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COMMERCIAL BE WEE VE
FISHERIE Site © FEF

(UINA (GENE a eics

LENGTH I50 FEET

Vol.16, No.9 ‘SEPTEMBER 1954

FISH and WILDLIFE SERVICE

United States Department of the Interior
Washington, D.C.

UNITED STATES
DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR FISH AND WILDLIFE SERVICE
DOUGLAS MCKAY, SECRETARY JOHN L. FARLEY, DIRECTOR

COMMERCIAL FISHERIES REVIEW

A review of developments and news of the fishery industries
prepared in the BRANCH OF COMMERCIAL FISHERIES

A. W. Anderson, Editor F. F. Johnson, Associate Editor
J. Pileggi and J. J. O'Brien, Assistant Editors

Mailed free to members of the fishery and alliedindustries. Address correspondence and requests to
the: Director, Fish and Wildlife Service, U. S. Department of the Interior, Washington 25, D. C

Publication of material from sources outside the Service is not an endorsement. The Service is not
responsible for the accuracy of facts, views, or opinions contained in material from outside sources.

Although the contents of this publicationhave not been copyrighted and maybe reprinted freely, refer-
ence to the source will be appreciated.

The printing of this publicationhas been approved by the Director of the Bureau of the Budget, Novem-
ber 5, 1952.

CONTENTS

COVER: West Coast tuna clipper. These vessels operate with live-bait, the principal
method used by U, S, fishermen in catching tuna, They are equipped with live-bait
tanks on deck in which the small bait fish are carried alive to the fishing grounds, On
locating a school of tuna, live bait is thrown overboard to attract the tuna to the vessel.
When they rush in to take the bait, feathered lures concealing barbless hooks attached
to short lines fastened to stout bamboo poles are cast into the water near the tuna, The
tuna take the lures and the fishermen heave them over the rail of the boat onto the deck.
Live bait is continually cast over the side to hold the school in the vicinity of the ves-
sel and fishing continues as long as the school remains, or until the fishermen are ob-
liged to discontinue operations in order to care for the fish that have already beentaken,

Page
Analysis of the Hawaiian Long-Line Fishery, 1948-52, by Tamio Otsu. ..........2220e2eeeee Gomme. osc 1
eeee ee
Page Page
RESEARCH IN SERVICE LABORATORIES: ......... 18 TRENDS AND DEVELOPMENTS (Contd.):
Cold-Storage Life of Fresh-Water Fish--No. 1, by Pribilof Islands Fur-Seal Take, 1954........., 37
Dl Miyauchit ey no ebelaretel eeeteiemeretay east cterenenonste 18 U, S, Canned Packs of Selected Fishery Products,
Technical Note No, 90-=-Proposed Method for Esti- 1953:
mating Amount of Solubles Added to Whole Fish Alewives! 7. aye clavaretaiene oitel oie Deecohedavete Ryovetais) LOO
Meal iby Ga F/pLee\ ausiesrcncienetapedo ekoveie ienenenoneoe 21 AnichovieS:.2,.eics: ssc Stetersle eters misca.e shes Sado 6!
The Development of Federal Specifications ....... 24 California Sardines (Pilchard) ...........-. 39
Experimental Freezer-Trawler Delaware Resumes Glamsjand (Glam Products) (25 cic susetete cre ie svat 40
@perations eerste! «ie S CROKE Wve tevaieteNeyewetla 27 GrabiMeatr ust. sicheteote cle sveleleishouste sas avetolens 41
Newihoriiatee pint teiel-leiexciensie Geos cocébOODC 28 OYStELS ie tele) aiclaetaredsVereroleVolelslctolakamiehelotenets 42
TRENDS AND DEVELOPMENTS: ........0-sccs0% 29 Salmon Canned in Pacific Coast States pilaiaiene)lalfele 43
California: Tuna and'Tunalike Fish. ........-sc«ss . 4
Pacific Mackerel Fishing Outlook Dismal ...... 29 U.S. Fish Stick Production, January-June 1954 . 46
Commercial Fishing License Sales Down in195954 29 U, S, Foreign Trade:
Cans--Shipments for Fishery Products, January- Edible Fishery Products, May 1954....... weedeAl
IMiay GDA. wepes cvoxsneveycienenancherecenereieners SAODCACe et anuary-May 1954" Trendsi., .)mraneneteeelorstetenetens 4T
Federal Purchases of Fishery IProdicts meri iaueheicis 29 Fish-Oil Exports at Record High in 1953 ...... 48
Fillet and Fish Stick Advertising Test ..... . 30 U. S, Tuna Catch Can Be Greatly Increased ..... 48
Film to Show Role of Outboard Motors in Fishing - Wholesale Prices, July 1954...............2. 49
INGE SVE eae soen oobdceOodedooUGOOS jee tal) FOREIGN: ..... GescSonDaUace OR COC. Lik
Fishery Products Marketing Prospects, July-Octo- International:
pert 954 "ae Moras ccete bisesicloieve, rere ava ere emenetete 31 Benelux Countries Ease Import Restrictions .... 51
Florida: International Congress of Refrigeration:
Shrimp Explorations off West Coast by Goodwill Ninth Meeting at Paris in 1955 ...........- 51
(Gruise’l)i/jaeno2 eee eee een rt bite ve SD North Pacific Fisheries Commission:
Maryland: James Appointed Temporary Director ....... 51
Chesapeake Bay Fisheries, 1946-50 .......... 33 Whaling:
Food Fisheries Production Drops in 1953 ...... 34 World Whale- and Sperm-Oil Production, 1953/54 52
Oyster-Shell Planting in 1953/54 One of Largest Sixth Conference of International Whaling Com-
in’ History: cette hice en Oe #5) Mee, J OS mission at Tokyo! <.). «. <s eels sree Becyenes OS
Spot Fishery Increases... a ed Nava ay ES Japmhese Pearl Fisting Oe ee ss
Hake Caught in Chesapeake Bay..... Soaoo Ka th ODOC UOCIO O00 26 Sem UnBae 5” :
Squid Production off Ocean City Decreases ‘Slightly 36 Trade Agr eements: lud
New England Tuna Explorations: ee ae Barter Oe ae Includes aA
Wi i ‘chi is| Rays
Sra usesemer Fins Timo Ney gy | grein Api cine cy”

