
and South America.

DOMESTIC RECEIPTS AND IMPORTS

Domestic receipts (United States and Alaska) were more than 65,500,000 pounds,
with a value of approximately $13,750,000. This represented an increase over
1947 of 3 percent in volume and 1 percent in value, but nearly 24 percent under
the 1945 domestic volume of 85,500,000 pounds.

Imported fishery products in 1948 totaled over 17,500,000 pounds, valued
at nearly $3,000,000, which was the highest import volume and value recorded.
From 1939 to 1946 the import volume (Figure 3) remained low, but during 1947 and
1948, it rose sharply. Although Canada has consistently supplied most of the
imported fishery products, the volume from other foreign sources has increased
to a point of importance.

Uy

THE FISH LIVER OIL INDUSTRY

Many types of processing equipment can be used for the preparation
of vitamin oils. In the selection of the equipment for a particular
plant, some of the items to be considered are:

Kind and volume of material
Process contemplated
Availability and relative cost of power and heat from the various
sources such as electricity, steam, water power, internal com
bustion engines, ete,
4. Amount of mechanization and automatic control,
5. Cost and availability of labor,

—Fishery Leaflet 233

18 COMMERCIAL FISHERIES REVIEW Vol. 11, No. 6

RESEARCH

IN SERVICE LABORATORIES

i Ba ee sea Ow Si

April 1949
Boston, Mass.

Packaged fillets from fish frozen in the round at sea are, after six months!
storage, of better quality than the fillets from the control fish iced at sea.

College Park, Md.

After five months of storage, the striped bass fillets held at a constant
temperature of -10° F, received a relatively high score, with the fillets held
at temperatures fluctuating between -10° F. and 0° F. runningaclose second. The
next highest score obtained was for those held at a constant temperature of O° F.
The scores for the fillets held at 15° F. and at temperatures fluctuating between
0° F, and 15° F. were considerably lowerwith the latter receiving the higher score
of the two. No particular trend is apparent in the quantity of drip which occurs
upon thawing.

ee

After two months of storage at 0° F., the fillets coated with a plastic dip
showed a weight loss approximately the same as for those with the ice glaze; the
appearance was about the same in both cases, the surface being quite desiccated.
According to the results of these test, this plastic material has no apparent
advantage over an ordinary ice glaze.

et

At the end of one month of storage at O° F., the pan-dressed fish which were
given combinations of various wraps and protective glazes, showed no changes in
quality determined organoleptically. No losses in weight had occurred.

et

A new series of frozen fillets was started during the month. These fillets
were coated with a low methoxyl pectinate film which it is claimed produces a
more evenly distributed glaze on the fish than is accomplished by ice alone, The
film is further claimed to impart no flavor or odor to the fish and to be entirely
a This series is being held at O° F, and will be examined at regular inter~
vals.

Seattle, Wash.

Samples of hatchery feed ingredients which were prepared by various methods
were analyzed for riboflavin and niacin. The results indicated that lyophilization

June 1949 COMMERCIAL FISHERIES REVIEW 19

did substantially alter the riboflavin or niacin content of the various meals, but
acetone extraction of the raw material lowered these values, particularly the
niacin content. The riboflavin and niacin content of the meals from beef liver
were markedly higher thanthe content of’the meals prepared from either tuna livers
or salmon viscera. The amount of these two vitamins in the meal from crab scrap
was lower than in the meals from salmon viscera.

2STEAKS, ABOUT 1 LB. EACH 1 TEASPOON SALT
TABLESPOONS BUTTER OR OTHER BREAD STUFFING
FAT, MELTED 1/8 TEASPOON PEPPER
3SLICES BACON (OPTIONAL)

Sprinkle both sides of steaks with salt and pepper. Place one steak
in a well greased baking pan. Place stuffing on the steak and cover with
the remaining steak. Fasten together with toothpicks or skewers. Brush
top with melted fat and lay slices of bacon on top. Bake in a moderate
oven 350° F. for 30 to 40 minutes or until fish flakes easily when tested
with a fork. Remove carefully to a hot platter and take out fasteners,
garnish and serve hot, with a sauce. Serves 6.

Other steaks or fillets may be. used in the above recipe.

BREAD STUFFING

2 tablespoons onions, chopped Dash ete
cup celery, chopped + teaspoon thyme be sage or

tablespoons butter or other Savory séas ase
fat, melted % tablespoon\lemon juice

4 teaspoon salt 2 cups day old bread crumbs

Cook the onions and celery in the melted fat for about 10 mimtes.
Add the cooked vegetables and seasonings to the bread crumbs, and mix
thoroughly. If stuffing seems too dry, add a little water, milk or
fish stock,

20 COMMERCIAL FISHERIES REVIEW Vol. 11, Now 6

a= TRENDS soe

is AND

as 2 DEVELO PMENTS'

Additions to the Fleet of U.S. Fishing Vessels

During March 1949, 67 vessels of five net tons and over received their first
documents as fishing craft--l2 less than in March 1948, according to the Bureau
of Customs of the Treasury Department. Florida led with 9 vessels documented,
followed by Texas with 8 vessels, and Louisiana and California with 7 vessels each.
During January-March 1949, a total of 175 vessels were documented as compared with
171 during the same period in 1948.

y Their First Documents sas Fishing Craft, March ee

versal Obtaining :

New England ....ccccosccovcsevorces
Middle Atlantic eooeeestooeecereooce
Chesapeake Bay ©02000207200 028000008
South Atlantic and Gulf ...cceccee.
Pacific Coast ccccevesccccersscccce
Great Lakes ©2000 0e000000s000800 000
Alaska OO OO
Hawaii .seccccoccccccccvccceccescce

Otis iclalclelsvelelateveveleletelsvovetoleletelole’

Vessels have been assigned to the various sections on the basis of their home port.

Note:

ECA Procurement Authorizations for Fishery Products

Among the procurement authorizations for commodities and raw materials an-=
nounced during May 1949 by the Economic Cooperation Administration were included
authorizations totaling 912,704,000 for the purchase of fishery products (mostly
canned fish), compared with $647,000 during April. The amount authorized for the
purchase of fishery products during May was the largest since the beginning of
the ECA program in April 1948.

The total amount authorized through May 31, 1949, for purchases in the United
States and Possessions totaled $8,896,800.

On May 12, ECA announced the cancellation of an authorization of 915,000
which was to be used to purchase sperm oil from the United States and Possessions
for delivery to the French Zone of Germany. In addition, on May 17, a decrease
of $3,000 was announced in an authorization for the purchase of sperm oil from
the United States and Possessions for delivery to the Netherlands. This latter
reduction does not represent a decrease in quantity, but rather an adjustment in
price.

June 1949 COMMERCIAL FISHERIES REVIEW 21

ECA Procurement Authorizations for Fishery Products

Country of EOE aie ss
Origin Country

Fish, canned U.S. & Possessions Belgica Taxsabaing Bel gium-Luxembourg
ee " U.S. & Possessions nited Kingdom United Kingdom
Lee ws U.S. & Possessions |United Kingdom United Kingdom
ne nw yeaineny Cenada United Kingdom United Kingdom
Wg UJ s Cenada United Kingdom United Kingdom
Total canned fish 00 0 00000000 0000000 Oe 00 00 0 00 OG 00 200 900000000000 8000800000000 O00
Fish Meal [Portuguese African |U.S. Dept. Army Bizone Germany 500 ,000
De pendencies _
2S eS a LD

Total for May 194 eo | 12,704,000
Total ECA Procurement ithorizations| for Fishery. for Fishe Pe P feel 1948-May 31, 1949

U AS ne oases sstons ces apiomy United yin on
Ire gium- re um=
Fish, canned Luxembourg, Luxembourg, Greaney 14,110, 600
Greece

W salted Ttaly & =o imites ie & Fr.W.Indies | 5,179,000
eee ete mmar Ic

Denmark, Austria, &

: 3,957,361
riers Chagos U J, Se Fe — aise Germany

poo ae France

0il, herring
" , seal
" | shark liver

“| fish

" | technical fish
» whale (

pee Bi zone. te
7,160,150
Netherlands

eccee 62,911
1/Where the recipient country is shown as the procuring agency, the Government of the partic-
ipating country or its authorized agents or importers do the purchasing,
2/Except salmon and tuna,

Purchases from the United Kingdom of sperm oil for the United States national
stockpile were announced on May 20 by the ECA in Washington and London. The pur-
chase was made with counterpart funds set up by the United Kingdom to match U. S.
dollar grants under the European Recovery Program.

Also on May 31, the ECAreported progress in a month's study to meet the spirit
and letter of the recent Congressional directive to assist small business. The
directive instructs ECA to provide small independent enterprises with advance
information, where practicable, on proposed ECA-financed purchases and also to
inform prospective buyers in theECAnations of the products of the small suppliers
in the United States. In releasing the statement, the ECA Administrator said he
is considering a preliminary recommendation which calls for the establishment of
a small business advisory committee. The group would advise a director of a small
business division to be created to administer this program.

Federal Purchases of Fishery Products
DEPARTMENT OF THE ARMY, MARCH 1949: The Army Quartermaster Corps, during

March 1949, purchased 1,588,166 pounds (valued at #510,200) of fresh and frozen

22 COMMERCIAL FISHERIES REVIEW Vol. 11, No. 6

fishery products for the U.S. Army, Navy, Marine Corps, and Air Force for military
feeding, compared with 1,434,866 pounds (valued at $478,040) for February 1949 and
1,378,600 pounds (valued at $555,168) for March 1948. Purchases for the first
three months in 1949 totaled 3,954,229 pounds (valued at $1,332,972) compared with
3,925,395 pounds (valued at $1,526,894) for the corresponding period the previous

year.

Fishery Biology Notes

BIOLOGISTS GROW LARVAE OF THE SOFT AND SKIMMER CLAMS AND OLYMPIA OYSTERS: The
Director of the Service's Biological Laboratory at Milford, Connecticut, re] reports
that he and his staff have managed to grow larvae of the soft clam (Mya SeeeEESILS))
and the skimmer clam (Mactra solidissima) to the setting stage. They also grew to
the setting stage the Olympia oyster (Ostrea edulis) to study some aspects of the
larval behavior of larviparous oysters in anticipation of soon receiving a small
quantity of the European oyster (Qstrea edulis) from the Netherlands. Larvae of
the larviparous oysters are much easier to handle and to grow than those of the
Eastern oyster. The former seem to be voracious feeders, using many varieties of
plankton; in this respect they differ from the larvae of the Eastern oyster which

are extremely selective in their food.

SEA LAMPREY SPAWNING SURVEY: The parasitic sea lamprey in the Great Lakes
started spawning migrations into the streams during Msy, according tothe Service's
Branch of Fishery Biology. Over 5,200 lampreys have been trapped in the weir at
the mouth of the Ocqueoc River on Lake Huron and over 500 have been captured in
Hibbards Creek, Wisconsin, on Lake Michigan.

Conservation officials of all the Great Lakes States are checking all streams
for lamprey runs. The presence of lampreys in 108 streams has been verified by the
Michigan Department of Conservation.

"RED TIDE" STUDY: The Service's research vessel, Pompano, studying the "red
tide" in the Gulf are: area, made its first full-scale trip from May 9 to 13. Hight
stations ranging fromthe mouths of the principal rivers to approximately 100 miles
off-shore, were occupied and worked. Data on type of bottom, transparency, water
temperatures, surface salinities, pH, inorganic phosphate, and oxygen were secured.

co
FAO Part in Technical Assistance Program Forwarded to
World Food Council

A report containing 57 proposals for expanded activities in technical assist-—
ance for economic development has been transmitted by Director-General N. KE. Dodd
of the Foodand Agriculture Organization of the United Nations to FAO member govern
ments.

This report is in connection with the report on the same subject prepared
by the secretariats of the United Nations and eight specialized agencies and trans-
mitted by the Secretary General of the UN to the Economic and Social Council, in
response to a resolution of ECOSOC. The ECOSOC resolution followed proposals for
such a program in the fourth point of President Truman's inaugural address.

June 1949 COMMERCIAL FISHERIES REVIEW 23

The FAO document embodies those portions of the general cooperative program
agreed upon by the executive heads of the UN and the specialized agencies which
refer particularly to work in FAO's field. FAO
proposes work in the field of agriculture, fish-
eries, forestry, rural services, and economic and
statistical services.

These FAO aspects of the general program will 7
be considered by the Council of FAO at its meeting
beginning June 13 in Paris, and with the Council's
recommendation at the annual Conference of 58 FAO
member governments in November.

The proposals submitted by FAO include the
following for fisheries:

There is little definite information on which
to base an estimate of potential increases in fish ;.y, =
production, but they could undoubtedly be substan- Yip ae
tial without harmtoresources, There is also rom Yyyy. ¥
for very great improvements inthe quality of fish- dlls
eries products. But to achieve these increases and improvements on an extensive
scale is peculiarly difficult. The industry is made up mainly of many individual
units. Most fishermen are poor. Government fisheries services, except in a few
cases, are rudimentary or non-existent. The use of age-old techniques is the rule
rather than the exception. Modernization is confined to a few countries. The
industry bristles with unsolved problems and unanswered questions in production
and marketing, technology and economics.

Before FAO was set up, no organized attempt had been made to deal with these
problems on a world scale. Therefore, the organization has had to begin at the
beginning. The most urgent needs are for the development of forward looking poli-
cies by governments and the necessity for well-serviced administrations for execu-
ting them. In addition, and growing out of this, there is the need for direct
technical advice in response to requests by governments, the training of many
more technicians, more opportunities for technical education of fishermen, improve—
ments in marketing, and the systematic collection of facts not now known about
the world's fisheries resources.

In the economic development of underdeveloped countries, fisheries can play
a considerable part in many cases. The limiting factor is the lack of trained
personnel, and therefore, training and education are placed first in the proposed
projects.

The following table of proposed projects in the field of fisheries suggests
their nature and their initial costs:

A First Year Second Year
fraining and Education - Interchange of fisheries workers

(3 technicians to be employed in the first year, and 3
ee er ray bee oa cy 8 96, 504

Training and Education - Expanding basic training
facilities (4 technicians to be employed in the first
yaarilanded’ im the second) cers cecacsessccccecce vec ces 189, 854 189, 854

2h COMMERCIAL FISHERIES REVIEW Vol. 11, No. 6

: First Y Se Y
Development of national fisheries services (4 technicians <ttst Neat Second Tear

to be employed in the first year, and 4 in the second) , 78,928 78,928

Expension of fisheries advisory services (9 technicians
to be employed in the first year, and 9 in the second) , 152,598 152,598

Experimentel fishing craft (7 technicians to be employed
in the first year, and 7 in the second) - costs for the
first year to include grants of $500,000 to governments 591,670 91 ,670

Fish production in small bodies of water (5 technicians
to be employed in the first year, and 5 in the second) 96,410 96,410

FAO Studies Plans for Future Aid to Latin America

Preliminary to the establishment of an FAO regional office for Latin America,
the Food and Agriculture Organization has forwarded to member governments there
a review of the Organization's work program in Latin America during 1949, together
with an outline of its longer-term plans for contributing to an expansion of the
region's agriculture, forests, and fisheries, according to a May 9 FAO news release.

The note to member governments also asks their views on the best manner of
bringing the Latin American governments together for a regional consultation in
preparation for the Fifth-Annual FAO Conference in Havana in November. Pre-Con—
ference consultations of this sort are to be held in the main regions of the wrld.
They will greatly aid the work of the full Conference when it considers the food
and agriculture situation and its problems on a world-wide basis.

A Regional Representative for Latin America, representing the Director—General ,
will be appointed. At first, he will work out of FAO headquarters in Washington,
making frequent visits to Latin American countries to discuss particular problems
and the help FAO can give. Later a Regional Office, staffed initially with the
Regional Representative, three liaison officers, and appropriate clerical assist-
ants, will be established at a site in Latin America where facilities are best
for the work of the office.

Meanwhile, the Director-General has had the advice of the Latin American
Advisory Committee of the FAO Council, made upof the Council's four Latin American
members (Brazil, Chile, Cuba, Mexico), and a Latin American Liaison Office has
been set up at headquarters. This office maintains close relationship with the
permanent staff of the Latin American diplomatic missions in the United States
and with the Latin American members of the FAO Council. It consults directly with
officers of member governments through visits by the Liaison Officers.

Under this tentative set-up, work has gone forward along many important lines.
With particular reference to fisheries, a representative of FAO's Fisheries Di-
vision is investigating the possibility of convening a conference to establish
a Latin American Fisheries Council along lines similar to the council established
last year in the Indo-Pacific area.

FAO has contributed several members to the joint FAO-UN Economic Commission
for Latin American Working Party which has been surveying the 20 Latin American
republics investigating shortages of agricultural requisites, including fisheries
equipment .

June 1949 COMMERCIAL FISHERIES REVIEW 25

Future Work Programs: With respect to future FAO programs in Latin America,
the Director-General Teak forward to the formation of a unified plan rather than
a collection of projects, important as these may be. Itis felt that effort should
be directed towards establishing a scale of priorities which would permit FAO to
develop projects in such a waythat their benefits could be utilizedtoa maximum by
member governments.

A principal objective of the pre-Conference regional consultation is to obtain
a diagnosis of the food and agricultural ills of member nations so that they may
take intelligent remedial action.

FAO points out that studies of this kind cannot be completed in a matter of
months. Instead, it is desirable that this kind of study will be undertaken in
each country as a continuing process to be perfected year by year, producing for
each succeeding plan an improved basis, a higher degree of adjustment to the coun-—
try's food and agricultural needs, anda higher degree of probability of execution.

As one means of giving impetus to the recommended studies, and of assuring
effective relationships between FAO and individual member countries, itis suggested
that a strong National Committee be maintained in each country. They wouldbe of
great value, too, in assuring effective cooperation between governments of the
region. FAO National Committees are now established in Bolivia, Chile, Costa
Rica, Cuba, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, El Salvador, Guatemala, Haiti, Honduras,
Mexico, Nicaragua, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, Uruguay, and Venezuela.