ProductS ...cccccesccesssssere

Contents Continued Page 93

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September 1954

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ANALYSIS OF THE HAWAIIAN
LONG-LINE FISHERY, 1948-52

By Tamio Otsu*

CONTENTS
Page Page

SUBMNEISY ogoonooooDOOUDOD ODO dD DOOODDODDO 1 BoatvEfficiencyn.varsrerercrsietoteerehe a evevevelcheiel sfelel cteks 9
BACK OTOUNG Hee ae ier suaveucichonslisisueieretencuchegekedsouctiey ere 2 Sizejoiithemumas nee iosctescmereseueneteveiievereteieneioltete 10
Species Composition of the Long-line Catch ....... 3 Sex) Ratiovof the) Tunas! s.<)5 6/0001) elle syene ser #1 hel eels one 11
Seasonal Variations in the Catch. ...........00- 4 | Predicting the Long-line Catch of Yellowfin ....... 12
Catch per Unit of Effort .......-.0-2ceeeeeeee 5 Fish Prices and Value of Landings .............- 14
Rishinggeflortuemiepacererioeneinoroe ein nerieicnenekenene fi literature: Cited myaweistelsehclcnerension center Rotee tenons 16
Variation in Catch by Areas ........ cece eee eee 8 Acknowledgmentammercieichetorsl siclieieneteneicleioiieKel oles ie 17

SUMMARY

1. The long-line methodis presently the only means of efficiently catching the
subsurface resource of tunas and spearfishes in the vicinity of the Hawaiian Islands.

2. The tuna landings have steadily increased following a period of restricted
fishing during World War II.

3. The species composition of the tuna landings have changed from a predomi-
nance of yellowfin to one of big-eyed during the postwar years.

4. There is a marked seasonal variation in abundance among the tunas, with
yellowfin occurring in greater numbers during the summer and the big-eyed during
the winter months. There is less variation in seasonal abundance among the spear-
fishes, with the black marlin generally more abundant during the summer months
and the striped marlin in the winter.

5. This seasonal variation in species composition is dependent upon the move-
ments and local abundance of the fish. Both of these factors may be influenced by
any of a number of environmental factors; e.g., sea temperature is frequently be-
lieved to be important, however, the available data are too scanty to be conclusive.

6. There is a possibility that the occurrence of yellowfin in greater numbers
during the summer is related to spawning.
7. The possibility also exists that yellowfin are responding to a slightly more

abundant food supply during the summer months in island waters.

*F ishery Research Biologist, Pacific Oceanic Fishery Investigations, U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Honolulu, T. H,

2 COMMERCIAL FISHERIES REVIEW Vol. 16, No. 9

8. The average total catch rate (catch per 100 hooks fished per day) is about
3.0, which compares favorably with the Japanese catch in their home waters but
falls below their catch in various tropical and subtropical areas.

9. The amount of effort expended by the fleet from year to year did not vary
‘significantly during the years surveyed.

10. There appears to be a seasonal shifting of the more productive fishing
grounds. Windward waters are said to be more productive during the winter months.

11. Noticeable variations in boat efficiency may be attributed to differences in
the productivity among various areas, since certain of the low-catch boats fish ex-
clusively in one area regardless of productivity.

12. The long-line fishery catches yellowfin over 90 pounds in weight, with the
bulk of the catch falling between 100 and 160 pounds. The big-eyed are somewhat
larger, with the bulk falling roughly between 100 and 200 pounds. Yellowfin average
around 140 and the big-eyed around 160 pounds.

13. The sex ratio among long line-caught yellowfin and big-eyed tuna differs
significantly from 50:50 (or 1:1) with males predominating in both species.

14. There is a possibility that yellowfin spend their first year or two at the
surface before descending to subsurface levels. This may be a basis for a method
of predicting the abundance of subsurface yellowfin a few years in advance.

15. The limited market makes the price especially sensitive to supply andcon-
sequently serves to limit fishing intensity.

BACKGROUND

The long-line fishery of Hawaii catches the deep-swimming pelagic tunas and
spearfishes in the coastal and offshore waters of the Hawaiian Islands. Having had
its beginning in 1917, when a Japanese immigrant introduced the Japanese technique
of fishing subsurface levels in waters off Waianae, Oahu, this fishery has rapidly
developed into a major source of fish in the Territory; its landings are valued at
over a million dollars annually.

4

<

~ . SHORE
OgenTine GARDEN Rong

* fies Sirti
.

Fig. 1 - A long-line vessel (sampan) of the Honolulu fleet.

September 1954 COMMERCIAL FISHERIES REVIEW 3

Since this is the only tuna long-line fishery in the central Pacific Ocean, a
thorough understanding of it is important in evaluating data gathered from equato-
rial regions which the Service's Pacific Oceanic Fishery Investigations (POFI) has
been exploring. June (1950) described the fishery in some detail; this report is in-
tended as a supplement and includes data on the catch and its trends and some ob-
servations on the biology of the tunas.

This report, which covers the period from 1948 to 1952, is based largely on
statistics provided by the Division of Fish and Game, Board of Agriculture and
Forestry, Territory of Hawaii. These have been supplemented by information gath-
ered through discussions with fishermen and dealers and by examination of catches
landed at the local markets.

The principal center of the long-line fishery is Honolulu, where a fleet of 31 to
33 boats operates throughout the year and accounts for approximately 70 percent of
the Territory's long-line landings. Next in importance is Hilo, on the island of
Hawaii, with a fleet of about 10 boats. Smaller fleets are based at Kona on the is-
land of Hawaii and at Port Allen, Kauai.

The Hawaiian long-line boats are built along the lines of the Japanese sampan-
type live-bait boats, with a high and narrow bow, a modified V-bottom, and a mod-
erately low freeboard aft (fig. 1). The after deck has sufficient space for handling
the fishing gear efficiently. They range in size from 40 to 63 feet in over-all length,
with about a 12-foot beam and a 6-foot draft on 60-foot boats. They are powered
with a Diesel main engine of 115 to 165 horsepower, usually of the high-speed type,
driving a single screw through a reduction gear. Since none of the boats are e-
quipped with any sort of mechanical refrigeration, the fish are stored in crushed ice.
At the outset of a trip the fish holds are packed with the necessary amount of cake
ice, generally in a ratio of about four pounds of ice to each expected pound of fish.
The larger boats carry a crew of 4 or 5 while the smaller boats employ a crew of
only 2 or 3 men.

The gear is a drifting long-line made up in units referred to as "baskets" (June
1950, Niska 1953). Each "basket" consists of a main line 140 to 200 fathoms long
suspended at intervals by floats and supporting in turn a series of 5 or 6 vertical
branch lines. The hooks are usually baited with frozen sardines (Sardinops caerulea)
or herring (Clupea pallasii), From 20 to 35 "baskets" of gear are connected in a
set, thus covering a considerable expanse of water.

SPECIES COMPOSITION OF THE LONG-LINE CATCH

The catches of the long-line boats include an interesting variety of tunas, spear-
fishes, and miscellaneous pelagic fishes. Among the tunas, which constitute approx-
imately 65 percent of the landings; the yellowfin (Neothunnus macropterus) and the
big-eyed (Parathunnus sibi) are the two principal species. Albacore (Germo alalunga)
makes up from 1 to 4 percent of the total landings, whereas the long-line catch of
skipjack (Katsuwonus pelamis) is negligible and is practically never landed at the
markets. Among the spearfishes, the black marlin (Makaira mazara) and the striped
marlin (Makaira mitsukurii) are the most abundant. Other species taken in lesser
quantities are the sailfish (Istiophorus orientalis), short-nosed spearfish (Tetrap-
turus brevirostris), white marlin (Makaira marlina), and broadbill swordfish
(Xiphias gladius). During the period studied, the several species of spearfishes to-
gether have constituted from 24 to 45 percent by weight of the annual long-line land-
ings in the Territory. In addition to the tunas and spearfishes, small quantities of
wahoo (Acanthocybium solandri), dolphin (Coryphaena hippurus), and sharks also ap-
pear in the.landings.

Among the numerous types of fishing methods employed in Hawaiian waters,
the long-line is responsible for practically all the landings of yellowfin, big-eyed,

4 COMMERCIAL FISHERIES REVIEW Vol. 16, No. 9

and albacore tuna, and the various species of spearfishes. The skipjack pole-and-
line fishery accounts for a few tons of small yellowfin which are taken at the sur-
face when occurring in mixed schools with skipjack or in independent schools (table
14), but these amount to less than 4 percent of the annual landings of this species.
Hand-line fishermen, operating in waters to about 50 fathoms in depth, contribute
about 10 percent to the yellowfin landings (10- to 30-pound fish). A considerable
number of spearfishes are also landed by the sport fishery, but here again, these
constitute only a small percentage of the total spearfish landings.