Halibut Areas IB and 2 Closed on June 3

The International Fisheries Commission announced on May 23,1949, that Pacific
halibut fishing in Areas 1B and 2 were closed at midnight June 3, 1949, in accord—
ance with the following notice:

Under authority of the Convention between the United States of Amica
and the Dominion of Canada for the preservation of the Halibut Fishery of
the Northern Pacific Ocean and Bering Sea, and as provided by regulations
effective April 28, 1949, the International Fisheries Commission has de-
termined upon the date of

June 3rd midnight

as that upon which Areas 1B and 2 as defined in the said regulations shall
be closed to all halibut fishing except that provided for in Article 1 of
the Convention.

Area 1B is defined to include all Convention waters between a line running
nertheast and southwest through Cape Blanco Light and a line running north-
east and southwest through Willapa Bay Light on Cape Shoalweter,

Area 2 is defined to include all Convention waters off the coasts of the
United States of America and of Alaska and of the Dominion of Canada be-
tween Area 1B and a line running through the most westerly point of Glacier
Bay, Alaska, to Cape Spencer Light, thence south one-quarter east.

Reference should be had to a copy of the acer for further details
regarding these boundaries,
INTERNATIONAL FISHERIES COMMISSION

By G. W. Nickerson, Chairman
Milton C, James, Secretary

26 COMMERCIAL FISHERIES REVIEW Vole 11, Now 6

The 1949 season for these areas (with a quota of 25,500,000 pounds) was 34
days long compared with 32 days in 1948, 39 days in 1947, and 42 days in 1946.

No closing dates have been announded as yet for other areas. The 1949 catch
limits for areas 3 and 4 are 28,000,000 and 500,000 pounds respectively, the same
as in 1948.

Meeting of the International Whaling Commission

The Department of State announced on May 20 the United States Delegation to
the First Meeting of the International Whaling Commission which convened at London,
England on May 30, 1949. The Delegation was as follows:

Chairman
Dr, A, Remington Kellogg, Director,
National Maseum, Smithsonian Institution,
Washington, D. C,

Advi sers
Charles I, Bevans, Deputy Assistant to the Legal Advizer,

Officer of Treaty Affairs,
Department of State.

Dr. Hilary J. Deason, Chief,
Offices of Foreign Activities, Fich and Wildlife Service,
Departaent of the Interior,

The meeting was convened by the Government of the United Kingdom in accordance
with the International Convention for the Regulation of Whaling. The Convention,
which entered into force on November 10, 1948, was formulated at the International
Whaling Conference held at Washington, D. C.,inDecember 1946. Twelve countries
have ratified or adhered to the Convention to date, namely: Australie, Canada,
France, Iceland, Netherlands, Norway, Panama, Sweden, Union of South Africa, Union
of Soviet Socialist Republics, United Kingdom, andthe United States. All of these
nations were represented at the meeting, except Panama. In addition, observers
were present from Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Denmark, and New Zealand, which signed
the Convention but have not as yet ratified; and also from FAO and SCAP.

The meeting was concerned primarily with organizational procedures governing
the work of the Commission; arrangements for the collection, coordination, and
interpretation of whaling statistics; and the location of the office.

For the present, the office of the Commission will be at the Fisheries Depart-
ment, St. Stephen's House, Victoria Embankment, Westminster, London, S. We The
next meeting has been set for midJuly 1950 at Oslo, Norway.

Various committees were constituted: which reviewed the restrictive and other
Articles of the 1946 Convention and the Schedule attached thereto. Any alteration
of the Schedule requires a three—fourths majority and comes into force only after
being deposited for the various periods set out in the Convention. |

Although a number of amendments to the Schedule were discussed, the only re=
solutions which the Commission passed by the necessary majority vote were with
respect to the pelagic whaling season which was fixed from December 22 to April 7,
instead of the existing December 15 to April 1.

June 1949 COMMERCIAL FISHERIES REVIEW 27

Secondly, the Commission decided to relax to some extent the total ban on the
taking of humpback whales south of 40°S. latitude. In the future, the taking
of 1,250 humpback whales will be permitted in this area, in addition to the 16,000
blue whale units already established.

However, these alterations will not come into force until the Contracting
Governments have been notified, and until the necessary periods for which the
alterations have to be deposited have expired.

Dr. B. Bergersen of Norway was elected Commission chairman for a three~year
term, and Dr. A. Remington Kellogg, of the United States, vice-chairman.

The main duty of the Commission, which was established under anArticle of the
International Convention for the Regulation of Whaling drawn up by 15 countries at
the International Whaling Conference held in Washington in 1946, is to amend from
time to time the provisions of the Schedule of the Convention which are, in effect,
the regulations governing the conduct of whaling by the contracting governments.
These regulationds deal with conservation and utilization of whale resources general-—
ly, including:

b) Open and closed seasons;

c) Open and closed waters, including the designation of
sanctuary areas;

{a} Size limits for each species;

e) Time, methods, and intensity of whaling (including
the maximum catch of whales to be talen in any one
season);

(£) Types and specifications of gear and apparatus and
appliances which may be used;

fg} Methods of measurement; and

h) Catch returns and other statistical and biological records.

S Protected and unprotected species;

Meeting on Canned Tuna Standards Held

A meeting of the Food Standards Committee of the Food and Drug Administration,
Federal Security Agency, was held during the week of June 27 to consider and make
recommendations as to definitions and standards of identity, standards of quality,
and standards of fill of container for canned tuna fish, and for asparagus and peas.

The Committee received informal recommendations and suggestions from inter=-
ested individuals inthe affected industries, consumers and consumer organizations,
state regulatory officials, and any other interested persons.

The open meetings of the committee are informal and should not be confused
with the formal hearings required under the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act
before standards are adopted. ne

28 COMMERCIAL FISHERIES REVIEW Vol. 11, No. 6

Oyster Harvesting Halted in Alabama

A year-round open season experiment on oyster gathering in Alabama coastal
waters was ordered closed in late April by the Alabama Conservation Director with
May 1 as the effective date, according to the April-May 1949 issue of Alabama
Conservation. In an effort to determine the best means of taking the oyster crop,
the Director on May 1, 1948, ordered a full twelve-month open season. The ex=
periment indicated that such a season was not practical and not satisfactory for
the state's seafood industry.

Closure of the season on oysters will not halt the Department of Conservation's
efforts to rebuild the coast's sea food industry. An extensive planting program
is being completed that will result in some 60,000 barrels of seed oysters being
placed in the coastal waters as an aid to future production.

In addition, planting of shells has been undertaken as another method of
increasing the oyster crop in Mobile, Portersville, and other oyster—producing
waters o

Trends and Conditions in the Fisheries, First Quarter 1949

Supplies of fishery products in the continental United States during the first
quarter of 1949 were sufficient to maintain per capita civilian consumption at
about the same rate as a’year earlier, according to the April-June 1949 issue of
The National Food Situation of the Department of Agriculture. The net movement
of frozen fish into domestic distribution channels during the January-March period
was slightly larger than in the same months of 1948. Trade reports indicate that
the flow of the major species of canned fish into consumer channels was more slug-
gish than in the first quarter of 1948.

Favorable weather and wholesale market prices in the eastern part of the
United States, especially in the New England and Middle Atlantic States, resulted
in-a larger supply for the fresh fish market than in the first quarter of 1948.
During the winter season of 1949, the quantity of fish frozen commercially for
eventual food use was more than 2.5 million pounds below the total of 25.5 million
pounds produced during January—March 1948, As far as the consumer retail market
was concerned, this decline in freezings was more than offset by larger net with—
drawals of fish from cold storage. ‘he reduction in cold storage stocks between
January 1 and April 1, 1949, was approximately 7.5 million pounds greater than the
decline of 54.0 million pounds during the same period last year.

During the April-June quarter, the commercial catch and commercial freezing
of fish for food use is expected.to increase seasonally, and cold storage stocks
will reach their low point of the year.

Domestic supplies of the major species of canned fish appear to be as great
thus far in 1949 as they were during the corresponding period last year. Present
Supplies are expected to be sufficient to meet consumer demand at prevailing prices
until the new pack starts moving to market in volume during the second half of the
year. Supplies of canned tuna and sardines (including pilchards) are larger this
year than in the same months of 1948, while those of salmon are smaller. With a
decline in retail prices of canned tuna, more tuna may be consumed and somewhat
less salmon.

June 1949 COMMERCIAL FISHERIES REVIEW 29

Imports of frozen groundfish (cod, haddock, hake, pollock, cusk, and rose=
fish) fillets during January-March 1949, while about 5 percent below those of
January-March last year, are still large. Canned fish imports have been increas—
ing during the past year but as yet are not ‘sufficiently large in volume to have
any adverse affect on the price of the domestic products.

Export outlets for practically all fishery products of the United States
have been very limited compared to the prewar and war years. Prospects for this
year are not favorable for larger exports than in 1948 because of the continued
shortage of dollar resources in foreign countries, the need for conserving a large
part of these funds for machinery and equipment, and the continued ample supplies
of fishery products in producing countries that are willing to conduct trade on
‘the basis of soft currency or barter.

Pacific Oceanic Fishery !nvestigations Collects Tuna Data

Locality of catch, catch composition, breeding conditions, andsize and weight
frequencies of various commercially—caught tunas, have been obtained from 21 long-—
line vessels by the Section of Biology and Oceanography of the Pacific Oceanic
Fishery Investigations stationed at Honolulu, T. H. Lengths and weights of 231
individuals (largely big-eyed and yellowfin tunas) were added to the 650 records
previously taken.

Members of the staff made a four-day trip to the Kona coast of Hawaii to study
tuna fishing methods. The staff has continued morphometric measurements on tunas
landed by long-line vessels at the Honolulu market. Though the number of fish
brought in from April 18 through April 23 was small, catches landed during the last
week of April showed a marked increase over those made during the earlier part
of the month. Arrangements have been made with Hawaiian Tuna Packers for taking
a series of morphometric measurements on skipjack landed at Kewalo Basin as the
fish are brought into the packing plant. Computations will be completed in April
on the comparison of the morphometric data for African and Central American yel-
lowfin tuna. A joint project with the Territorial Division of Fish and Game re-
sulted in the accumulation of 146 sets of morphometric observations from tunas
taken near the Society and Marquesas Islands. Observations were made also upon
their sexual maturity and food habits,

U.S. Pack of Canned Mackerel, 1948

The United States pack of canned mackerel (including jack mackerel) in 1948
amounted to 1,281,192 standard cases, valued at $9,850,834 to the packers. This
was a decline of 27 percent in volume and 34 percent in value compared with the
previous year. Most of the decline occurred in California where the production
was 458,225 cases less than in 1947. The Atlantic Coast pack of 262,219 cases,
canned principally in Massachusetts, was the second largest in history

The canners! average price per standard case in 1948 was $7.69 compared with
$8.56 in 1947 and $7.87 in 1946. The average price per case rose steadily from

30 COMMERCIAL FISHERIES REVIEW Vol. 11, No. 6

Table 1 - Peck of Canned Mackerel Ginclas 28
Calif. Jack Mackerel), 1948
Quantity and Value to the Canners) _

Lae
Style of Pack ___Cases Value
aliforni
Natur slavelorelels 955, a ee ieee
In tomato sauce . 6 9,6
‘Potal @eeecce ° = ae a1 yea 5
Mains cocsccs 900 119, 099
ete eee serail 1%, zal 1 76h, oe
Md, and Va. sescoce |
Total eececcce coe 2 408.6
Grand Total -- [1,201,192 | 9,050 z A
l/Includes smal} quantity of fillets.
[2/Includes small poan tse, of tail tips.
Note: “Stendard cases" represent the various-

sized cases converted to the equivalent of 48
1—1b, cans to the case, each can containing

15 oz. of fish,

a low of $2.88 in 1940 to a high of $8.56 in 1947. However, the 1948 price is
lower than in 1946.

Table 2 ~- Pack of Canned Mackerei (including

Calif, Jack Mackerel), 1948, ;
By Size of Can end Case |

(Quantity and Value to the Canners

[5-0z, net, tall
48 cans) ®@eaccceoee

*aiee net cans
oz. net (4 cans)
Other sizes

(standard cases)...
Total @ooececoese

Mackerel were canned in 48 plants in California, & plants in Massachusetts,
6 plants in Maryland, 5 plants in Maine, and 1 plant in Virginia.

____ Atlantic Coast oa Moltiawl!
= —s ei. Std, Cases _|
3973 3 7,541,931 $ 5
12,571,059 2 2 47.314

1,975,
“ee. on
1 “ae os

3,503, 718
aa 369
88,69

U.S. Pack of Canned Tuna and Tuna-like Fishes, 1948

The production of canned tuna and tuna-like fishes in 1948 totaled 7,037,615
standard cases valued at $112,610,296 compared with 5,894,495 cases valued at
$90,609,175 in 1947.

The total 1948 pack in Washington amounted to 90,253 cases, valued at $1,643,697,
while the production in Oregon totaled 482,637 cases valued at $9,082,323.

The actual cases packed were as follows: 6,891,649 cases were packed in the
No. 4 tuna can (48 cans to the case); 72,717 cases were packed in the No. 1 tuna
can (48 canstothe case), each can containing 13 ounces net weight of solid or 12

June 1949 COMMERCIAL FISHERIES REVIEW 31

Wash.& Oregon
Value td, Cases Valus
5 36 S81
o

419,429 |$ 0,192,360
126,341] 2,090,436

‘Skipjack
Boni to
Yellowtail
(Mixed species
!Tonno, solid MG95UG7o une. 54. 2) 508 [ieee i] ae ea Seal | | 542,908] 69,995] 1,262,918)
‘ Total, solid 5 64, 08 ; ; 5, 725 2/300, 208 pe 5 5, 66) 61, 31,
" | flales 64 64 84,79 93, 24 9.335, 569 9
‘Grand total | 6,437,996 | 101,523,988] _572,890| 10,726,020 26,729| 360, 288] 7,037,615 | 112,610, 296/ 5,894,495] 90,609,1
5,411,004 | 81,448,744] 483,491] 9,160,431 3/ 3/ 2 = 5,894,495] 90,609,175

194
‘1/Includes a few cases of Atlantic Coast little tuna, packed in California.

'2/Includes flakes.
[3/Up until 1948, the production of tuna and tuna-like fishes on the East Coast was negligible,

ounces net weight of flakes or grated meat; and 614 cases of miscellaneous—sized
cases. Tuna and tuna-like fishes were canned in 30 plants in California, 14 in
Washington, 13 in Oregon, 3 in Massachusetts and 2 each in Maine and Maryland.

Virginia Fisheries Trends, May 1949

Alewife Fishery: This season's opening price of $12.00 per thousand for
alewives to the fishermen has dropped to $5.00 per thousand fish, according to
a May 15 report from the Service's Fishery Marketing Specialist stationed at Weems,
Virginia. This drop was due partly to an oversupply and partly to the large per—
centage of "down-run" or spawned—out fish appearing in the catches during the
first part of May. Fishermen, who formerly were able to sell locally all they
caught, are now attempting to sell them anywhere within trucking distance, Com=
mercial haul seining near the Chickahominy River dam has been stopped by the Vir-=
ginia Commissioner of Fisheries,

All of Virginia's alewife canneries are limited as to the amount of fish
they can handle. There are 13 plants in the Potomac—Rappahannock section and
1 onthe Chickahominy. The largest of these are equipped to. handle about 8 million
and the smallest about 2 million fish per season; all are operating at capacity.
A hint of the size of the alewife catch is found in the April production reports
from the firms processing alewife cuttings—-roughly twice the amount processed
last year.

The production of salted alewives will be increased this season. Estimates
by the trade predict twice the 1948 output when more than 8 million fish were
salted. However, there will be a decline in pickled alewives as the demand for
this product has dropped due to increasing imports of pickled herring.

Pearl Essence: Firms have again started to produce pearl essence in Virginia
after a lapse of some years. The price .paid for scales varies from 5 cents per
pound at the canneries or salters to 12 cents per pound from the fisherman. The
scales from the plants, since they are subject to drying and repeated handling
yield less of the pearl substance than scales purchased direct from the fisherman
at the time he lifts his net. Most of the alewife fishermen provide themselves
with a scale net of fine mesh which is held under the main net. While the main
net is being lifted, the fish are stirred about and many of the scales are thus
rubbed off. A New York and a Maine company are represented in this Virginia

industry.

32 COMMERCIAL FISHERIES REVIEW Vole 11, Now 6

Shad Fishery: The shad catch has not varied significantly from that of 1948,
although prices have been consistently higher. The average weight of Virginia shad
seems to have reached its lowest--in the Rappahannock River shad taken by both
pound and gill nets averaged 3-1/10 pounds for roes and 2-2/5 pounds for bucks.

Menhaden Fishery: Many pound netters, who generally fish for croakers, have
been bringing in catches of menhaden due to the scarcity of the former species.
The menhaden are sold to processors and crabbers for $3.00 to $4.00 per thousand

fish.

Menhaden oil has dropped to about 5 cents a pound from a high of about 22
cents a pound a little over a year ago. In contrast, the price of scrap and meal
has remained high.

Practically all of the Virginia menhaden operators are planning on cooperating
to have a plane scout for the menhaden schools during the coming seasone

— chit
ZB od ZA.

Washington and Oregon Fisheries Trends, May 1949

OTTER-TRAWL FISHERY: The West Coast otter~trawl fleet, on the whole, has
been forced into almost complete inactivity since mid-April when decreases amount=
ing up to fifty percent were announced on prices paid to the fishermen, according
to a May 20 report from the Service's Fishery Marketing Specialist stationed at
Seattle. Union spokesmen report that only a few vessels are fishing out of Eureka,
One company is expected to resume filleting operations uponthe completion of plant
improvements. Another company has reduced its fleet of 32 vessels to 6. These
have been operated principally for livers, and only limited quantities of fish
have been taken. Puget Sound trawl fish buyers have operated on a curtailed basis
Since the close of the Lenten Season.

In view of the recently reduced liver prices, operations of the remaining
active fishing fleet may be curtailed even further, Little activity is expected
in this fishery until the closing of the halibut season.

Union spokesmen report that an effort is being made to establish a uniform
wholesale price scale for the West Coast trawl fleet,

f COLUMBIA RIVER SALMON FISHERY: One of the most uncertain Columbia River
fishing seasons, since the war, confronted the gill netters, cannery workers and
packers as the spring salmon season got under way. Complicating the normal un-
certainty as to the quality and run of salmon up the Columbia River, are the un—
certain status of fish prices, market and management. Early reports indicate
that the catches dipped below the 1948 season by 20 to 30 percent. This decrease,
according to the packers, was attributed partly to early high waters in the Colum-—
bia. Gill netters started the season with a price cut of 7 cents per pound below
the 1948 level, This marked the first fish price reduction in 17 years for the
Columbia River gill-net fishermen's 100-year old industry.

Cannery workers, seeking a wage boost of 13 cents an hour, faced the possi-
bility of taking last year's minimum price of $1.18 cents an hour, and resumed
work pending the outcome of the negotiations.

The packers started the season with a considerable portion of last year's
salmon pack still on hand. Fish has become more difficult to sell. The usual

June 1949 COMMERCIAL FISHERIES REVIEW 33

seasonal gains during Lent failed to boost the market or reduce large inventories.
One company has already announced a cut of $3.50 per case on fancy chinook for
the 1949 pack, and it is expected that reductions will be made in the 1948 carry—
over. Packers are hopeful that reduced prices will improve the movement of canned
salmon on the markets throughout the nation. Most of the leading packers have
engaged in seasonal production but two of the companies are planning only limited
operations.

TUNA FISHERY: Early reports indicate that the 1949 tuna prices also will
be far below last year. Prices of canned albacore, which was up to $22.00 and
$23.00 per case last summer, dropped throughout the winter months, until some
began selling at $19.00, more moved at $18.00 and $17.00 and some even fell to
a low of $15.00 per case. Packers report that albacore sales made at reduced
prices have been good and that inventories have been reduced. Early 1948 albacore
landings which brought $600 per ton went down during the season to about $450.
Indications are that early 1949 landings will be sold at a greatly reduced price.

ALASKA SALMON FISHERY: Wage agreements and fish prices in Alaska for the
salmon fisheries were still uncertain at the middle of May, and negotiations were
still being carried on. Cannery crews are being flown north this year.

A number of trade analysts are forecasting the Alaska pack to be the poorest
since 1927 due to anticipated short or poor runs in several districts, fishing
restrictions, heavy taxes, and the prospects of a weakening market. It is ex-
pected that 1949 will be the "cycle" or "big" year for pink salmon in Puget Sound
and some estimates run as much as 800,000 cases.

1948 U.S. Per Capita Fish Consumption Increased

Americans ate three-quarters of a pound more fish and shellfish per person
in 1948 than they did in 1947, the Service disclosed on June 3.

Service statisticians estimated the 1948
annual per capita consumption of commercial U. S. Per Capita Consumption of
fishery products in the United States at about | Fish & Shellfish (Edible Weight
11.5 pounds (edible weight), compared to 10.8 er ai z iy
in the previous year (see table).

1947 @ecereervecsoeerv0e0e0e

Because ofalarger catch, higher imports, UDA GW elcleleleisieie.cicleivicleisisie’elers

and decreased exports of fishery products during 1945 oseccccsceccccocsocs

1948, 240 million pounds (edible weight) more = aah geoeooaqnooDRcO90T0:

fish were available for consumption than in the

previous year. Of this amount, the Service es-—

timated that 132 million pounds were consumed and the balance went into increased
stocks (principally canned fish).

The greater availability of canned fish to the general public, the more wide—
spread marketing and use of frozen fishery products, and the greater promotion
of fishery products by the industry and the Government, are credited for the in-
crease o

3h COMMERCIAL FISHERIES REVIEW Vol. 11, No. 6

Wholesale and Retail Prices

The wholesale index for all commodities on April 12 was 157.6 percent of the
1926 average, 0.5 percent lower than four weeks ago and 3.1 percent less than the
comparable period in 1948. The wholesale index for all foods, which started to
rise again in March, continued to increase and rose 0.8 percent compared to mid—
March 1949, but it was still 6.5 percent lower than on April 13, 1948, according
to the Bureau of Labor Statistics of the Department of Labor.

Wholesale:
All conmodities

Canned salmon, Seattle:
Pink, No, 1, Tall $ per doz. cans

Red, No. 1, Tall do
Cod, cured, large shore,
Gloucester, Mass, $ per 100 lbs,

(1935-39 = 100) Apr.15,1949 au 1949
e +0.

Fresh, frozen and canned 32.3 -1.4
Fresh and frozen 261.4 -2,0
Canned salmon:

Bink eee ¢ D 60.

Canned salmon wholesale prices in April 1949 dropped below the average prices
for March, Canned pink salmon in April declined 4.2 percent below the March price,
but was still 9.5 percent above the April 1948 average price. Canned red salmon
was 3.0 percent lower and had reached the same level a year ago.

Average retail food prices increased 0.6 percent from mid-March to mid-April,
but were still 1.0 percent below January of this year and 6.5 percent below the
high of July 1948. Retail fresh and frozen fish prices on April 15 were 2.0 percent
below mid-March and 1.3 percent lower than mid-April 1948. April ushers in the
heavy production season for fresh and frozen fish and accounts for the decline.
Canned pink salmon prices dropped only 0.5 percent below mid-March, but were still
15.9 percent higher than a year ago. The combined fresh, frozen and canned fish
index was 1.4 percent lower than on March 15, but still 4.6 percent higher than on
April 15, 1948.

June 1949 COMMERCIAL FISHERIES REVIEW 35

== c = —— ——_ a

==

F FOREIGN 2

Ss

Bizone Germany
HERRING FISHING VESSELS CONTEMPLATE EXTENSION OF FISHING GROUNDS: Due to

the disappointing catch of fish, especially herring, during the 1948 season in
the usual German fishing grounds, fishing-ship owners are giving serious con—
sideration to extension of the customary grounds, according to an April 12 report
from the American Vice Consulate at Bremerhaven. The three major fishing grounds
now are the North Sea north of 57° N., off the Norwegian Coast, and to the south of
Iceland. The extension of the fishing grounds westward towards Greenland is dis-—
cussed, but until larger vessels capable of remaining at sea longer are built,
vessels will continue to fish in the usual areas,

The mothership and floating-factory systems are not being seriously considered,
due to the failure of a factory ship tried in the Baltic before World War II.

ELECTRICAL FISH-CATCHING DEVICE: In Hamburg, an old minesweeper is now being
fitted with a device to catch sea fish electrically. It is expected to be ready
for tests on the fishing grounds this summer.

The device consists of a special generator, anda special combination of elec—
trodes and conventional nets. The electrodes set up an electric field which in-
duces the fish involuntarily to begin to swim in the direction of the mouth of
the net. The special generator is needed to set up a sufficiently strong electric
field over a large area without a prohibitively great power consumption. When the
device is used in fresh water, no special generator is needed.

The advantages of this system of catching fish are several:

1. By controlling the gradient of the electric field, it is possible
to control the size of fish caught;

2. Since the net does not have to be dragged, it is possible to fish
over a rocky bottom without risk of tearing the net;

3. Since the fish recover quickly with no ill effects from the in-
fluence of the electric field, they will arrive on the market
fresher than trawl fish.

—a

~~

Canada

NEWFOUNDLAND JOINS CANADA: On April 1, Newfoundland became Canada's tenth
province and, thereby, added new significance to status of the Canadian fishing
industry in the national economy, according to the April 1949 Trade News of the
Canadian Fisheries Department.

36 COMMERCIAL FISHERIES REVIEW Vole 11, No. 6

Newfoundland's union with Canada adds to the Dominion a province where about
half the population depends on the fisheries. Newfoundland's fisheries production,
valued at some $35,000,000 annually, is an important addition to the Canadian fish=
ing industry. Under the terms of Union, the Federal government hasbeen given
certain responsibilities regarding the general fisheries administration and the
bait service in Newfoundland.

Arrangements are being made now by the Federal Department of Fisheries to
integrate closely these administrative functions and the policies relating to
them with those of the Newfoundland Fisheries Board whose powers so far as they
relate to the export marketing of salted fish are being continued for five years
after Union. In all, the Department has provided in its supplementary estimates
the sum of $1,250,000 for Newfoundland in 1949.

In order that there will be a single authority in Newfoundland responsible
for all fisheries administration, the Federal authorities have asked the chairman
of the Newfoundland Fisheries Board to serve, not only as chairman of the board,
but also as chief fishery officer in the new province responsible for general
fisheries administration, the bait service, and all other matters relating to
fisheries.

The Department is also arranging to create a senior position in Ottawa to
look after Newfoundland affairs. Newfoundland representatives on the Fisheries
Price Support Board and the Fisheries Research Board of Canada are to be appointed
shortly.

In connection with biological research, the work at the Newfoundland Fisheries
Board's station at St. John's will continue under the immediate guidance and assist—
ance of the Research Board. In addition, the services of the Board's Atlantic
Experimental Station at Halifax will be extended to Newfoundland to carry out
technological investigations in connection with processing and handling fishery
products.

CANNING OF WHALE MEAT STUDIED: Experiments in the canning of whale meat

for human co consumption have been carried out by a British Columbia firm to deter—
mine relative costs in handling and canning this product.

The Chief Supervisor of Fisheries points out that the meat considered most
desirable for this purpose is that of the finback and humpback taken from the
lower part of the back on two slices along the body.

As to processing, the meat is cut into one-inch cubes by hand on the cutting
tables after which it is placed inwire trays and immersed in boiling water con=
taining 13 to 2 percent soda ash for 20 minutes for purposes of neutralizing traces
of ammonia and to impart a more desirable flavor. The diced meat is then placed
in one=pound tall salmon cans; 1134 ounces of meat are used per can plus 53 ounces
of highly flavored gravy. A total of 500 cases was produced from these experiments.

Labor costs were relatively high since cutting and trimming of the meat is a
manual operation. Selection of the best cuts resulted in considerable waste. It
is further reported that a line capable of handling 250 cases per day is being
installed in the whaling plant at Coal Harbor.

WHITEFISH PROGRAM PLANNED: What may be an important step along the road
leading to a solution to problems affecting Canada's whitefish industry was taken

June 1949 COMMERCIAL FISHERIES REVIEW 37,

by Federal and provincial fisheries officials and scientists in March when they
met in Winnipeg to discuss an accelerated research program for this year.

The delegates, representing Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, Ontario, and
the Federal Department of Fisheries, held their first meeting as a newly-formed
Advisory Committee and appointed a standing scientific subcommittee to carry out
a research program designed to form the basis for steps to be taken to improve
the quality of whitefish stocks in inland lakes,

Federal financial aid has been offered to assist the provinces in carrying
eut the research program and the work will be under the aegis of the Fisheries
Research Board Station at Winnipeg which will act as financial and administrative
controller of provincial projects where federal public funds are involved.

The research program for 1949 drawn up by the subcommittee and approved by
the Advisory Committee included experiments in the reduction of tullibee (cisco),
experiments in the control of pike (jackfish) by electrocution and poison, and
further studies on the parasites which attack fish with a view to their control.

PROGRAM FOR DEVELOPMENT OF FISHERIES: An extended program for the further
development of Canada's fishing industry was announced May 5 by the Minister of
Fisheries, according to the May 1949 Trade News of the Canadian Fisheries Depart—

ment. The Minister's statement follows:

"The fisheries resources of Canada are among the greatest of any country
in the world, This Government over the next five years should tale further
positive steps towards a greater realization of the great fishery potential
of the Dominion, To help develop these resources and to expand the markets
at home and abroad, the Federal Government should co-operate with the fish-
ing industry in a programme of development on the following lines:

(a) For the industry as a whole the Federal Government should aid
both in the production and in the greater development of dis-
tribution, particularly in the domestic market, ‘This may be
achieved,

(1) By special efforts with the railway companies towards a
rapid increase in the use of the new and specially de-
signed refrigerator cars for fish, This will ensure
proper carriage of high-quality fish from the sea and
lakes to the cities,

(2) the Federal Government should co-operate with the in-
dustry immediately in the provision of terminal were-
houses in the major cities, particularly Montreal and
Toronto, these city warehouses to be designed and used
for the handling of fish foods, and to aid in the col-
lection and distribution of the highest quality products
through retail stores everywhere,

(3) The Government should consider with the fishing industry
the special steps necessary for improving the retail distri-
bution of fish and getting the highest quality, inspected
foods to the housewives.

(4) As a complement to this physical development, the Govern-
ment should extend its advertising programme in co-operation
with industry, covering the press and the other media and
also concentrating on the other educational programmes
necessary for the expansion of the domestic market for fish.

38 COMMERCIAL FISHERIES REVIEW Vole 11, Noe 6

(>) The Federal Government should continue and expand its research
work on the development of our fisheries resources and on the
technological development of the fishing industry, I+ should
also take special steps towards encouraging the application
of these scientific results to industry, particularly in those
areas of the country where development has lagged and the stand-
ard of living of the fishermen has consequently suffered, Some
of these areas are rich in resources, and it is possible to
raise the standard of living by improved techniques, ‘The Federal
Government should encourage the application of modern techniques
by increasing its technical services to fishermen and also con-
sider capital assistance where necessary, In these areas attention
should be concentrated on,

(1) the improvement in fishing methods, in types of boat and
gear;

(2) Improvement in shore plants, in the layout of plents, in
canning techniques, in freezing and smoking; and in special
cases in the encouragement of the establishment of reduction
plants;

(3) In the further improvement and development of the bait service.

“The initial steps in these directions have already been taken and some items
covering this work are already included in the Estimates for this year, ‘The

groundwork for this expansion has been laid and the Federal Government should
push that expansion in the immediate future."

"Special attention had been given to the local problem confronting the fish-
ermen on the East’ Coast of New Brunswick and the Government was prepared to
proceed without delay towards encouraging the establishment of two reduction
plants and one cold storage with bait freezing facilities, These will provide
@ long-run solution to many of the local problems and would help further de-
velopment and expansion of the local herring fishery."

FISHERIES DEPARTMENT ESTIMATES INCREASED: Operation of the Canadian Depart—
ment of Fisheries during the current fiscal year will involve an estimated ex-
penditure of $8,439,175 according to the Department's estimates tabled in the
House of Commons in April. This budget represents an increase of approximately
$2,000,000 compared with that of 1948-49 and includes the expenditure of $1,242,835
in Newfoundland.

The Fisheries Research Board of Canada receives $1,371,175 for operation and
maintenance expenses, This includes $239,135 for Newfoundland. For construction
and improvements the Board receives $181,000.

The entry of Newfoundland into Confederation brought new responsibilities to
the Department. These are reflected in the estimates by votes of $353,900 for
Newfoundland Fisheries Board and $408,400 for continuing Newfoundland's bait ser-
vice. Inall, the Department is anticipating expenditures totaling about $1,242,835
in Newfoundland this year to take care of general fisheries administration.

The Fisheries Prices Support Board gets $170,000 for operating expenses. This
is a reduction of $30,000 compared to last year's vote and is based on experience
of 1948-49, the first full year of operation.

The Department's educational extension service, including a grant of $3,000
for the Lunenburg Fisheries Exhibition, has been allotted $190,000 this year.
This provides for demonstrator—lecturer services and for constructing exhibits

June 1949 COMMERCIAL FISHERIES REVIEW 39

and placing them in national and provincial exhibitions, Educational work in
cooperative producing and selling among fishermen receives the sum of $80,000.

The Department has been given $100,000 which will be used as subsidies for
the construction of small draggers, on the Atlantic Coast, through the medium of
Provincial Fishermen's Loan Boards. The vote of $100,000 for subsidizing the
construction of bait freezing and storage facilities for bait represents an in-
crease of $50,000 over last year.

The sum of $25,000 has been provided for investigation into transportation
and storage facilities in wholesale and retail handling of fish and fish products.

BRITISH COLUMBIA SALMON EXPORT POLICY CONTINUED IN 1949: Salmon canner-—
ies in British Columbia, which provide gainful employment for thousands of shore—
workers, will again this year be assured of supplies of the raw product for packing

purposes.

The Canadian Fisheries Minister announced recently that the Government had
decided to continue its 1948 policy of retaining for camning in Canada the season's
catch of red or sockeye, pink or humpback, and chum or keta salmon, They may be
exported, however, in a canned, salted, smoked or cured condition.

The export of chinook or king salmon in any form is not limited, however.
Also, silver or coho salmon may be exported in any form until September 1. After
that date its export in other than a canned, salted, smoked, cured or frozen
condition, is not permitted.

The regulations, which are effective immediately, containa provision in regard
to chum salmon, caught in the 1948 season and in the fall of this year. After Sep—
tember 1, it shall be permissible to export from Canada 1949 frozen fall-—caught
chum salmon if it is established to the satisfaction of the Chief Supervisor of
Fisheries, Vancouver, that such salmon is part of the 1948 catch.

Continuation of this policy of retaining in Canada certain species of British
Columbia salmon for processing by Canadian plants was considered essential in the
interest of continued salmon canning operations in British Columbia.

LOBSTER CANNING REGULATIONS CHANGED: Lobster canningin Canada is now allowed
all year round on the Atlantic Coast as a result of a recent order-in-council which
amends the regulations under the Meat and Canned Foods Act.