Yellowfin tuna...
Big-eyed tuna ...
Albacore tuna ...
Black marlin ..
Striped marlin.
Other spearfishes3/

(Percentage Composition)

76.0 (plans 66.3 63.2 55.2 (jal oe 4.4. | i529)
24.0 28.9 Sell 36.8 44.8 38.3 25.6 | 24.1
1/From records of the Territory of Hawaii Fish and Game Division. Landings shown for 1945-47 include catches made by
~ other than long-line fishery.
2/1945 is considered a ‘twar year’’ in which a restricted fishery operated and includes the July to December landings only.
‘3/Includes the sailfish, short-nosed spearfish, white marlin, and broadbill swordfish. Also included here are spearfishes
which were not identified in the fishermen’s reports. Detailed figures are not given for each species because they are
frequently misidentified.
4/Totals may not be exact due to rounding off of figures.

Perhaps the most significant observation to be made from the records of the an-
nual landings of the long-line fishery is the shift in dominance between the yellowfin
and big-eyed tuna. The yellowfin, which re-
portedly was the dominant species of tuna inthe
prewar fishery, 1/ declined in the catch from
1,343,000 pounds in 1946 to a low of 605,000
pounds in 1950 (table 1). Subsequently there
was a small increase to 719,000 pounds in 1952.
Meanwhile, the catch of big-eyed tuna increased
tremendously and steadily from 126,000 pounds
to 2,193,000 pounds. Thus the species compo-
sition of the tunas has changed from a predom-
inance of yellowfin to that of big-eyed in 5years
(fig. 2).

SEASONAL VARIATIONS IN THE CATCH

8
8

1000

THOUSANDS OF POUNDS

Fig. 2 - Annual landings of yellowfin and big-eyed A prominent feature of the Hawaiian long-
tuna by the Hawaiian long-line fishery, 1945-52. line fishery is that its total production is rela-
(thousands of pounds). tively steady throughout the year. Although

there are seasonal variations in abundance of
the several principal species, the decline in abundance of one species is usually fol-
lowed by an increase of another. Among the tunas, the big-eyed occur in greatest
numbers during the winter months from October to May and the yellowfin from May
to September (fig. 3 and table 16). Such seasonal variations in abundance are also
seen among the spearfishes, although not as distinct as in the case of the tunas (fig.
3). The black marlin are generally abundant between July and October, while the

striped marlin are plentiful during the winter months.
al Detailed catch records are not available for prewar years.

September 1954 COMMERCIAL FISHERIES REVIEW 5

Seasonal variation in species composition of the long-line catch is dependent
upon the movements and local abundance (or availability) of the fish rather than up-
on any changes in the practice of the fisher-
men. These movements may be influenced by
any of a number of environmental factors, of
which sea temperature is frequently believed
to be of importance. Bathythermograph ob-
servations between January 1941 and Novem-
ber 1947 in Hawaiian waters show that the
months of March and September have respec-
tively the lowest and highest average temper-
atures (Leipper and Anderson1950). June and
December are typical transition months. The
maximum average surface temperature re-
corded for this period was 82° F. and the ‘ ee
minimum 669 F. Since the landings of yellow- all Be i Oe artes
fin show a marked increase during the sum- JAN. FEB. MAR. APR. MAY JUN. JUL. AUG. SEP. OCT. NOV. DEC.
mer months, becoming greater as the water MONTH
ae mune! Glin wae Pigmeyed VE a eiRs Fig. 3 - Average monthly landings (1948-52) of the
tured in greatest numbers during the winter _ Fonniprine paltspeciecibyithelbiawallantionaeline
months, the implications are that the yellowfin fishery (from catch statistics of the Territory of
prefers warm water and the big-eyed tuna Hawaii Fish and Game Division).
cooler water.

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However, not much reliance can be placed in a simple temperature relation-
ship because yellowfin have been found in a much wider range of temperatures than
occurs in Hawaii. In Japanese waters yellowfin have been taken by long line when
the surface temperature ranged from 149 C. (57.29 F.) to 27° C. (80.69 F.) (Taka-
yama and Ando 1934). It is possible that the race of yellowfin occupying the central
Pacific could, through adaptation, have different temperature limitations or prefer-
ences than fish of the same species farther to the westward. Further research is
necessary before it can be established whether or not sea temperature is at least
partly responsible for the marked seasonal changes in catch for these two species.
We should not overlook the possibility, however, that temperature may merely be
a function of more complicated environmental factors, such as currents, chemical
nutrients, or food organisms which influence the distribution of the fish.