During the past number of years there has been a growing chilled lobster meat
industry which has been allowed to put up fresh lobster meat in "slip-on" cover
cans. These friction—-top cans are not hermetically sealed as required under the
canning regulations of the Meat and Canned Foods Act, and thus this industry was
able to put up the chilled lobster all year. The canning of hermetically sealed
lobster, however, was allowed only when the lobster fishing season was open in its
area. Now canning is allowed at any time of the year.

Another order—in—council now allows lobster fishermen, when the lobster fishing
opens on a Sunday, to place or set gear on the immediate preceding Saturday.

WHALING SEASON ON WEST COAST OPENS: The Canadian Department of Fisheries has

in Northern British Columbia waters.

40 COMMERCIAL FISHERIES REVIEW Vol. 11, Now 6

Last year the Company's three whalers accounted for the catching of 184 whales,
and this year with an improvement in vessels it is expected that the catch will be
greater. A fully equipped processing plant at Coal Harbor, Vancouver Island, will
handle the expected increased production. Hunting for the whales got under way
early in May.

scientists have come to the conclusion that water
temperatures of the Bay of Fundy are a control-
ling factorin the remarkable yearly fluctuatims
in catch records, according to the March 1949
Canadian Department of Fisheries Trade News.
Low temperatures in any particular year at the
time the scallops spawn apparently result in a
low production of seed scallops and a low pro-
duction of commercial scallops seven years later,
the average age of scallops in commercial catches
being about seven years, according to the Fish-
eries Research Board's Biological Station at
St. Andrews, N. B. Conversely, high temperature
is related to high production.

Eatin sd)
OCs,

A marked decline in the amnual catch per
boat during the past few years has caused the
Board to investigate the fluctuations in an at-—
tempt to find their cause and possibly a method
of predicting or even regulating them.

The standard scallopdrag used in this area

THEE STANDARD CORINIGERGRAGHIScRTTT has a bag uaele of wire rings withaninside dia-

DIGBY FISHERMEN HAS-A BAG MADE meter of 24 inches and it retains many small

OF WIRE RINGS WITH AN INSIDE scallops. It is specially difficult to enforce

DIAMETER OF 2-3/4 INCHES. the legal size limit (taking scallops less than

4, inches in diameter is prohibited) since the bivalves are shucked at sea and

only the meats are landed. In the hope of devising an efficient drag that can

permit the escape of a high proportion of undersized scallops without reducing

the take of legal-sized ones, trials with four different ring sizes were con-
ducted in 1948, but the records have yet to be analyzed.

INLAND FISHERIES, 1948: Production: An estimate of the 1948 inland pro-
duction indicates that the volume was slightly lower than in 1947, but because of
better prices the landed value exceeded that of 1947, according to the March 1949
Trade News of the Canadian Department of Fisheries.

Exports: Ex-
port markets (mostly
the United States)
absorb about 70 per—
cent of inland pro-
duction, and accordingly, fresh-water fish comprised 15.3 percent of the total
value of Canadian fishery exports in 1948. Because of the decrease in inland
production in 1948, exports (57 million pounds) were slightly lower in quantity,
but their value ($13.7 million) was almost $1 million higher, than in 1947.

June 1949 COMMERCIAL FISHERIES REVIEW Al

Capitalization and Employment: The capital equipment in fresh-water primary

operations (vessels, boats, gear, wharfs, freezers, smoke houses, etc.) was esti-
mated to be worth $10 million in 1947, while that of the sea fisheries was $50 mil-
lion. Operations in Ontario, Manitoba and Saskatchewan were capitalized at $5 mil—
lion, $2 million and $1 million, respectively. The ratios of capitalization to
landed values in inland and sea fisheries are about equal. The fresh-water fish-
ery items that are relatively high in value are shore installations and gear.

The number of persons employed on vessels, boats, etc., either full or part
time, was estimated for 1947 to be 18,000 for inland operations and 47,000 in the
sea fisheries, However, many of those included as employed in fisheries are labor—
ers, farmer fishermen, fur farmers, etc., who have other incomes and may fish only
a limited time each year. This is particularly true in the case of the inland
fisheries.

Production by Species: Whitefish and yellow pike have consistently been the
predominant inland species produced, in terms of both poundage and landed value.

Ontario Fishery: Ontario
hada better year in 1948 than
in 1947; production went up Test.) | 1046 119451 1944 |
from 24.9 million pounds to cara
26.2million pounds, and land— | Whitefish .......0ccce0-
ed value rose from $4.8 mil— | Yellow pike ...........

lion to $6.2 million. Lake trout .ecscceoree
s SAUL OTE Seleleleisisioieieicicisictere

n o i a Blue pike e@eeeevoesoseoecno

The increase in produc~ | qccos (tel bane

tion was chiefly accounted for | Tallibee ...cccccccecce

by the blue pike and whitefish. Totel Production ...

Ciscos experienced a further —

drop in production but the landed value per pound had increased considerably over

1947.

It is expected that a large run of blue pike will occur in 1949 as a large
year class will have matured to market size. On the other hand, the herring or
ciscos have been on a downward cycle. Biological research is being conducted on
this problem in Lake Erie, It is thought that once in every so many years there
is a large spawn survival followed by a large production as the fish from this
spawning mature to market size.

Lake Erie is the most productive area in Ontario. In 1947, it produced 12mil—
lion pounds valued at $2.7 million, almost half of the output of the Province by
quantity and value.

Manitoba Fishery: In the Manitoba fishery, there has been concern over the
Lake Winnipeg production as the two-month summer season in 1948 was again unsuc—
cessful. Whereas, production in the summer of 1946 had amounted to 2.1 million
pounds, in 1947 it only reached 1.2 million pounds, and in 1948 it dropped still
further to 1.1 million pounds. As a result, many fishermen suffered substantial
losses: the value landed in the 1948 summer season was about $290,000, whereas,
the actual expenses of the fishermen were estimated to be about $330,000, not in-
cluding an income allowance for the operators of the 150 whitefish boats which
were licensed for this season. The quota of whitefish was 3 million pounds;
yellow pike, 150,000 pounds.

The two-month fall season on Lake Winnipeg showed a 15 percent increase in
production over that of 1947. There were 1.252 licences (including all help).

42 COMMERCIAL FISHERIES REVIEW Vol. 11, No. 6

The 1948-49 winter fishing was delayed by the late freezing. However, be—
causé of a decline in United States demand for frozen fresh-water fish occasioned
by large storage carryover from the Fall of 1948 and increased production in Am~
erican waters, Manitoba and other inland fishermen were faced with the prospect
of huge unsold stocks of fish caught during the Winter of 1948-49, The Dominion
Government, however, in order to relieve the situation, purchased 5,000,000 pounds
of the unsold stocks remaining in fishermen's hands in 1949 at a price which as—
sured a fair return.

In the fall of 1948, 5 of the 12 Lake Winnipeg fish freight boats were equip
ped with mechanical coolers. They will be of particular advantage in the summer
season as the boats have to operate the length of the lake in picking up fish and
the distance allows but two runs each week.

Byproducts of the Manitoba filleting operation in the Winnipeg vicinity are
mink food, made up into 50-pound frozen cakes, and a meal used in poultry food
concentrates, The meal is made by dehydrating the fish remains by the naked—flame
process. However, only asmall portion of the total waste of the industry is used,
for most of the Manitoba fishery is located in remote areas.

Alberta Fishery: The winter production, which constitutes two-thirds of the
landed value of the Province, is mainly marketed in the highly preferred fresh
form because most of the 69 fished lakes are accessible to the transportation facil-
ities of the agricultural area in which they are located. Although the fishing
seasons of these lakes are staggered and stable supplies might be expected, on
opening days these small lakes attract large numbers of fishermen and the entire
quota may be produced in a few days, creating sudden increases in supply. Though
the Alberta production is not large compared to that of the total inland waters,
because of its erratic nature, it is closely watched by the trade.

An interesting development on Lesser Slave Lake is the intensive tullibee
fishing by the 300 to 400 mink ranchers over the past eight years. Production
has risen from 1.3 million pounds in 1945 to 4.5 million pounds in 1948.

Saskatchewan Fishery: The Saskatchewan Government has a pilot plant for fish-
eries research and has conducted experiments in the pickling, canning, and smoking
of its fresh-water fish. Other government activities include an attempt to expand
the consumer market within the Province for a small increase in the per capita
consumption in Saskatchewan would take care of the total provincial production.
Most rural areas in the west are seldom serviced with fresh fish. The mail order
business of winter frozen fish to rural communities has met with some success.

quebec Fishery: Eels, from the St. Lawrence River, the principal species
taken in the inland waters of Quebec, are often marketed alive in New York City.

Northwest Territories: The commercial fishing operations of this Territory
are limited almost entirely to Great Slave Lake. During the past summer season,
this highly productive lake yielded large catches. The record for three—men boats
was 111,000 pounds and for two-men boats, 105,000 pounds. The total 1948 summer pro=-
duction (dressed weight) totaled 2,020,000 pounds, mostly lake trout and whitefish.

In spite of the remoteness of this lake, up-to-date filleting and freezing
operations are located there. The processing plant is mounted on barges. The
fishing boats bring in their catch daily and unload it directly on to the scaling
tables where the fish are scaled, filleted, (in the caseof whitefish, candled), and

June 1949 COMMERCIAL FISHERIES REVIEW 43

then wrapped in cellophane, packed in cartons and frozen in 3% hours in pressure—
plate freezers. The frozen product is shipped by refrigerated barges tothe rail—
head at Waterways.

The 1948-49 winter season has seen an increase in fishing activity which to
date has been very successful.

Development of the Inland Fisheries: Despite favorable developments in re-
cent years, the inland fisheries are continuing their efforts, especially in plan-
ning for the future. Fresh-water fish are sold at relatively high prices, and con=
sequently, they are more vulnerable to general price changes. Attention increasingly
directed to the expansion of the domestic market, to the reduction of operating
costs through modernization, to the increase of earnings through the utilization
of byproducts, to the stabilization of marketing through greater emphasis on quality
(assisted by the Department of Fisheries’ new system of compulsory pre-shipment in-
spection of fishery products offered for export from inland provinces), and to the
stabilization of production based on scientific research into the possibility of
increasing the long-term productivity of inland waters.

Quality: A recent interview with an inland fisherman revealed that watching
quality has paid dividends inthe form of substantial premiums for his fish. He is
punctual in lifting his nets and shipping, and to this end keeps two dog teams
in reserve in case his snowmobile breaks down. He segregates the fish into those
alive and dead in the net. He packs fish of the same appriximate size in each box
and marks the number in each box on the outside in blue pencil. He keeps his
storage shed at a constant temperature to guard against freezing and deterioration.
During the past six winters, the same fisherman has also made a practice of fishing
a certain percentage of non-commercial types of coarse fish so that the natural
balance in his lake will be preserved.

Equipment: One producer and processor on Lake Erie has an unusual method
of increasing his return from whitefish. For the past twelve years he has put his

LAKE WINNIPEG WHITEFISH BOAT. TWO MEN AT THE STERN ARE SETTING A NET; A THIRD 1S STEERING;
MAN 1N THE BOW 1S TAKING SAMPLES OF THE LAKE BED WITH A LEAD WEIGHT. AT VARIOUS TIMES OF
THE YEAR A SAND OR MUD BOTTOM MAY BE DESIRED.

4h, COMMERCIAL FISHERIES REVIEW Voll. 11, No. 6

late fall catch from his pound nets into a concrete tank 70 feet long, 45 feet
wide and 8 feet deep where he keeps them alive for a period of up to three months.
The tank will hold several tons of fish. The whitefish, which are plankton feeders,
obtain their food from the water which is pumped in at a rate of 1,000 gallons per
minute. Last year the fish were sold in January and February and were reported
to be in excellent condition.

Byproducts: One interesting byproduct of a coarse fish, the eel pout or
burbot, is liver oil. At Baudette, Minnesota, opposite Rainy River, Ontario, is
a plant that refines the oil and makes the product into a capsule which it markets
under its own name. These capsules are similar to cod liver oil capsules,

PLANS EXPANSION OF TUNA FISHERY: The Ecuadoran fishing industry was given
great impetus in April by the signing of three contracts of industrial protection
for the building of factories for fish packing and the utilization of fish by—
products, according to a May 2 report fromthe American Consulate General at Guaya=—
quil. The biggest investment is to be a two-million dollar plant operated by an

American company for tuna and tuna~fish paste canning.

Plans are reported ready for building to start within three months in Man-
glaralto, with production scheduled for April 1950.

A contract was signed also for the same type of factory to be located in
Manta, with an American-owned, locally—capitalized firm. This company is to work
with an Ecuadoran fishing concern which is building a refrigeration plant in the
Galapagos Islands,

A further contract, with an Ecuadoran firm, also calls for a fish~packing
plant, and includes fishing rights in the Galapagos Islands.

ee
4

France
MORE FISHING VESSELS BEING BUILT AT CHERBOURG: Several small fishing trawl-—

ee

ers were launched in the Cherbourg district of France, according to an April 14
report from the American Consulate at Cherbourg.

In spite of cpinions that fisheries expansion is being overdone, more trawl—
ers are being built. Eight of the latest model trawlers (100 metric-tons displace-
ment) are on order at Cherbourg.

India
GOVERNMENT*S PROGRAM FOR DEVELOPMENT OF FISHERIES: A five-year Government

ee Se Cee ee Se

plan for the development of India's fisheries, based on modern methods employed

June 1949 COMMERCIAL FISHERIES REVIEW 45

in Europe and Japan, is now well under way, according to a May 5 report from the
American Consuiate General at Bombay. This development forms an important weapon
in fighting the country's food shortage problem. A target of 10,000 metric tons
of fish every day has been set as against the present estimated catch of about
5,000 tons.

The Government's program envisages an exhaustive survey of India's3,200-
mile coastline, the establishment of pilot fishing stations, and the encourage=
ment of deep~sea fishing. This phase of the program, estimated to cost approxi
mately $6,034,000, is scheduled to be completed in two years, Pilot stations
will be established at Saurashtra, Bombay, Cochin, Mandapam (Madras), Vizagapatam,
Chandbali and Calcutta. Each of these stations will be equipped with cold storage
plants with a capacity of 400 metric tons, andmodern trawlers and fishing vessels.

Negotiations are in progress between the Government of India and Japanese
authorities for the purchase of fishing vessels for deep-sea operations. An "air
blast" type fish freezing plant is stated to have been received from the United
States recently.

Arrangements will be made for transporting fish to the interior by refrig-
erator railway vans, motor trucks, and even by air.

Another feature of the program is the raising of fresh-water fish. The Gov—
ernment has started stocking 340 ponds in the villages of Delhi Province and this
program is being extended in all inland waters throughout India.

A comprehensive program to formulate research in Indian fisheries with a view
to effect coordination and integration of all research is being worked out. Pro-
posals to extend surveys of culturable waters and to stock all such areas with
carp or other suitable species of fish are also proceeding.

The Central Government has selected 25 candidates for the second session
in fisheries training in inland fisheries at the Central Fisheries Research Station
at Palta in Calcutta, inthe middle of this year. A similar batch of students will
also be trained at the marine fisheries station at Mandapam (Madras) during a ten-
month course to cover general principles of marine fisheries work. These are
primarily designed to train personnel to man the fisheries offices in the Sub-
ordinate Administrative Services.

Note: Values converted on basis of 1 Indian rupee equals 30.17 cents U. S.

Cte

Japan
PROGRESS OF FISHERIES CONSERVATION PROGRAM: The U. S.Departments of State,

Interior and the Army jointly announced June 10, that a conservation program for
the Japanese fishing industry, developed by General MacArthur's headquarters, is
progressing toward eliminating the basis of objections onthe part of some nations
to the return of Japanese fishing fleets to some portions of their prewar fishing
areaso

The program being carried on under General MacArthur as the Supreme Commander
forthe Allied Powers, calls for the Japanese to maintain surveillance over fishing
and other aquatic operations to eliminate excessive exploitation, to collect and

46 COMMERCIAL FISHERIES REVIEW Vol. 11, Now 6

analyze statistical information relating to aquatic life, and to disseminate such
information to other interested nations. It also calls for the Japanese to cooper-
ate with other nations in the use of common fishing grounds, and to observe the
customary fishing habits of other nations using the same areas.

Japanese fishing since the end of the war has not been authorized outside
certain areas, generally in the vicinity of Japan and eastward to the 165th meri-
dian. Japanese fishing operations prior to World War II did not always observe
internationally accepted practices, particularly regarding conservation of resour=
CES

The conservation of open=ocean and near-shore resources has been a concern
of the SCAP organization from almost the day the occupation began. Progress has
already been made in the reorganization and redirection of research for this pur-—
pose as well as in making the Japanese conscious of proper fishery conservation
methods. The United States considers it important, however, that Japan continue
and intensify this program in order to supply in these fields of activity specific
assurance of Japanese wish and intention to participate in world affairs ina

responsible manner.

Norway

eS

a 7,000-ton British landing craft for conversion into Norway's first floating
herring oil factory, according to an April 30 report from the Royal Norwegian
Information Service. Fishermen and industrialists both in Norway and abroad are
watching the experiment with interest, recalling how a similar Norwegian venture
20 years ago initiated the first whaling "factory ship." Until now it has been
impossible to exploit many areas rich in fish simply because of their distance
from the Norwegian coast. The new development promises to solvethis problem.

There are many complications to be met, however, before the factory vessel
will be able to operate on the open sea. One of these concerns the method whereby
the fish might be hoisted aboard in heavy weather. Conventional clam—shell buckets
or grabs could not be used, and might be replaced by large-diameter suction hoses.
Another problem is fresh water. Either a large condensing plant must be installed
aboard such ships, or a new manufacturing process must be developed.

Backers of this project are confident, however, that these will cause little
delay in perfecting the sea~going herring oil factory. Many years of research
have already gone into the project.

TO SEARCH FOR "LOST" HERRING SCHOOLS: An indication of the purpose and sig-
nificance of a research expedition planned for this summer by the Norwegian Fish-
eries Directorate was made public in Oslo recently by a government specialist,
according to an April 23 report from the Royal Norwegian Information Service.
The researchers will set out to find one or possibly two "lost year-class groups"
of spring herring—herring which are of a quality far superior to those now avail-—
able to Norwegian fishermen.

June 1949 COMMERCIAL FISHERIES REVIEW 47

The herring is an unusually intractable fish. For a period it may appear
in vast quantities, following which it may disappear almost entirely from the
Norwegian coast. The last great resurgence of herring has now lasted for almost
40 years, and experts are wondering whether or not another historic recession may
not be in the offing. The last marked recession ended in 1904 with a fantastically
heavy spawning year, which serves as a basis for the quantities of fish which are
being caught off the Norwegian coast at the present time. Age counts of fish
caught during these past years show, however, that even though they represent
three strong successive year classes the turning point may be near.

It is here that Norwegian scientists hope to offset the anticipated drop
by locating the whereabouts of the so-called "lost year-class groups". Hereto it
has been possible to follow the development of the herring through each year of
its long life-span with the exception of from one to two years when it moves out
to sea, disappearing completely. During this period it reaches its peak quality,
both in regard to size, meat texture, and fat ccntent. It is during this period,
however, that its whereabouts is unknown, Should it be possible for scientists
to trace this movement and find the herring in quantities adequate for fishing, it
may mean a completely new source of income for the Norwegian fishing industry.

gian fishing methods with increased emphasis on trawler fishing were recently
voiced by the Norwegian Fisheries Minister, according to a May 7 report from the
Royal Norwegian Information Service.

In view of the present high cost of trawler ships, the Fisheriss Minister
maintained that the immediate lifting of present restrictions on trawler operation
would involve no risk for Norway's fishing industry. A long-range program would
have to contend with the fact that poor cod catches for the past two years are
turning fishermen toward other occupations, and that a stabilized labor situation
in Northern Norway demands a year-—around fishing force in contrast to present
surges of seasonal occupation and unemployment. "There is no doubt," he maintained,
"that thirty or forty thousand men with trawlers could normally produce the same
amount of fish as do 120,000 fishermen today."

He added that an over—all change would have to take place in the Norwegian
fishing fleet. Larger ocean—going vessels which would be able to fish wherever
catches might be found would have to take the place of smaller coastal craft. He
made it clear, however, that such a readjustment would have to take place gradually
and in consideration of the employment and occupational problems involved.

He further noted that exploratory expeditions are being sent out to find new
fishing fields and that an expedition of 65 vessels will soon leave for the rich
banks off Greenland. The latter will be accompanied by refrigerator ships with
supplies of bait and salt and will be prepared for preliminary on-the-spot pro-
cessing. A new-type floating trawl recently develoved in Denmark was also de-
scribed as an epoch-making development which would greatly add to the efficiency
of Norway's fleet.

Bas

Portugal

FISHERIES REVIEW, 1948: Introduction: The fishing industry in Portugal
comprises three main fields of activity, according to February 1 and March 10
reports from the American Embassy at Lisbon:

48 COMMERCIAL FISHERIES REVIEW Vol. 11, Noe 6

(1) The coastal fishery--sardines are the most important variety taken,
although the local catch also includes substantial quantities of
tuna, anchovies, chinchards and mackerel;

(2) Trawl fishing on the high seas, particularly off the French Moroccan
coast--the chief varieties caught are sole, whiting and turbot;

(3) And the cod fishery of the Newfoundland Grand Banks and west coast
of Greenland fished every year by a large, modern fleet of Portuguese
schooners and trawlers,

Whale fishing is also conducted on a small scale in the adjacent Islands of
the Azores.

Sardine Fishery: The Portuguese sardine fishery and the large domestic can~
ning industry which depends on it constitute one of the country's most important
sources of wealth. Some 20,000 fishermen gain their livelihood from the fishery
which is exploited by a large number of independent proprietors who supply the
boats, nets, fishing tackle and other gear.

PRODUCTION AND FLEET: The 1948 sardine catch amounted to only 47,683 metric
tons, or less than half of the approximately 100,000 tons which are normally taken each
year (Table 1), and the problems thereby created for the sardine fishing industry
were serious. The scarcity of sardines resulted in a virtual doubling of the
selling price so that the value of the reduced catch, placed at slightly over
$9 million, represented a small increase over that of the 1947 catch which was
approximately twice as large; nevertheless, the greatly increased costs of explora—
tion, which were especially heavy under the scarcity conditions of 1948, more than
offset the sales income of most proprietors.

The problems of the sardine fishing industry in obtaining an adequate return
on invested capital have been aggravated by a large expansion in the size of the
sardine fleet from a total of 268 boats in 1940 to 411 boats in 1948. In addition
to the boats, the fleet in 1948 also included 200 auxiliary transport craft and
24 coastal sardine traps. This expansion was not accompanied by any appreciabie
increase in the size of the annual catches. The Government has acted to limit
fishing operations during the coming season and has continued a previous ban on
the construction of boats which is expected to result in the gradual return to a
sardine fleet of the prewar size. Abnormally

Table 1 - Soe tiulG Sardine low sardine runs in 1948 have resulted in the
Catches, 1941-4 | revival of proposals that a thorough scientific
| tear | Quantity _| study of the fishery be undertaken to determine
= u the reasons for the recurring cycles of abundance

and scarcity and devise possible remedies.

SARDINE PACK: During the war and after,
when shortages of other foodstuffs were wide-
spread, fresh sardines assumed a paramount im~
portance in the popular diet and consumption
approximated 60,000 metric tons annually. In
1948, it was reduced to 22,000 tons which sold

clude the relatively unimpor- at inflated prices, Except for a very small
tant catches in the adjacent quantity put up in brine, the balance (approxi-
islands of the Azores and mately 25,000 tons) was packedfor export. This
Madeira, amount, some 14,000 tons less than the quantity
processed in 1947, did not permit the industry
to fulfill more than about 35 percent ofits foreign contracts for canned sardines.
Thus, Portugal was deprived in 1938 of a large portion of the foreign exchange
receipts it normally receives from sardine exports.

June 1949 COMMERCIAL FISHERIES REVIEW 49

The domestic sardine pack in 1948 totaled 19,796 metric tons or 989,799 cases
(1 case of 100 cans equals 44 pounds), as compared with 31,221 tons or 1,560,324
cases in 1947.

SARDINE EXPORTS: Because ofthe time lag, the effect of the abnormally low 1948
catch was not reflected in the volume of canned sardines exported during the year

vechwas 68,525000 rounds [aaa 2 Portuguese Baporte of Guo’ Sentings |
Tt; = mre .
(@is57hd!ticases)./esicom— able 2 = Portuguese Exports of ——
Destination 1949L/ 194 19 33 |

pared with ; 59 5995200

pounds (1,363,530 cases)
MTSE ENE pas The! ohedtod Staten, 0 | sauce | In thousands of lbs.)..
corresponding values were
$18.7 and $16.4 million,
respectively. The United
Kingdom, Belgium, Italy
and the United States, in
that order, were the prin-
cipal purchasers in 1948,

nited States .....

STMADY seceecccces
Belgium o.escccccce

Sweden eecccceececece
Ttaly eececccccccce

and the UnitedStates share jOther Countries ... ll 3 | 03.1 |12,713.
was notable, in that it | Total ...........160,523.0 | 59,995.2 | 81,505.6 | 84, 762.7

represented the largest [1 Because ee lag, effect of abnormally low 1949 catch
5 was not reflected in volume of canned sardines exported in
er. nee cae eae that year, About 52 percent of the 1948 catch was ca

was nearly 45 percent over 1947.

GEOGRAPHIC EXTENT OF THE FISHERY: Sardine fishing is carried on along the
entire coast line of Portugal with the most important fishing areas being within
six miles of the shore. The chief fishing centers are Matozinhos and Figueira
da Foz in the north; Peniche, Lisbon, and Setubal in the center; and Portimao,
Olhao and Vila Real do Santo Antonio in the south. In general, fishing operations
are not carried on in depths greater than 328 feet. Inthe north where the coastal
waters are shallow, the 328-foot depth line runs out as far as 20 miles; in the
center, particularly in the Lisbon and Setubal area where the ocean floor drops
off suddenly to 3,280-foot depths, this line is much closer to the shore, generally
within the six-mile limit.

FISHING EQUIPMENT, METHODS, AND SEASONS: Both movable and fixed nets are
employed in sardine fishing. By far the greater part of the annual catch is taken
in the movable nets which are of two types:

(1) the large seine net, generally about 2,625 feet long by 230 fest wide and

(2) The small seine net, ranging from 722 to 984 feet in length by 197 to 295
feet in width.

In 1948, the industry had in use 64 large and 347 small seine nets, The
fixed nets, or traps, of which 24 were in operation in 1948, consist of two parts;

(1) Aa long net stretched on poles extending out to sea hundreds of feat
in a direction perpendicular to the shore and

(2) A series of nats supported on poles and anchored to the sea bottom
which form a rectangle into which the long net leads,

The fish swimming along the coast are diverted by the long net into a small en-—
trance in the rectangular enclosure and are captured when the nets in one section

50 COMMERCIAL FISHERIES REVIEW Vole 11, No. 6

of the trap are hauled to the surface. Besides these main types, there are other
small nets owned by the fishermen which are of minor importance.

The sardine fishing season, April‘to January, is in part coincidental with
the spawning period of the fish (January to June). The fish generally begin to
run inthe spring along
the Algarve coast in
the south; proceed north
along the West Coast
during the summer; and
large schools are us—=
ually present in the
central region of Setu—
bal—Lisbon—Peniche dur-
ing July and August.
They reach the northern
fishing grounds based
on Matozinhos in the
fall, and fishing oper=-
ations inthat area are
pursued intensively
during October, Novem—
ber, December and Jan—
uaryo

Fishing methods
differ according to the
type of boats and nets
employed. The use of
the large seine net re-

quires a relatively
PORTUGAL AND SPAIN SHOWING PRINCIPAL FISHING PORTS. large craft of about

40 gross metric tons, known as a "galeao," averaging 66 feet in length. These
boats burn gas oil or diesel oil and carry a crew of about 20 men. The net, being
large and heavy occupies most of the deck space of the "galeao," together with
auxiliary gear such as ropes, floats, and leads. Since there is insufficient space
in the "galeao" to stow the fish, the mothership is accompanied by 3 or 4 small
auxiliary craft for the transport of fish. These carry about four men and are
usually motor=propelled.

Sardine fishing is always carried on at night because the shadows of the
nets and boats in the water in the daytime would frighten the fish away. The
sardine boats customarily leave port in the evening and return at sunrise. Upon
arrival at the fishing area selected, which is chosen on the basis of prevailing
currents, ocean depth, reports of fish runs, etc., one end of the seine net is
cast into the sea by the "galeao" which then describes a large circle, paying
out the net by means of winches as it proceeds, until it reaches the original
starting point with the other end of the net. The upper edge of the net is sup—
ported by floats while the lower edge, weighted with leads, sinks some 230 feet
below the surface of the water. The central part of the net, which is strongly
reinforced, is then adjusted by means of lines so as to belly out and form a huge
bag leading from the two extremities of the net which are kept about 330 feet
apart. It is through this opening that the fish enter into the central bag during
the period that the net is held in position. After a certain number of hours,
the two ends of the net are drawn together, thus closing the bag and entrapping

June 1949 COMMERCIAL FISHERIES REVIEW 51

the fish within. The surface periphery of the net is then gradually closed into
a small circle to enable the crews of the auxiliary boats to take the catch, Be-
fore the whole operation can be repeated, the net must be re—stowed on the deck
of the mothership; generally not more than two catches can be taken on a single
expeditions

Fishing with small seine nets is a different type of operation since the nets
are not kept in a stationary position in the sea but are towed slowly through the
water at a speed of 2 or 3 knots by boats known as "traineras." Operations are
confined to areas with sandy bottoms since rocky bottoms would result in damage
to the nets. These boats are of about 10 gross tons and usually between 39 to
46 feet in length. They generally burn gas oil and carry a crew of about 12 men.
The "traineras" do not require auxiliary boats, having sufficient cargo capacity
to transport the fish caught. The nets are dragged through the water until they
become heavy with fish when they are pulled into the boat by means of winches and

i] !
TYPICAL SARDINE MOTHERSHIP, "GALEAO, (ABOUT 40 GROSS METRIC TONS AND 66 FEET IN LENGTH)
USES LARGE SEINE NET WHICH OCCUPIES MOST OF THE DECK SPACE.

emptied. This process may be repeated a number of times during the course of a
night's fishing.

CONSERVATION MEASURES: Regulations Applicable to Portuguese: Two long-
standing conservation measures enforced by the Portuguese are a prohibition on
the taking of sardines of less than 4.3 inches in length, and the requirement
that the mesh of sardine nets be not finer than 3.9 inches. The size limit of
4.3 inches has been in effect since 1926; the regulation of the size of nets is
avery old one. The fishermen have no particular incentive to take small sardines
since they are not utilizable for canning and cannot be transported to interior
points for consumption.

Under an order of the Ministry of Marine, issued on July 5, 1948, sardine
fishing operations have been made subject to further regulations limiting the
dimensions of nets and requiring the mandatory suspension of fishing activities
for minimum periods of 15 days each, The time of such suspensions of activity are
chosen by the proprietors and the periods may be continuous or alternating on
condition that the annual total of suspensions is 60 days for boats up to 39 feet
in length and 90 days for boats of a length greater than 39 feet. These new regu-
lations became effective on January 1, 1949 and were issued as a result of recom—
mendations made by the Central Fisheries Commission of the Ministry of Marine.

52 COMMERCIAL FISHERIES REVIEW Vole 11, Now 6

These recommendations were the result of a careful study of sardine fishing opera-
tions from which it was concluded that periodic suspensions of fishing activity
would make for more economic exploitation of the fishery.

Restrictions on Foreign Participation in the Fishery: The Spanish are the
only other nationality now conducting sardine fishing operations in Portuguese
coastal waters. Ordinarily, they confine their activities to the coastal waters
adjacent to Spain. However, the Spanish sardine fleets based at Huelva and Cadiz
in the south and at Vigo inthenorth follow the practice of extending their opera-
tions to Portuguese coastal waters in the event that fish do not appear in suffi~
cient quantities in Spanish coastal waters. Before the war, the Belgians also
fished for sardines off the Portuguese coast and rare appearences were made in
local waters by British and French fishermen. However, no fishing by nationalities
other than Spanish has occurred in the postwar period.

Foreign fishing operations in Portuguese territorial waters are prohibited by
law. The limit of such waters for the purpose of fishing operations is determined
in relation to foreign fishermen by reciprocity with the legislation in effect
in their respective countries on the date of the proclamation of the Portuguese
law. Under Spanish law, fishing operations by foreign vessels are prohibited
within the six-mile limit; thus the same limit is imposed on Spanish vessels by
the Portuguese. Belgium allows foreign vessels to fish up to within three miles
of its coast and Portugal on a reciprocal basis would allow Belgian fishermen to
fish up to the same limit off Portuguese coast.

The Portuguese have no accord with Spain on the exploi tation of the sardine
fisheries of the two countries. Because of the fact that the most important fish—
ing grounds are located within the six-mile limit and since these are barred to
the Spanish under present regulations, there does not seem to be any feeling on
the part of the Portuguese that the competition offered by the Spanish sardine
fleets warrants their entering into an agreement with Spain on the exploitation
of the offshore fisheries,

PROBLEMS OF THE INDUSTRY: The chief problem with which the industry has
to contend is the uncertain and irregular character of production resulting from
the cycles of abundance and scarcity which are such a motable characteristic of
the sardine off the Portuguese coast. Therefore, the low sardine catches during
1948 has compelled the Government to give financial assistance to the proprietors
in the form of long-term loans,

QUTLOOK: It is doubtful that the internal market can continue to absorb
sardines at the rate of 60,000 tons a year, in view of the increasing availability
of other foodstuffs. Because of the loss of important prewar European markets,
particularly France and Germany (Table 2), the exportation of canned sardines
cannot return in future years to the prewar average of 2 million cases per year,
corresponding to about 50,000 metric tons. It is believed that 40,000 tons is
the maximum quantity which the canning industry can absorb out of a normal pro-
duction of 100,000 tons annually.

The solution for the utilization of the excess production is an expansion in
the quantities of sardines conserved in salt and brine. At the present time, only
about 5,000 tons of sardines are put up in brine, principally for export, and a
very small quantity dried and salted for public consumption. This type of conser-
vation could be considerably expanded for both the internal and external market

June 1949 COMMERCIAL FISHERIES REVIEW 53

and such expansion would provide a continuous supply of preserved fish for public
consumption in Portugal and make possible an increase in exports ofthis relatively
cheap product.

SCIENTIFIC STUDY OF FISHERY: The only previous investigations of the Portu—
guese sardine fishery were fragmentary studies made in the 1920's which resulted
in the assembly of
data regarding the
location of sardine
eggs off the coasts.
These tended to es—
tablish that repro—
duction took place
throughout the per=-
iod from January to
June and was concen—
trated inthe manths
of March, April, and
May. From examina-
tion of sardines
caught, it was found
that they were able
to reproduce them—
selves after attain-—
ing the age of one
year. (Sardines
have a maximum life
of 4-5 years). Eggs

were located at a UNLOADING SARDINES FROM THE HOLD OF A SARD}|NE AUX}LIARY CRAFT.
number of points and SINCE THERE 1S INSUFFICIENT SPACE 1N THE GALEAO TO HOLD THE
although the re- FISH, THE MOTHERSHIP 1S ACCOMPANIED BY 3 OR 4 SMALL AUXILIARY

CRAFT TO TRANSPORT THE SARDINES.
search boats sought

them at a consider—

able distance from the shore, in every case they were found not more than 20 miles
from land, thus indicating that the spawning does not take place far out at sea.
The data gathered was Superficial and no positive conclusions could be drawn from
it beyong the fact that the eggs discovered were near the shore and were concen=
trated in the coastal water south of the Tagus River and off the shore of the
southernmost province of Algarve.