June (1953) points to the possibility that the long-line fishery for yellowfin tuna
is based on a ''spawning run," since the period of spawning of the Hawaiian yellowfin
coincides with its peak fishing season. A similar study being conducted on the big-
eyed tuna indicates that this species does not spawn in Hawaiian waters. Their ap-
pearance in greater numbers during the winter months is probably not directly re-
lated to spawning.

Further mention should be made here of food as a possible factor influencing the
seasonal distribution of these species. The occurrence of yellowfin in greater num-
bers during the summer is in all probability not a response to a particular type of
food present in the area during that season. Reintjes and King (1953) have shown
that this species feeds on a great variety of animal food from small plankton to fish
one-third the length of the tuna, taking advantage of whatever food is most abundant
in the area at the time. Since it has been found, however, that plankton is slightly
more plentiful during summer than in winter in Hawaiian waters (King and Hida
1954), the possibility remains that yellowfin are responding to a more abundant food

supply.
CATCH PER UNIT OF EFFORT

Total landings may not indicate directly the magnitude of the population avail-
able to the fishermen. Instead, landings tend to reflect the relation between the num-

6 COMMERCIAL FISHERIES REVIEW Vol. 16, No. 9

ber of fish in the available population and the amount of effort expended. To meas-
ure changes in abundance of the fish population or to compare the relative abundance

Catch Rates (Numbers of Each Species per 100 Hooks Fished) of Tunas and Spearfishes in the

ii, 1949-19521/ (Honolulu-based Long-li
: Annual
Specie ~**"|yan-[ Feb Mar. [Apr-[May | June [July (Aug: Sept [Oct [Nov] Dec] ‘| Average

Yellowfin tuna .
Big-eyed tuna ...
Albacore tuna ...
Black marlin ..
Striped marlin...
Other spearfish

Yellowfin tuna ...
Big-eyed tuna ...
Albacore tuna ...
Black marlin ....
Striped marlin,
Other spearfish2/
Total3
Yellowfin tuna ... 0.
Big-eyed tuna ... 0.
Albacore tuna ... 0.
Black marlin .... bj 5 5 5 : : 6 F 0.
Striped marlin... 0.
Other spearfish . 0.
1s

Yellowfin tuna ...
Big-eyed tuna ...
Albacore tuna .,.
Black marlin... 1949
Striped marlin...
Other spearfish2/

13/ \

[= [= [3-40 [3.29 12.30 [2.88] 2.19] 1.58] 1.39] 2.61 [3.24] 3.91] 2.68 |

|1/Based on information obtained through interviewing randomly-selected Honolulu Suen
ieee: sentish, Siaae nosed sree: white marlin, and broadbill swordfish.
because fig ff.

5
7
5
9
6
2
5
6

5
5
1
4
0
0
8
.3

[2-86 | 3.56 | 2.49] 2.04] 3.21] 2.63] 1.83] 1.85 ]2

of fish in different areas, it is necessary to rely on some other measure, such as
the catch per unit of effort, which in the case of the long-line fishery may conven-
iently be the catch per 100 hooks fished per day. Table 2 lists the catch rates (catch
per 100 hooks per day) of tunas and spearfishes for the years 1949-52. These rates
are based on information obtained by interviewing randomly-selected Honolulu fish-
ermen at the termination of their trips.

Table 3 - Average Catch Rates of
the Japanese Tuna-Mothership Ex-
peditions, June 1950 to October 19511/
Number of Fish
Per 100 Hooks

The monthly catch rates in this table
clearly indicate the seasonal variation in a-
bundance of the principal species already
mentioned in a foregoing section. Also not-
able is the fact that the total annual average
catch rate has remained fairly constant dur-
ing the years for which data are presented.
The average long-line catch rate in Hawaiian
waters of tunas and spearfishes combined is
about 3 fish per 100 hooks, which compares
favorably with the Japanese catch in their
home waters, but falls below their catch in
the various tropical and subtropical areas
(June 1950). The Japanese tuna expeditions
to the western equatorial Pacific waters be-
tween 1° and 13° N, latitude, 134° and 179°
E. longitude, between June 1950 and October
1951, averaged 4.10 fish per 100 hooks, in-
cluding sharks and other miscellaneous species (Van Campen 1952, also partly re-
produced as table 3). Considering only the tunas and spearfishes, the average catch
rate for the Japanese expedition was 3.45, somewhat higher than the Hawaiian catchrate.

Species

Yellowfin tuna...
Big-eyed tuna ...
Albacore tuna ...
Skipjack tuna....
Black marlin ....
Striped marlin.
Other spearfish2 Hi)
Total tunas and

spearfishes3/ .
1/Reproduced in part oni table 2 (Van Campen 1952).
2/Largely sailfish and short-nosed spearfish,
3/The total catch rate was 4,10, including sharks and
other miscellaneous species,

September 1954 COMMERCIAL FISHERIES REVIEW 0

FISHING EFFORT

The Honolulu long-line fleet consists of 31 to 33 boats which operate throughout
the year. These boats remain at sea for a period of 10 to 12 days, fishing an aver-
age of 8 or 9 days per trip. Data on the number of trips made each month by these
boats (table 4) have been obtained from records kept by the two auction markets and
therefore include only trips on which some fish were caught and marketed.