From the scanty evidence available concerning the reproduction, migratory
habits and life cycle of the sardine, most Portuguese fishery experts consider
it doubtful whether the intensity of fishing operations has any appreciable effect
on 'the quantity of fish available. The general opinion, although not scientifically
substantiated, is that reproduction possibilities of the sardine are much greater
than the ability of man to exhaust the supply of fish. An interesting fact ob-
served from a study of Portuguese sardine catches in recent years isthat the aver—
age size of sardines of a given age has been increasing. This would seem to pose
two possible hypothesis:

(1) Either that the natural conditions under which reproduction took
place were unfavorable, with the result that fewer sardines were
hatched and those that were grew larger because they had a rela-
tively greater supply of food, or

54 COMMERCIAL FISHERIES REVIEW Vol. 11, Noo 6

(2) That the total sardine population is being reduced by fishing
activities and that the existing fish are of larger size than
formerly for the same reason as in (1),

The natural conditions prevailing at the time of the sardine's hatching and
during the early stages of its life cycle are considered by most authorities as
of primary importance in determining the scarcity or abundance of fish in any
given year. Almost no information on this subject is available to the local fish-—
ing industry. Other matters which merit local scientific study to determine their
effect on the movements of the sardine schools are ocean temperatures and currerits,
winds, and the migrations of the marine organisms on which the sardine feeds.

Tuna and Anchovy Fisheries: Production of tuna and anchovies in 1948 was
lower than in 1947. Exports of tuna were greater in 1948 than in 1947 while ex-—
ports of anchovies were less in 1948 compared to 1947 (Table 3).

The United States
took 70 percent of the 1948
exports of anchovies and
was the second most impor=—
tant purchaser of canned
tuna after Italy.

Table 3 -
(Quantity

Portuguese Production (Quantity) & Exports
& Value) of Tma_& Anchovy 1947-48

Qug nti ty

TUNA ...cccce

Trawl Fisheries: Con=
Anchovies wc. caine wlhhethe

eg cat eel
trasting with the very

Ea re a
1,186}1,600] 2,862 Alpe Bees 1, 200,000
2,481 2,503 2,105]3 4, 300, 000
poor year experienced in

the coastal fishery, trawling operations yielded a record catch of 42,669 metric
tons, valued at $8.8 million. The 1948 catch represented an increase of 22 percent
over that of the previous year which was 34,833 tons, valued at $6.6 million.
In 1948, the number of trawlers in operation was 97, an increase of 10 vessels
over 1947.

The results of the 1948 cod campaign were disappointing, According to pre=
liminary figures, the total catch was approximately 28,800 metric tons of fresh
cod, which after processing will yield about 20,000 tons of dried cod, or only
one-third of the country's annual requirement of 60,000 tons. In 1947, the catch
was 33,719 metric tons from which 23,267 tons of dried cod were produced. During
the first 10 months of 1948, imports of dried cod, principally from Norway and
Newfoundland, totaled 22,000 tons, with a value of approximately $8,750,000. The
prospect is that imports of at least 30,000 tons, valued at $12 million will be
required in 1949 to maintain domestic consumption at a reasonably satisfactory
level.

The results of the 1948 campaign were a definite setback to the Portuguese
hope that the expanded and modernized cod fishing fleet can achieve the goal of
supplying from 60 to 70 percent of the domestic requirement for cod, which is a
basic element in the diet of the people. It was the first year since 1944 that
the catch failed to exceed that of the previous year and instead dropped15 per—
cent below that of 1947.

Participating in the 1948 campaign were 48 schooners and 1] trawlers with
a total deadweight tonnage of approximately 37,000 metric tons. Four new trawlers
were completed during the fall and winter and a total of 15 vessels of this type
sailed for the Grand Banks in February 1949 to initiate the 1949 fishing campaign o
As of March 1, 1949, there were 8 trawlers under construction in national and

June 1949 COMMERCIAL FISHERIES REVIEW py)

foreign shipyards and destined for incorporation in the Portuguese cod fishing
fleet. When these units are completed and enter into service, the fleet will have
reached the maximum size (approximately 70 vessels of about 50,000 total dead-
weight tons) under the construction program initiated in 1939. No further building

is contemplated except for replacements.
Note: Values converted on basis of 1,000 Portuguese escudos equals approximately U.S.%40,00,

a

Spanish Morocco

FISHERY INDUSTRIES, 1947: Canning: Fishing is one of the important indus—
tries of Spanish Morocco, according to an April 25 report from the American Lega—
tion at Tangier. Fishing fleets are located in Larache, Arcila, Alcazarquivir,
Rincon de Medik, Rio Martin, Puerto Capaz, Cuatro Torres Alcala, Villa Sanjurjo,
and Villa Nador. Absence of any sort of refrigeration makes it impossible to sell
fresh fish outside of the port cities.

There are 16 canneries in operation which pack sardines, bonito, and tuna
for sale in Spain, the United States, and the countries of Western Europe. Most
exports of canned fish to countries other than Spain are made via Tangier. The
pack in 1947 totaled 1,928 metric tons valued at approximately $2,468,343. The
canneries are located at Ceuta (7), Larache (3), Villa Sanjurjo (2), Melilla (3),
and Castillejos (1). Operators of canneries are hampered by difficulty in obtain-
ing import licenses for such essential items as tinplate. Canners in Ceuta have
recently appointed an agent in Tangier to represent them directly to American
importers »

Dried and Salted Fish: Salted and dried fish is produced at the ports of
Melilla, Villa Sanjurjo, Ceuta, and Larache, The 1947 production totaled 3,494
metric tons valued at approximately $2,515,197. Most of the dried and salted
fish is exported to Spain or sent by trucks to other parts of Spanish Morocco.

WHALING: A whaling station went into operation at Benzu Bay, just west of
Ceuta, in September 1947. The first year of operation was quite successful. In
the season ending March 1948, 120 whales were taken in the Straits. Norwegian
ships and seamen were invited to participate in the first season in order to teach
the local fishermen, and they took the major share of the catch. The 1948=19
catch, in which the Norwegians did not participate, is believed to be smaller than
for the preceeding year.

Uruguay

DANISH VESSELS AGREE TO FISH FOR URUGUAY: Two Danish cutters with a crew

of four men each are on their way to Uruguay in order to fulfill a contract last—
ing two years, according to the April 16 issue of the British periodical, The

Fishing News.
The agreement has been concluded between the fishermen and the Government of

Uruguay, which has promised to buy all the fish caught by the Danes. Erection of
a Danish canning factory in Uruguay has also been planned.

56 COMMERCIAL FISHERIES REVIEW Vole 11, No. 6

If the experiments prove successful, a whole fleet of Danish fishing vessels
will go to Uruguay in a few years,

Venezueia
NEW DEEP-SEA FISHING VENTURE: A new Venezuelan fishing company composed of
Italians has purchased a refrigerated boat in Italy, the Giorgio, equipped for
deep-sea fishing, with a crew of 12, and a capacity of 15 tons, according to an
April 25 report fromthe American Embassy at Caracas. This boat isnowin La Guaira.

This new company is proposing to exploit a fish called "el calamar," said
to be in a class with "pargo," "mero" and "carite." It is claimed that large
numbers of these fish have been found in the deep waters near Margarita Island.

The fish are to be packed in boxes of 26 pounds each and covered with ice.
It is believed that 14 metric tons can be handled in two hours.

This company is proposing to supply the Caracas free markets with a metric
ton of fish per day to retail at 41 cents per pound with an appreciable margin
of profit for the retailers.

A loan of $36,000 has been asked of the Venezuelan Development Corporation
so that the boat can put out to sea,

FISHING INDUSTRY IN BRAZIL

The only commercial freezing units now in operation in Brazil are
located in Rio Grande do Sul. Fresh fillets of fish are marketed lo-
cally in that state, and frozen fillets are shipped to the populous

aréas surrounding Sao Paulo and Rio de Janeiro. The volume of this
coastwise trade is unknown. Species.filleted are Tachysurus barbus,
Paralichthys brasiliensis, Micropogon undulatus, various weakfish, and
others

—Fishery Leaflet 329

June 1949

COMMERCIAL FISHERIES REVIEW

ian with reference to tin, giving amended regulations eoricemnine delivery of
pig tin, use of tin in manufacture, inventories, imports, exports, and permitted

uSes.

and terneplate for the manufacture of cans.

AMENDMENT TO ALLOCATION ORDER M-81 CANS: The Federal

carried Allocation Order M—81, as amended June 2 1949, (

and use of cans made of tin plate or terneplate.

Included among the list of permitted uses is the utilization of tin plate

Register of June 7, 1949,

previously amended March 21,
1949), with reference to cans, and lists meee rion placed upon the manufacture

The following are excerpts from

the Federal Register which may be of interest to canners of fishery products.

PURPOSE

§ 338.31 What this subpart does.
This subpart places restrictions upon
cans made of tinplate or terneplate.
Cans made exclusively of blackplate or
tinplate waste, terneplate waste, tinplate
waste-waste, or terneplate waste-waste
and not restricted by this subpart. The
subpart does not set quotas for can users
or limit can sizes., Section 338.45 sets
out tinplate and terneplate specifications
for cans for various products with cer-
tain exceptions set forth in § 338.36.

RESTRICTIONS ON CAN USERS

§ 338.35 General restrictions on. use
of cans. No person may use a tinplate
or terneplate can for any purpose other
than for packing the products listed in
Schedule I in accordance with the ma-
terial limitations set forth in that sched-
ule. The only exceptions to this section
are set forth in § 338.36.

§ 538.36 Exceptions—(a) 0.25 electre~

lytic tinplate or special coated manufac- |.

turers’ terneplate cays for any product.
Cans made from 0.25 electrolytic tinplate
or special coated manufacturers’ tern-;
plate may be used for packing any ;
product.

(b) Cans permitted before an amend-
ment. Whenever can material specifica-
tions for a product are changed by an
amendment to this subpart, any person
may pack that product in any can which
was permitted before the amendment if
the can, or the tinplate or terneplate
incorporated in it, was in his inventory,
in the inventory of the can manufac-
turer, or in the process or_in inventory
at a tin mill for the account of the can
manufacturer onthe date of the amend-

SA pa ace Ae a

ment. A packer may accept and use any |

dutdated cans for any product produced
under § 338.34 which the can manufac-
turer offers to him before using any cans
for that product produced under the new
specifications.

(c) Products whieh are not to be sold. |
Cams may be-used to pack any product |
which is not to be sold in the same or |
different form, but this does not permit
the use of cans contrary to the other
provisions of this subpart for the purpose
of aiding or promoting the sale of a
product.

SCHEDULE'I

§ 338.45 Schedule I, can specifica-
tions. Columns (2) and (3) specify the
weights of tinplate or terneplate which
may be used for the soldered, welded and
non-soldered parts of cans for the prod-
ucts listed in Column (1).

Any person may use for packing a
listed product blackplate cans or cans
with a tin coating lighter than that speci-
fied for that product.

Wherever 0.25 electrolytic tinplate is
specified, SCMT may be used. When only
a figure is given in Column (2) or (3),
t this means that tinplate may be used for
the part, and the figure given indicates
the maximum weight of tin coating per
} single base box.

When a scored can is used to pack any
of the meat products listed in this sec-
tion, 1.25 tinplate may be used for the
body of the can.

The use of 0.50 electrolytic tinplate is
permitted for the following:

(a) all hand soldered cans.

(b) all cans manufactured on inside
soldered horses.

(c) drawn necks and nozzles.

(d) soldered parts for all 5 gal. cans. =

Es
|

CAN SPECIFICATIONS

Product

DE Ree e hee eed

Fish and shellfish Fin UTR peed ead and in

. Fish fi
. Fish, ae a
| Fish'livers and
. Fish roe___-_-
. Fish, pickled__
. Herring, Atlantic Sea,

. Herring,

. Oysters_- 5
f Pilchards, including sardines:

hermetically sealed cans)

MpANChOViesseaseeee nee oop
. Caviar___

ing sardines:
Round cans
i Oblong cans-
c. Oval cans--_--

Miscellaneous food products

, Lobster newburg-------------

. Oils, liquid, edible:
a. 5-gal. or larger_----------
b. Under.6-gallons._-------4

et

ree

58 COMMERCIAL FISHERIES REVIEW

§ 338.46 Equitable distribution of cans.| (b) Equitable distribution among and
Ii is the policy of the Government that| within various groups ofcan users, in=
can manufacturers observe: the follow-|cluding special consideration for small
ing principles in distributing their pro-;business and hardship cases and such
duction of cans: |provision as is reasonable and practical

(a) Adequate provision for food pack.|for newcomers.

Vol. 11, Now 6

Issued this 2d day of June 1949.

| OrFrice OF DoMESTIC

| CoMMERCE,

| [SEAL] RayMonp S. Hoover,

| Issuance Officer.

REVISION OF EXPORT REGULATIONS: The Federal Register of June 7, 1949, carried

the following with reference to the revision of export

Subchapter C—Office of Intemational Trade |General Revision of Export Reguldtions,
[Fourth General Revision of Export __{ssued July 17, 1948, and published in 13
Regulations} |F. R. 4069 et seq., as amended by Amend-

ments No. 1 through 58 and Amend-

Revision OF Export Recutat‘ons | ments P. L.-No. 1 through P. L. No. 28,
Introductory statement and expiana- | With the exception of saving clauses con-
tion. The purpose of this Fourth General tained in any such amendments. In
‘Revision of Export Regulations is to ®ddition, this codification contains regu-
‘Codify the regulations relating to the con- lations published in recent Current Ex-
trol of exports continued or issued under | Port Bulletins through No. 526 and cer-
the authority of the Export Control Law tain subjects in Nos. 527 and 528, some
of 1949, Public Law 11, 81st Congress. of which are Incorporated herein for the
This revision supersedes the Third first time and which were adopted in the

regulations:

course of prepBring this codification.
The export control regulations are also
published in the Comprehensive Export
Schedule and Current Export Bulletins
issued by the Office of International
Trade.

In making this revision certain obso-
lete provisions of the export regulations
have been deleted, minor revisions-have
been made in the text of the regulations
for the purpose of clarification, and the
order of some of the parts or sections
within parts have been rearranged.

For full details see the Federal Register mentioned.

Still included in the Positive List of Commodities

merce - code

Commodity

FODDERS AND FEEDS, N, KE. S

119900 J Fish meal for feed (formerly 114000)-----.-- Bi) eae

VEGETABLE FIBERS AND MANUFACTURES

320509
320515
320519
321100
322403

322408

These "may not be exported from the United States

Processin,

» among others, are:

&) GLV

100

unless and until a license

authorizing the exportation shell have been applied for and granted or issued by

the Department of Commerce."

A revised list of commodities ROS EAN
* e:
exportable under general license Commerce
GRO (also included inthis revision SaeneT

COMMODITIES EXPORTABLE UNDER GENERAL LICENSE GRO

Commodity

of the export regulations), was at
given in Commercial Fisheries Re-
View, May, LOL9sMipageOlel Me Tomthas) lieu naa
list also should be added the fol-

Grains and preparations:

Oyster shells and other shells, for feed.

Médicinal and pharmaceutical preparations:

lowing: [a Vitamins and vitasverols.

dune 1949 COMMERCIAL FISHERIES REVIEW 59

Department of the Interior

FISH AND WILDLIFE SERVICE
AMENDMENTS TO ALASKA SALMON AND HERRING FISHERY REGULATIONS: Two amendments

to the Alaska commercial fisheries regulations were signed on May 25, 1949, by
the Assistant Secretary of the Interior and published in the Federal Register of
June 2, 1949. One of these amendments removes the midweek closure of salmon fish-—
ing in Bristol Bay prior to June 25, and the other restores the protection of

herring in Kachemak Bay on Cook Inlet to its former status.

Effective June2, 1949, commercial salmon fishing in Bristol Bay is prohibited
from 6:00 a.m. Wednesday to 6:00 a.m. Thursday of each week from June 25 to July 31
only.

The midweek closure, in addition to the statutory week-end closure, is neces—
sary only during the period of the intensively fishedred salmon runs, i.e., June 25
to August 1. Only limited fisheries are conducted for king and silver salmon
which run, respectively, before and after these dates. Because the conservation
of king and silver salmon in Bristol Bay is not threatened by the present degree
of exploitation, it is not necessary to curtail operations for those species by
midweek closures.

Effective July 2, 1949, purse seining for herring is prohibited in Kachemak
Bay within a line from Nubble Point to Bluff Point.

Large scale herring fishing has been prohibited in Kachemak Bay in Cook Inlet
since 1928, when intensive exploitation virtually eliminated the local supply.
Because observations indicated at least partial restoration of abundance, the
the regulations were modified in 1949 to permit a 10,000—barrel catch of herring
with purse seines within a certain portion of Kachemak Bay. However, because no
positive evidence exists that herring actually do occur in abundance in Kachemak
Bay, and because of the overwhelming demand for continued protection, the regula-
tion in effect for the past twenty years was restored.

COMMISSION > The Secretary
of State on May 20 appointed a delegation to-hold discussions with representatives
of Costa Rica looking toward the conclusion of a convention for the scientific
investigation of tuna in the tropical American area, similar to that recently
negotiated with Mexico. The meetings took place in Washington commencing Monday,
May 23.

The United States delegates were Dr. Wilbert M. Chapman, Chairman, Special
Assistant for Fisheries to the Under Secretary of State; and Mr. Milton C. James,
Assistant Director of the Fish and Wildlife Service, Department of the Interior.