Table 4 - Number of Boat Trips by Months, 1949-521/

Januaryae ee noon
IPS SRUEN AT 45:0 Gig.d obo coud. Doni oomos 51 (28) 47 (26)
ha vanaltoshnoner sues dete csiisreleieicaueuerete aghas 56 (29) 57 (27)
01d 6. 0. 6 OB BOLO COO: 0.0 CLO. 0-0 0. 5.0-p:0L0 60 (27) 38 (26)
5 LOCO ASCO tROlOtO scraralid etdlnid cto cheng oie Ene 51 (28) 54 (28)
GcoEO_CUBFACG SOLO IBYO:D Bho! Orc roa Oraicio Gacutho Gro 61 (31) 49 (29)
PIAS LL aa Ae AR aCe cinta honalal aeavekanene 48 (30) 49 (27)

HLS Ore A erird Cr cate ESO NAL OT EE Mrs eS ie ge 56 (29) 55 (30)
September aires Rumney Ace bo ce a 56 (30) ] 49 (29)
OCtOWS rye aes Bia a ee AUG wie eres aes 53 (31) 55 (30)
INOViemMbe Rts ee sR Uae ee eteilstens 50 (30) 53 (28)
DECEIMBPE IAS wiry teenirecc ee neo chavs 78 (31) 67 (30)

Average number of trips per: boat

ec ee eee ee ee oe 8 ew we 8 8 8 8 8

1/The number of boats which participated during the month is enclosed in parentheses,

The number of trips made each month of the year is relatively steady with the
exception of the holiday season. More trips are generally made in December to
take advantage of the great demand for fish, and fewer trips are made in January
because a large part of the fleet remains in port on an extended celebration of the
New Year's holiday. The total trips made each year have increased from 496 in
1949 to a high of 660 in 1952. Additional data obtained by interviewing fishermen
permit a closer scrutiny of the fishing effort (table 5). The average number of days
fished per trip showed a steady decrease from 9.4 days in 1949 to 8.2 in 1952, tend-
ing to offset the increase in total trips made. Asa result, the average number of
days fished per boat did not vary significantly from year to year.

Table 5 - Effort Expended by the Honolulu Long-Line Fleet, 1949-1952

1950 1949

Total boat trips

Average number of fishing days/trip
Total fishing days
Number of boats in fleet

The relatively high total of 660 trips in 1952 with a low average of 169 fishing
days per boat reflects the following abnormal circumstances. In April 1952 the catch
rate of big-eyed tuna reached the unusually high average of 4.98 per 100 hooks (table
2). Asa consequence, the boats returned to port with capacity loads, flooding the
local market. The price of tuna fell from the March average of 36.8 cents per pound
to 22.2 cents in April (fig. 8). Faced with this situation, the boat owners voluntarily
limited the larger boats to catches of 45 tuna and the smaller ones to 20. This action
often resulted in trips of shorter than normal duration, since the boats catching their
limits were forced to return to port regardless of whether or not they had provisions
or capacity left for any more fishing.

8 COMMERCIAL FISHERIES REVIEW Vol. 16, No. 9

In general, the data do not indicate any great changes in effort from year to
year. The amount of effort being exerted by the fleet is by no means the maximum
of which the fleet is capable, as it is generally agreed among the fishermen that the
present limited market does not warrant the exertion of greater effort. In other
words, the fishing effort is greatly regulated by market conditions so as to remain
fairly constant from year to year as shown in table 5.

VARIATION IN CATCH BY AREAS

While some of the smaller boats of the Honolulu long-line fleet fish regu-
larly in waters off Oahu, others travel 150-200 miles in quest of fish, In fact,
boats from Honolulu often range from the waters off Hilo and Kona in the east
to the waters off Kauai and Niihau in the west. Generally, however, all fish-
ing is confined to waters within 20 miles from land (fig. 4). There are indi-
cations that the most productive
areas of fishing tend to change
with the season, and the major-
ity of the boats shift their op-
erations accordingly. However,
for various reasons, such as
the small size of the vessels,
the small number of fishermen
in the crews, and a desire to
work in calm waters near home,
some boats fish exclusively in
the leeward waters of Oahu,
regardless of the higher pro-
ductivity of more distant areas.

Usually the area off Waianae,
Oahu, provides the fishermen
with fairly good catches for the
greater part of the year, In
Fig. 4 - Total yellowfi d bi edt landi from Hawaiian Nd OSE eb Ob a
1g. 4- 1ol elowlin an 1g-e' una landings [ro -

Hee aati 1952. (From ae statistics of tie Territory of iy ae ae eee ie

Hawaii Fish and Game Division.)
and September, was _ centered

Table 6 - Distribution of Effort by Honolulu Long-line Boats in 1952 in
Percentage of Trips Made Each Month to the Various Areas!/

3: ; : : Oahu Meee:
Month Hawaii Maui | Molokai-Lanai Kauai-Niihau
Sooo dsapoHooucDeoDUOODDOS Percent) Paseo eee
Januaisys ere = = 20.0 = 80.0 -
February... = 26.7 26.7 26.7 6.7 13.3
Mareh (7.5.6. kita 33.3 = 44.4 - lial
APO) Vieira.) 6.7 20.0 26.7 133 = 33.3
IWIES? 5 Gooooo = 55.0 - 5.0 = 40.0
UMC Mereneneperene = 8.0 - 56.0 = 36.0
MIN o6 6 5a00 = oi! = 59.3 = 37.0
August <2... 2.0 9.8 = 54.9 = 33.3
September .. 7.4 20.4 = Don 1.9 16.7
October ....} 15.4 2152 - 28.8 28.8 5.8
November ..| 10.9 32.6 4.3 34.8 by 374 Zee
December se ue O50 26.9 23.9 28.4 =

Annual
Average ... ie2) 18.4 Cet Site 13.0 16.6

1/Calculated from information obtained by interviewing randomly-selected Honolulu fishermen at the termination of their
~ trips. The number of trips on which these percentages are based are shown in table 7.

September 1954 COMMERCIAL FISHERIES REVIEW 9

in this area (table 6). Towards the latter part of the year, beginning around
October, the major effort shifted to waters off windward Oahu, Hawaii, and to
the Maui-Molokai-Lanai area, where better catches were experienced. Wind-
ward waters are said to be more productive than leeward waters during the winter
months. i

In studying variations in catch with areas, the 1952 data have been examined
inasmuch as these are the most complete. Detailed records of randomly- selected
boat trips are available only for the Honolulu fleet, as this information has been
gathered solely by interviewing fishermen in Honolulu. There are no comparative
data on the activities of long-line boats based on Hawaii and Kauai.

Table 7 - Average Monthly Tuna Catch Ratesl/ (Number per 100 Hooks) in the

Six Principal Areas in the Territory of Hawaii, 1952

Hawaii [Molokai-LanailWararae] Kahuka | Kaval-Nithau |
January .... = 4.462 = 3.34(8 =
February... - 2.73(4) 1 1.02(1) 1.56(2)
Mar-chavaricier 1.84(1) 5 = 1 - 1.41(1)
ADEM. cre ae 2.89(1)] 6. 9.00(4) 2 = 3.86(5)
Maya nee - 3. = 4 : 2.79(8)
JUNE ese oe - Qe = 2 - 2.88(9)
Julie wees Secs = Se 1 = 1.76(10)
August..... 0.99(1)] 2. 1 - 1.65(17)
September..| 0.76(4)} 1. 1 1.02(1) 2.14(9)
October ....} 1.72(8)] 1. o 0 1.21(15) 1.03(3)
November ..]| 3.00(5)} 2. 1.56(2) 0 1.24(7) 1.13(1)
December . 2.97(8) | 2. 2.79(18) 1 1.90(19) -

Annual

are ; 1.62 2.02
1/The tunas include yellowfin, big-eyed, and albacore. These catch rates are derived from data obtained by randomly in-

» terviewing Honolulu boat captains at the termination of their trips, The number of boat trips on which these monthly

average rates are based is given in parentheses,

Table 7 shows the average monthly catch rates of tuna at the six principal fish-
ing areas. The seasonal shifting of the more productive areas is indicated. In gen-
eral, the Maui-Molokai-Lanai waters are seen to be most productive, while the wa-
ters off Oahu show the lowest catch rates.

BOAT EFFICIENCY

Fishermen the world over depend, in part, upon chance in making good catches.
However, it is more than pure luck alone. There are certain factors which are re-
sponsible for consistent differences in the catches made by the various boats of a
fleet. These differences may lie in the intrinsic ability of the boat captains in lo-
cating good fishing grounds, the skill and experience of the fishermen, or ‘perhaps
in certain gear differences. The differences may also arise when certain boats con-
sistently fish in more productive waters than the others. The latter appears to be
particularly true of the situation existing in the Hawaiian long-line fishery.

Table 8 - Analysis of Variance of Monthly Catch Rates of 27 Boats for
September to December 19521/

Degrees of | Sum of Mean F P
Square

Freedom Squares
2.2492 %% 3.11 <0.0

58.4788 3
24.6993 8.2331%** | 11.37 <0.01
0.7240

D'S CHE PAN Cyan ew eeel els) eee ee 78 56.4703

TRIAL a's sa Oe RSNA 139.6484

%*% Indicates a significant (P< 0.01) mean square value.
1/These months were selected because the most complete data are available for analysis. Four boats which did not fish

regularly during this period were omitted from the analysis.

Source of Variation

10 COMMERCIAL FISHERIES REVIEW Vol. 16, No. 9

In a test to determine differences in boat efficiency, the average catch rates
(as tunas per 100 hooks) of 27 Honolulu boats for the months of September through
December 1952 were used. A two-way analysis of variance (Snedecor 1948) was
used to test differences between boats, eliminating differences due to season
(months). The data are presented in table 17. The test indicated highly significant
differences between boats as well as between months (table 8).