ADVISERS
Mr, Richard S. Croker, Mr, Arnie J. Suomela,
Chief of the California Bureau of Master Fish Warden of Oregon;

Marine Fisheries;

60 COMMERCIAL FISHERIES REVIEW Vol. 11, No. 6

Messrs, Warren F, Looney
Fred G. Heins \ Department of State in Washington
Fred E, Taylor

Mr, Donald J. Charley, Chief Counsel of the
Fish and Wildlife Service, Dept. cf the Interior.

A Convention between the United States and Costa Rica for the establishment
of an Inter-American Tropical Tuna Commission was signed on May 31 in Washington,
This action came as a result of the conference between representatives of the two
countries, Signing on behalf of the United States were Acting Secretary of State
James E. Webb, and W. M. Chapman, Special Assistant for Fisheries to the Under
Secretary of State. His Excellency Senor Don Mario A. Exquivel, Ambassador of
Costa Rican Embassy, and Senor Don Jorge Hazera, Counselor of the Costa Rican
Embassy, signed on behalf of Costa Rica.

The Convention provides for a joint Commission empowered to undertake the
scientific investigation of yellowfin and skipjack tuna and of anchovetta and
other bait fishes in the eastern Pacific Ocean in the fisheries maintained by the
nationals of the two countries. Other kinds of fish taken by tuna fishing vessels
may also be studied by the Commission. Much requires to be known about yellowfin
and skipjack tuna and other species concerned, before the need for conservation
measures may be determined.

The Convention differs in a number of respects from the United States-Mexican
tuna agreement signed last January in Mexico City. It covers particularly the tuna
fisheries inthe tropical waters of the eastern Pacific Ocean. In addition, unlike
all of the fisheries concerned in the United States—Mexican agreement, the fish~
eries included in the present Convention present problems of interest to a number
of countries besides the signatories. Accordingly, the Convention provides a new
departure by making possible the adherence of other governments whose nationals
operate in the fisheries involved. It is hoped that these other governments will
join the United States and Costa Rica in the cooperative program for maintaining
the populations of the fishes concerned at a level which will permit maximum sus=
tained catches year after year.

I WW ti WGlvkenr wee

June 1949

Convention Between the United States
of America and the Republic of Costa
Rica for the Establishment of an Inter-
American Tropical Tuna Commission.

PREAMBLE

The United States of America and the Republic of Costa
Rica considering their mutual interest in maintaining the
popuzations of yellowfin’ and skipjack tuna,and of other kinds
of fish taken by tuna fishing vessels in the eastern Pacific
Ocean which by reason of continued use have come to be of
common concern,,and desiring to cooperate in the gathering and
interpretation of factual information to’ facilitate maintaining |
the populations of these fishes at a level which will permit
maximum sustained catches year after year, have agreed to con-
elude a Convention for these purposes and to that end have
named as their Plenipotentiaries:

The President of the United States of America:
James E. Webb, Acting Secretary of State

Wilbert M. Chapman, Special Assistant to the
Under Secretary of State

The President of the Government of Costa Rica:

Mario A. Esquivel, Ambassador Extraordinary end
Plenipotentiary of Costa Rica

Jorge Hazera, Counselor of the Embassy of Costa Rica who,
having communicated to each other their full powers, found to
be in good and due form, have agreed 4s follows:

ARTICLE I.

1. The High Contracting Parties agree to establish and
operate a joint Commission, to be known as the Inter-American
Tropical Tuna Commission, hereinafter referred to as the
Commission, which shall carry out the objectives of this
Convention. The Commission shall be composed'of national
sections, each consisting of from one to four members,
appointed by the, Governments of the respective High Contract-
ing Parties.

2. The, Commission shall submit annually to the Govern-
ment cf. each High Contratting Party a report on its investi-
gations and findings, with appropriate recommendations, and
shall also inform such Governments, whenever it is’ deemed
advisable, on any matter relating to the objectives of this
Convention.

3. Each High Contracting Party shall determine and pay
the expenses incurred by its section. Joint expenses in-
curred by the Commission shall be paid by the High Contract-
ing Parties through contributions in the form and proportion
recommended by the Commission and approved by the High
Contracting Parties. The proportion of joint expenses to be
paid by each High Contracting Party shall be related to the
proportion of the total catch from the fisheries covered by
this Convention utilized by that High Contracting Party.

4. Both the general annual program of activities and
the budget of joint expenses shall be recommended by the Com-
mission and submitted for approval to the High Contracting
Parties.

5. The Commission shall decide on the most convenient
place or places for its headquarters.

6. The Commission shall meet at least once each year,
and at such other times as may be requested by a national
section. The date and »lace of the first meeting shall be
determined by agreement between the High Contracting Parties.

7. At its first meeting the Commission shall select a
chairman and a secretary from different national sections.
The chairman and the secretary shall hold office for a period
of one year. During succeeding years, selection of the chair-
man and the secretary from the national sections shall be in
such a manner that the chairman and the secretary will be of
different nationalities, and as will provide each High Contract-
ing: Party, in turn, with an opportunity to be represented in
those offices.

8. Each national section shall have one vote.. Decisions,
resolutions, recommendations, and publications of the Commission
shall be made only by a unanimous vote.

9, The Commission shall be entitled to adopt and to amend
subsequently, as occasion may require, by-laws or rules for the
conduct of its meetings.

10. The Commission shall be entitled to employ necessary
personnel for the performance of its functions and duties.

11. Each High Contracting Party shall be entitled to
establish an Advisory Committee for its- section, to be composed
of persons who shall be well informed concerning tuna fishery
problems of common concern. Each such Advisory Committee shall
be invited to attend the non-executive sessions of the
Commission.

12. The Commission may hold public hearings. Each national
section also may hold public hearings within its own country.

COMMERCIAL FISHERIES REVIEW

|

61

13. The Commission shall designate a Director of Investi-
gations who shall be technically competent and who shal] be
responsible to the Commission and may be freely removed by it.
Subject to the instruction of the Commfssion and with its
approval, the Director of investigations shall have charge of:

(a) the drafting of programs of investigations,
and the preparation of budget estimates for the
Commission;

(b) authorizing the disbursement of the funds for
the joint expenses of the’ Commission;

(c) the accounting of the funds for the Joint expenses
of the Commission;

(d) the appointment and immediate direction of technical
and other:.personnel required forthe functions of the
Commission;

({e) arrangements for the cooperation with other
organizations.or individuals in accordance with. para-
graph 16 of this Article;

(f) the coordination of the work of the Commission with
that of organizations and individuals:whose cooperation
has been arranged for;

(g) the drafting of administrative,
reports for the Commission;

(nh) the performance of such other duties as the
Commission may require.

14, The official languages of the Commission shall be
English and Spanish, and members of the Commission may use
either language during meetings. When requested, translation
shall be made to the other language. The minutes, official
documents, and publications of the Commission shall be in
both languages, but official correspondence of the Commission

scientific and other

may be written, at the discretion of the secretary, in either
language.
15. Each national section shall be entitled to obtain

certified copies of any documents pertain’ng to the Commission
except that the Commission will adopt and may amend subse-
quently rules to ensure the confidential character of records
of statistics of individual catches and individual company
operations.

16. In the performance of its duties and functions the
Commission may request the technical and scientific services
of,-and information from, official agencies of the High Con-
tracting Parties, and any international, public, or private
institution or organization, or any private individual,

ARTICLE II

The Commission shall perform the following functions and
duties:

1. Make investigations concerning the abundance, biology,
biometry, and ecology of yellowfin (Neothunnus) and skipjack
(Katsuwonus) tuna in the waters of the eastern Pacific @cean
fished by the nationals of the High Contracting Parties, and
the’ kinds of fishes commonly used as bait in the tuna fisheries,
especially the anchovetta, and of other kinds of fish taken by
tuna fishing vessels; and the effects of natural factors and
human activities on thé abundance of the populations. of fishes
supporting all these fisheries.

2. Collect and analyze information relating to current
and past conditions and trends of the populations of fishes
covered by this Convention.

3. Study and appraise information concerning methods and
procedures for maintaining and increasing the populations of
fishes covered by this Convention.

4. Conduct such fishing and other activities, on the

seas and in waters which are under the jurisdiction of the
Contracting Parties, as may be necessary to attain the
referred to in subparagraphs 1, 2, and 3 of this Article.

5. Recommend from time to time, on the basis of scien-
tific investigations, proposals for joint action by .the High
Contracting Parties designed to keep the populations of
fishes covered by this Convention at those levels of abund-
ance which will permit the maximum sustained catch.

6. Collect statistics and all kinds of reports concern-
ing catches and the operations of fishing boats, and other
information concerning the fishing for fishes covered by this
Convention, from vessels or persons engaged in these fisheries.

high
High
ends

7. Publish or otherwise disseminate reports relative to
the results of its findings and such other reports as fall
within the scope of this Convention, as well as scientific,
statistical, and other data relating to the fisheries main-
tained by the nationals of the High Contracting Parties for
the fishes covered by this Convention.

ARTICLE ITI

The High Contracting Parties agree to enact such legis-
lation as may be necessary to carry out the purposes of this
Convention.

62

ARTICLE IV

Nothing in this tonvention shall be construed to modify’
any existing treaty o: convention with regard to the fisheries
of the eastern Pacific Ocean previously concluded by a High
Contracting Party, nor to preclude a High Contracting Party °
from entering into treaties or conventions with other States
rezarding these fisheries. the terms of which are not incom-
patible with the present Convention.

ARTICLE V

1. The present Convention shall be ratified and the
instruments of ratification shall be exchanged at Washington
as soon as possible.

2. The present Convention shall enter into force on the
date of exchange of ratifications.

3. Any government, whose nationals participate in the
fisheries covered by this Convention, desiring to adhere to
the present Convention, shall address a communication to that
effect to each of the High Contracting Parties. Upon receiv-
ing the unanimous consent of the High Contracting Parties to
adherence, such government shall deposit with the Government
of the United States of America an instrument of adherence
which shall stipulate the effective date thereof. The Govern-
ment of the United States of America shall furnish a certified
copy of the Convention to each government desiring to adhere

COMMERCIAL FISHERIES REVIEW

Vol. 11, No. 6

thereto. Each adhering government shall have all the rights
and obligations under the Convention as if it had been an
original signatory thereof.

4, At any time after the expiration of ten years from
the date of entry into force of this Convention any High Con-
tracting Party may give notice of its intention of deneuncing
the Convention. Such notification shall become effective with
respect to such notifying government one year after its
receipt by the Government of the United States of America.
After the expiration of the said one year period the Conven-
tion shall be effective only with respect to the remaining
High Contracting Parties.

5. The Government of the United States-of America
shall inform the other High Contracting Parties of all instru-
ments of adherence and of notifications of denunciation
received,

In witness Whereof the respective Plenipotentiaries have
signed the present Convention. 7

DONE at Washington, in duplicate, in the- English and
Spanish languages, both texts being equally authentic, this
31st day of May, one thousand nine hundred fortv-nine.

Eighty-first Conaress (first session)
MAY 1949

Listed below are all the public bills, and joint resolutions, etc. introduced,
referred to committees, and passed by the Eighty-First Congress during May 1949
which affect in any way the fisheries and fishing and allied industries.

PUBLIC BILLS AND JOINT RESOLUTIONS INTRODUCED AND REFERRED TO COMMITTEES:

House of Representatives:

H. R. 4461 (Bartlett) - A bill to provide for the gradual elimination of
salmon traps in the waters of Alaska; to the Committee on Merchant

Marine and Fisheries,

H, BR, 4552 (Lesinski) - A bill to reise the minimum wage standards of the
Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938; to the Committee on Education and

Labor.

H, R, 4701 (Mrs. Woodhouse) - A bill to establish a Connecticut Valley
Administration to provide for unified water control and resource
development on the Connecticut River, its tributaries, and watershed,
to prevent floods, encourage agriculture, stimulate industrial ex
pansion, develop low-cost hydroelectric power, promote navigation,
increase recreational possibilities, protect wildlife, strengthen the
national defense, and for other purposes; to the Committee on Public

Works,

H, R, 4825 (Hand) - A bill to amend the Oil Pollution Act, 1924, and for
other purposes; to the Committee on Public Works,

H, R, (Bland) - Resolution investigating certain matters pertaining to
the merchant marine and fisheries of the United States; to the Con

mittee on Rules,

June 1949

Senate:

S.

Ss.

Ss.

COMMERCIAL FISHERIES REVIEW 63

1870 (McCarran) - A bill prohibiting the sale in the District of
Columbia of rockfish weighing more than 15 pounds; to the Commit-
tee on the District of Columbia,

189¢ (Green) - A bill to aid in the use, conservation, and develop-
ment of the natural resources of the river basins in the New Eng-
land States and to establish the New England River Basin Survey
Commission; to the Committee on Public Works,

1902 (McGrath) - A bill providing for loans to fishery cooperative
associations; to the Committee on Agriculture and Forestry.

1965 (Malone) - A bill to amend the Tariff Act of 1930, and for
other purposes; to the Committee on Finance,

Res. 118 (Langer) - Resolved, That (a) it is the sense of the Senate
that the right to construct, own, and operate a domestic fishing
fleet, within the limits defined by international fishing conven-
tions, should be restored to the German people; and (b) the Presi-
dent is requested to take such action as may be necessary and appro-
priate to effectuate the immediate restoration of such right to
persons within American zones of occupation; to the Committee on
Foreign Relations.

TREATY RECEIVED:

Senate:

International Convention for Northwest Atlantic Fisheries signed at

Washington February 8, 1949 (Exec. N) was received and referred
to Committee on Foreign Relations,

BILL SIGNED BY THE PRESIDENT:

S.

J. Res, 42, approving an interstate compact and creating the Gulf
States Marine Fisheries Commission, Signed May 19, 1949 (Pp, L. 66).
The consent of Congress is given to any two or more of the States

of Alabama, Florida, Louisiana, Mississippi, and Texas to enter into
the compact and agreement set forth in this Public Law relating to the
better utilization of the fisheries (marine, shell, and anadromous)
of the Gulf Coast.

64

COMMERCIAL FISHERIES REVIEW

Vol. 11, No. 6

LANDINGS AND RECEIPTS

In Millions

MAINE - LANDINGS
NOT INCLUDING IMPORTS

° ee |
JAN. FEB. MAR. APR. MAY. JUNE JULY AUG. SEPT. OCT. NOV. DEC.

NEW YORK CIiTY-RECEIPTS OF FRESH & FROZEN FISH
SALT-WATER MARKET

10}
JAN. FEB. MAR. APR. MAY. JUNE JULY AUG. SEPT. OCT, NOV. DEC.

GULF - SHRIMP LANDINGS
HEADS OFF - FOR ALL USES

JULY AUG. OCT. NOV. DEC. JAN. FEB. MAR. APR. MAY JUNE

In

CALIFORNIA - PILCHARD LANDINGS

96
84
DOES NOT INCLUDE SUMMER OR OFF-SEASON PRODUCTION
72
60
48
emus
36 Soph ty

JULY AUG. SEPT, OCT. NOV. DEC. JAN. FES. MAR. APR. MAY JUNE

Thousands

of Pounds

MASSACHUSETTS - LANDINGS
BOSTON , GLOUCESTER , NEW BEDFORD , & CAPE COD ae

JAN. FEB. MAR. APR. MAY. JUNE JULY AUG. SEPT. OCT. NOV. DEC.

CHICAGO - RECEIPTS OF FRESH & FROZEN FISH
WHOLESALE MARKET

JAN. FEB. MAR. APR. MAY. JUNE JULY AUG. SEPT. OCT. NOV DEC.

SEATTLE - RECEIPTS OF FRESH & FROZEN FISH
WHOLESALE MARKET , LANDINGS , & IMPORTS

JAN. FEB. MAR. APR. MAY. JUNE JULY AUG. SEPT. OCT, NOV. DEC.

of Tons
CALIFORNIA- TUNA AND TUNA-LIKE FISH

We §1948
AY

ald
¢
4
——

\

eas

JAN. FEB. MAR. APR. MAY. JUNE JULY AUG. SEPT. OCT, NOV. DEC.

seeeeene ESTIMATED

June 1949 COMMERCIAL FISHERIES REVIEW 65

COLD STORAGE HOLDINGS and FREEZINGS of FISHERY PRODUCTS

in Millions of Pounds

U.S. & ALASKA - HOLDINGS OF FROZEN FISH

U.S. & ALASKA - FREEZINGS

JAN. FEB. MAR. APR. MAY. JUNE JULY AUG. SEPT. OCT. NOV. DEC.

t°)
JAN. FEB. MAR. APR. MAY. JUNE JULY AUG. SEPT. OCT. NOV. DEC.

NEW YORK CITY - HOLDINGS OF FROZEN FISH

NEW ENGLAND - 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

JAN. FEB. MAR. APR. MAY. JUNE JULY AUG, SEPT. OCT. NOV. DEC.

0.
JAN. FEB. MAR. APR. MAY. JUNE JULY AUG. SEPT. OCT, NOV. DEC.

WASHINGTON, OREGON, AND ALASKA - Arist
HOLDINGS OF FROZEN FISH CALIFORNIA - HOLDINGS OF FROZE

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.

66 COMMERCIAL FISHERIES REVIEW

Vol. 11, No. 6

CANNED FISHERY PRODUCTS

In Thousands

MAINE - SARDINES, ESTIMATED PACK

ie}
JAN. FEB. MAR. APR. MAY. JUNE JULY AUG. SEPT. OCT. NOV. DEC.

CALIFORNIA - TUNA

JAN. FEB. MAR. APR. MAY. JUNE JULY AUG. SEPT. OCT. NOV. DEC.

CALIFORNIA - MACKEREL

(0) 7 SS

JAN. FEB. MAR. APR. MAY. JUNE JULY AUG. SEPT. OCT. NOV. DEC.

WASHINGTON - PUGEY SOUND SALMON

JAN. FEB. MAR. APR. MAY. JUNE JULY AUG. SEPT. OCT. NOV. DEC.

of Standard Cases

UNITED STATES - SHRIMP

D AND DRUG ADMINISTRATION, SEA~
FOOD INSPECTION SERVICE.

JULY AUG. SEPT. OCT. NOV. DEC: JAN. FEB. MAR. APR.MAY JUNE

CALIFORNIA - PILCHARDS
1200
DOES NOT INCLUDE SUMMER OR OFF-SEASON PRODUCTION

ae ee orem]
ine
raw

1050

ra
\A

1948-49

150

1947-48N
~

Pan
a ad =

JULY AUG. SEPT. OCT. NOV. DEC. JAN. FEB. MAR. APR. MAY JUNE

ALASKA - SALMON

JAN. FEB. MAR. APR. MAY. JUNE JULY AUG. SEPT. OCT. NOV. DEC.

STANDARD CASES
Variety No.Cans Can Designation Nat. Wat.
SARDINES 100 4 drawn 3 V4 oz.
SHRIMP 48 No.1 picnic 7 Oza
TUNA 48 No. 1/2 tuna 7 oz.
PILCHARDS 48 No. 1 oval 15 oz.
MACKEREL 48 No. 300 15 oz.

SALMON 48 l-pound tall 16 oz.

June 1949 COMMERCIAL FISHERIES REVIEW

PRICES . IMPORTS and BY-PRODUCTS

BOSTON - WEIGHTED AVERAGE PRICE
ON NEW ENGLAND FISH EXCHANGE IN ¢ PER POUND

0.
JAN. FEB. MAR. APR. MAY. JUNE JULY AUG. SEPT. OCT. NOV. DEC.

In

U.S. - IMPORTS OF FRESH & FROZEN FILLETS
OF GROUND FISH, INCLUDING ROSEFISH:-

te}
JAN. FEB. MAR. APR. MAY. JUNE JULY AUG. SEPT. OCT, NOV. DEC.

U.S.- IMPORTS OF CANNED TUNA
AND TUNA-LIKE FISH

0 :
JAN. FEB. MAR. APR. MAY. JUNE JULY AUG. SEPT. OCT. NOV. DEC.

U.S. & ALASKA - PRODUCTION, OF FISH MEAL
IN THOUSANDS OF TONS

JAN. FEB. MAR. APR. MAY. JUNE JULY AUG. SEPT. OCT. NOV. DEC.

Millions of Pounds

IN MILLIONS OF POUNDS

MAINE - IMPORTS OF FRESH SEA HERRING
IN MILLIONS OF POUNDS

JAN.

a] =e

Salis
FEB. MAR. APR. MAY. JUNE JULY AUG. SEPT. OCT. NOV. DEC.

U.S.- IMPORTS OF FRESH AND FROZEN

SHRIMP FROM MEXICO

{e}
JAN. FEB. MAR. APR. MAY. JUNE JULY AUG. SEPT, OCT. NOV. DEC.

U.S.- IMPORTS OF CANNED SARDINES

(Include in oil and not in oil )

JAN.

U.S.

FEB. MAR. APR. MAY. JUNE JULY AUG. SEPT. OCT. NOV. DEC.

& ALASKA - PRODUCTION OF FISH OIL
IN MILLIONS OF GALLONS

JAN.

FEB MAR, APR. MAY. JUNE JULY AUG. SEPT. OCT. NOV. DEC

67

68 COMMERCIAL FISHERIES REVIEW Fol. 11, No. 6

Recent publications of interest to the commercial fishing industry are listed
below.

FISH AND WILDLIFE SERVICE PUBLICATIONS

THESE PUBLICATIONS ARE AVAILABLE FREE FROM THE DIVISION OF INFORMATION, FISH AND WILDLIFE SERVICE, DEPARTMENT OF THE
INTERIOR, WASHINGTON 25, D. C. TYPES OF PUBLICATIONS ARE DESIGNATED AS FOLLOWS:

= CURRENT FISHERY STATISTICS OF THE UNITEO STATES AND ALASKA.

- FISHERY LEAFLETS.

MDL - MARKET DEVELOPMENT SECTION LISTS OF DEALERS, LOCKER PLANTS, ASSOCIATIONS, ETC.
= STATISTICAL SECTION LISTS OF DEALERS IN AND PRODUCERS OF FISHERY PRODUCTS AND BYPRODUCTS.
«= SEPARATES (REPRINTS) FROM COMMERCIAL FISHERIES REVIEW.

Number Title
GFs-461 - Massachusetts Landings, December 1948

&
"

>

P
‘

Fish Meal and Oil, March 1949
- Massachusetts Landings, January 1949
CFS-467 - Maine Landings, February 1949
FL-292 fBevssed - List of Fishery Cooperative Associations in the U, S, and Alaska

FL-293 (Revised List of Fishermen's and Fish Shore Workers’ Unions in the U. S.,
Alaske, and Hawaii

FL-330 - Experimental Fishing Trip to Bering Sea

FL=-335 - Studies of Bacteriological Agar

SL-7 Revised) - Wholesale Dealers in Fishery Products, New Jersey, 1948

SL-10 (Revised) = Wholesale Dealers in Fishery Products, Maryland, 1948

SL-12 (Revised) - Wholesale Dealers in Fishery Products, Virginia, 1948

MOL-49 - Partial List of Buyers of Fresh and Processed Fish for Chain
Store Companies Operating in Virginia, North Carolina, South
Carolina, and Georgia,

Sep. 229 - Spiny Lobsters = Identification, World Distribution, and U, S, Trade
Sep, 230 - Vitamin A and D Potencies of the Liver Oil of Pacific Cod

Age and Growth of Immature Rosefish (Sebastes Marinus) in the Gulf of Maine and off
Western Nova Scotia, by Alfred Perlmutter and George M, Clarke, Fishery Bulletin
45, pp. PP. 207-20, illus. (from Fishery Bulletin of the Fish and Wildlife Sarvica),
printed, 15 cents. (For sale only by the Superintendent of Documents, Washington
2, D. G) As a result of the growing importance of the rosefish fishery, the
Service began a study of this species in the fall of 1942, ‘This report summarizes
one phase of the investigation; namely, the age and growth of immature rosefish in
the Gulf of Maine and off the Browns Bank area of western Nova Scotia. ‘The author
states that compared with other North Atlantic species of commercial importance
(such as haddock, cod, and mackerel) the rosefish is extremely slow growing, av-
eraging less than a 25-mm, increase in length per annulus to the ninth annulus in
both the Gulf of Maine and off the Browns Bank area of western Nova Scotia. Since
these results were obtained for primarily immature fish, it is to be expected that
the mature fish will have a slower raw of growth, Marketable rosefish, those 200
mm, in length or greater, are mostly more than 10 years of age, and a superficial
examination of the scales of the larger fish indicate that many must be 2 or more
years old,

June 1949 COMMERCIAL FISHERIES REVIEW 69

Interior, Fiscal Year Ended Juns 30, 19. 5, (Reprinted from the Annual Report _
of the Secretary of the Interior), 30 p., printed. This reports the Service's
activities in marine fishery research; the conservation of Alaska fisheries;
salmon conservation in the United States; utilization of fishery resources
(covers mostly the commercial fisheries activities of the Service); maintaining
the inland fisheries; cooperation with American Republics; rehabilitation of
the Philippine fisheries; proposed international treaties; polar expeditions;
whaling; and wildlife,

Anmal Report of the Director, Fish and Wildlife Service, to the Secretary of the

of Oyster Farming Experiments in South Carolina 1939-40, by R. 0. Smith,
Special Scientific Report 63, 2 p., 19 fig., processed. Limited distribution,
This report summarizes progress in oyster farming experiments in South Carolina
in 1939-40. The author in his conclusion states that the information presented
in this publication provides a sound basis for future development of the oyster
industry in South Carolina and Georgia,

ARTICLES BY FISH AND WILDLIFE SERVICE AUTHORS IN OTHER PUBLICATIONS

"Estimations of Abundance of the Eggs of the Pacific Pilchard (Sardinops caerulea)
off Southern California During 1940 and 1941," by Oscar E, Sette and Elbert H.
Ahlstrom, Journal of Marine Research (Sverdrup Sixtieth Anniversary), vol. VII,
1948, no. 3, pp. 511-52, illus. Sears Foundation for Marine Research, Bingham
Oceanographic Laboratory, Yale University, New Haven, Conn,, Nov. 15, 1948,
($3.00 per vol. or $1.00 per no.), ‘This report is concerned with the enumeration
of the eggs of the Pacific pilchard (Sardinops caerulea) in a certain area during
two spawning seasons, The eggs, being non-motile, are perhaps the simplest of
the several stages to deal with, yet even their emmeration involves a number of
complexities and untested assumptions, according to the authors. This study has
brought to light some aspects of the problem of estimating spawning productivity,

from quantitative plankton tows, that may be of significance to further advances
in this field.

"The Mystery of the Red Tide," by Paul S, Galtsoff, The Scientific Monthly, vol,
LXVIII, no. 2, (February 1949), pp. 108-17, illus., single copies of magazine
75 cents. The Scientific Monthly, Washington, D, C. ‘The author reviews the
information available on "blooming" of the sea (popularly Imown as red tide),
and discusses the occurrence of this phenomenon along the west coast of Florida
in 1946-47. He concludes with certain observations regarding whether or not
the outbreak of red tide can be controlled.

MISCELLANEOUS PUBLICATIONS

THE FOLLOWING PUBLICATIONS MAY BE OBTAINED, IN MOST INSTANCES, FROM THE AGENCIES ISSUING THEM.

"Canada and Norway Chief Sources of U. S, Supply of Shark Liver Oils," article,
Foreign Crops and Markets, June 20, 1949, vol. 58, no. 25, pp. 610-11, processed,
free, Office of Foreign Agricultural Relations, U. S. Dept. of Agriculture,
Washington 25, D.C. Supplies data on the crude and refined shark liver oils
imported by the United States during 1948 and the first four months of 1949 and
1948 by country of origin,

‘The Commercial Fishing Industry in Florida, 23 p., illus., printed, free. Florida
State Board of Conservation, Tallahassee, Fla., 1949. This booklet discusses
the commercial fishing industry in the State of Florida and gives statistics
for 1948, However, the data for the menhaden catch seems to be abnormally high,

Effect of Foreign Competition on the United States Fishing Industry (Letter from
Assistant Secretary of State transmitting a report authorized under House
Resolution No. 147 with reference to the domestic fishing industry), 28 p.,

COMMERCIAL FISHERIES REVIEW Vol. 11, Noo 6

printed, Available only from the House Committee on Merchant Marine and Fish-
eries until exhausted, After quoting House Resolution 147, the report gives a
gensral resume of the general impact of forsign competition upon the fishing
industry of the United States; presents factual data for groundfish fillets,
other fillets, whole or partially dressed salt-water fish, whole or partially
dressed fresh-water fish and eels, crab meat, lobsters, shrimp, and canned
tuma; and gives alternative courses of action, The report concludes with an
appendix of 28 tables.

Fishing in Troubled Waters, by Wilbert Mcleod Chapman, 256 p., printed, $3.00.
J, B. Lippincott Co., New York, N. Y., 1949. This book is a non-technical
account of the experiences of Dr, Chapman--now Special Assistant to the Under
Secretary of State--in the South Pacific during World Wer II while partici-
pating in a Government project to supply the armed services at their advanced
bases in the South Pacific with fresh fish in order to supplement the normal
protein diet, and to divert soma of the shipping space required for food to
other needed war materials,

She Fish Trade of the Caribbean, External Trade Bulletin No, 3, 280 p. and map,
printed, 1948. Caribbean Commission, Kent House, Port of Spain, Trinidad,
This study, the third in the series of External Trade Bulletins in which the
external trade of the "Commission territories" is presented and analyzed by
basic commodities, is a factual study of the import and export trade in fish.
The Caribbean Research Council was established by the Caribbean Commission
(formerly the Anglo-American Caribbean Commission) to survey needs, to de-
termine what research has been done, to facilitate research on a cooperative
basis, and to arrange for the prompt dissemination of the results of research,
all without limitation to the field of inquiry. Fish (particularly dried,
salted, smoked, or pickled) has traditionally constituted one of the staple
articles in the Caribbean diet and one of the most important items of the
Caribbean import trade. Both from the standpoint of mtrition (ag a valuable
source of protein); as well as from the standpoint of providing possible en-
ployment for fishermen, a possible industry for the area, and reducing the
dependence of the Caribbean territories on imported supplies of so basic a
foodstuff, its importance has increasingly been appreciated in recent years,
This report contains numerous tables giving the quantities and values of the
imports and exports of fishery products of all the Caribbean countries. The
period covered in most cases is 1935 through 1947.

Some of the major conclusions which emerge from the study are:

(1) the total prewar import trade of the “Commission territories"
amounted to 46,300 tons, which increased in 1944 to 53,100
tons, By 1947, the figure had declined to 42,400 tons. Dried,
salted, smoked or pickled fish represents approximately 90 per-
cent, (2) The total prewar value of these imports amounted to
approximately $5,250,000 in 1938, By 1944, the value had in-
creased to $17,250,000, and by 1947 to over $18,000,000. ‘The
total expenditure on dried, salted, smoked or pickled fish in
1947 was $13,500,000. (3) The chief countries of origin ars,
in terms of dried, salted, smoked or pickled fish, Newfoundland,
which supplied 21,400 tons in 1933 and 16,700 tons in 1947, and
Canada, which supplied 12,900 tons in 1938 and 15,700 tons in
1947; and, in terms of canned fish, the United States, During
the war years (1943-45) shipments of dried, salted, smoked and
pickled fish from the United States rose, at their peak, to
14,600 tons, as compared with 658 in 1935.

How Can Statistics Increase The Catch, by Clarence P. Idyll, Educational Series
Wo. 3, 19 p., illus., free, Marine Laboratory, University of Miami, Coral
Gables, Fla, Florida State Board of Conservation, Tallahassee, Fla., 1949.
This booklet discusses the use of fishery statistics to increase the catch,
It atteupts to answer the following questions: What are fishery statistics?,

June 1949 COMMERCIAL FISHERIES REVIEW 71

How are fishery statistics used?, How can fishery statistics be collected?,
Of what use are fishery statistics to the fishing industry?, and What Steps
should be taken to set up a proper system of statistics?

For sale by the Superintendent of Documents, Washington 25, D. C., $1.75.)
This list, published annually and corrected to Jamiary 1, 1949, describes
all aids to navigation maintained by or under authority of the U. S. Coast
Guard, on the Atlantic and Gulf Coasts of the United States, from St. Croix
River, Maine, to the Rio Grande and including the U. S. West Indian Islands,
Unlighted buoys and day beacons are given at the end of this list.

United States Coast Guard, Treasury Department, Washington, D. C., 1949.
(For sale by the Superintendent of Documents, Washington 25, D. C., $1.00.)
This list, published annually and corrected to March 1, 1949, describes all
aids to navigation and fog signals mintained by or under the authority of
the United States Coast Guard and the Dominion of Canada on the Great Lakes
and the St. Lawrence River above St. Regis River. In addition, it includes
a list of unlighted buoys and day beacons in the United States waters,

Light List ui ssienees and Ohio Rivers and Their Tributaries, CG-161, 38 p.,
map, printed. ted States Coast Guard, Treasury Department, Washington,
D. C., 1949. (For sale by the Superintendent of Documents, Washington 25,
D. C., $1.50.) ‘his list, published anmally and corrected to January 1,
1949, describes aids to navigation maintained by or under authority of the
United States Coast Guard, in waters of the navigable inland rivers, which
include the Mississippi, Illinois, Des Plaines, St. Croix, Missouri, Red,
Minnssota, Ohio, Tennessee, Cumberland, Kanawha, Monongahela, and Allegheny
Rivers,

This list, published annually and corrected to January 1, 1949, deseribes
all aids to navigation and fog signals maintained by or under authority of
the U. S. Coast Guard on the Pacific Coast of the United States, and on the
eoasts of Alaska and the Hawaiian and outlying Pacific Islands. Unlighted
buoys and day beacons in United States waters are at the end of this list,
It also includes the lighted aids to navigation on the coast of British
Columbia, maintained by the Canadian Government,

Processing -- Miscellaneous Service Division

Mlustrator -- Gustaf T. Sundstrom Compositors -- Jean Zalevsky, Carolyn Wood

59778

ILO

"S.S. PACIFIC EXPLORER" 3 9088 01018 1022

Part IV-Personnel and the Movement of Materials
Fishery Leaflet 326, "S. S. Pacific Explorer, Part IV--Personnel and the

Movement of Materials," recently issued by the Service, is the fourth of a series
on the initial tuna operations of the Pacific Explorer.

This 26-page illustrated report discusses the problems encountered with respect
to the movement of tuna through the ship, the transfer of miscellaneous supplies
to the fishing vessels, and the personnel involved in the transfer of these mate— ;
rials. It concludes with recommendations to prospective operators of tuna receiving ee
ships and presents some of the future considerations that should be given attention
by these operators,

‘ : oh
No we

<a

A TUNA PURSE SEINER TAKING ON A LOAD OF CRUSHED 1CE

The factors considered inthe conversion of the ship and a general description
of the arrangement of the vessel was published in the January 1947 issue of Com-
mercial Fisheries Review and is now available as Separate No. 161. Part II on
suggestions for operators of tuna receiving ships was issued as Fishery Leaflet 301.
Part III on below deck arrangements and refrigeration equipment was issued as
Fishery Leaflet 316. All of these publications can be obtained free upon request
from the U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Washington 25, D. Co

0S4°@ - 67/4 - eMNA wros

STOT °ON 9 {usted
SSANISNA WIDISA0

‘2 ‘0 ‘SZ NOLONIHSVM
SSIAYNSS 34517 G11M GNV HSI4 ,
OO€$ ‘3V1is0Od 4O INaWAva YOMSLNI SHL JO LNANLYVdad
GIOAY CL USN SLVAINd YOd ALIVNaG i S3ALVLS G32LINO is