Table 9 - Comparison of the Areas of Operation of Boats With High- and
Low-Catch Rates During the Period September-December 19521/

Boats With High-Catch Rates4 Boats With Low-Catch Rates9
(13 in Number) (14 in Number)
ic free | SORE [Percent
of Trips

Oahu. 22s oe 78 Ut
Maui-Molokai..... ital ial
Kaual citi cess eters 8 8
FU WieldTe ihe tours uetcneusvetae 4

1/High- and low-catch boats were determined by the grand mean for this period of 1.62 tunas per 100 hooks fished.
'2/ Above 1.62 tunas per 100 hooks.

3/Below 1,62 tunas per 100 hooks.

A further examination of the data reveals that the significant between-boat dif-
ferences are largely attributable to differences in the areas of operation. This is
shown in table 9, which gives a comparison of the areas of operation between high-
and low-catch boats. Each boat was classed either a high- or low-catch boat ac-
cording to its mean catch rate for the 4-months period, high if the mean rate was
greater than the grand mean of 1.62 tunas per 100 hooks (the grand mean of the 27
boats for the 4-months period) and low if less. Of 101 trips carried out by the 14
low-catch boats during the period, 77 percent were made in waters off Oahu, with
the major concentration of effort in the leeward waters of Waianae. Furthermore,
the data showed that five of these low-catch boats which had the lowest catch rates
fished exclusively in Waianae waters. On the other hand, the 13 boats which exper-
ienced higher than average catch rates fished only 27 percent of the total of 97 trips
in Oahu waters during the same period, having concentrated their efforts in the
Maui-Molokai waters. Thus, some of the differences in catch rates between boats
of the Hawaiian long-line fishery arise because certain boats consistently fish in
one area, whether productive or not, while others operate in areas which are known
to be most productive at any particular season.

SIZE OF THE TUNAS

The tunas taken in Hawaiian waters by long line are usually large fish. In gen-
eral, the fishery has been catching fish over 90 pounds in weight with the bulk of the
yellowfin falling between 100 and 160
Table 10 - Annual Average Weights of the | pounds and the big-eyed between 100
Hawaiian Tunas and 200 pounds. Yellowfin in excess
. of 250 pounds and big-eyed weighing
Species around 300 pounds are sometimes taken.

eT oid) mee The annual average weights of these
Yellowfin tuna .| 144.8 |139.7 | 140.3]138.7 | two species are given in table 10. The
Big-eyed tuna .| 162.1 |158.5 | 157.3 |160.1 | weight-frequency distributions of these

two species for 1952, by months, 2/ are
shown in figures 5 and 6, and these may be considered typical of those covering the
period 1949-52,

A more detailed examination of the yellowfin weight data is presented in table 11.
Here the yellowfin landings are broken down into components of various sizes, which

are shown as percentages of the total landings. For this study the months of June,
2/T able 18 shows the monthly average weights of the tunas.

September 1954

COMMERCIAL FISHERIES REVIEW

11

July, and August have been selected for each year, 1948 to 1952, as these are the

months when the greatest yellowfin catches

are

| JANUARY
| 18 FISH

FEBRUARY 4
[83 FisH | E rT | | | | il
1 MARCH

60 FISH TAA 4

are recorded. The several components
Das NT Dac TTT TT TT

JANUARY
730 FISH

FEBRUARY
1102 FISH
MARCH
928 FISH

APRIL |
‘ 1,284 FISH
iN

USD GL a aro as

APRIL
65 FISH

: n 1 at Fe
AY

JUNE
759 FISH

PERCENT
PERCENT

AUGUST
661 FISH

"OCTOBER
7) FISH

"NOVEMBER
33 FISH

[er ne

IL
DECEMBER
137 FISH

om aa ES
109 129 149 169
WEIGHT IN POUNDS

80
1
89

°
°
1
9

40
t
a9

60
1
69

'40 160 180 200 220° 240260

eo 1 1 1
169 209 229 «249° «(269

29

Fig. 5 - Monthly percentage weight-frequency distribution
of yellowfin tuna landed in Honolulu in 1952.

MAY 4
995 FISH allatuns |

JUNE
265 FISH

AUGUST
224 FISH

SEPTEMBER
324 FISH
OCTOBER
751 FISH
NOVEMBER
8668 FISH
DECEMBER :
1,562 FISH

© 20 40 60 80 100 120 140 160 180 200 220 240 260 280 300 320 340 360
teat Pes ilee ae ale et] end alt Og
9 29 49 69 89 109 129 199 169 189 209 229 249

WEIGHT IN POUNDS

ete so Hr Ws a
269 289 309 329 349 369

Fig. 6 - Monthly percentage weight-frequency distribution
of big-eyed tuna landed in Honolulu in 1952.

of the landings indicate a regular distribution of size classes in the yellowfin catch
from year to year, with a marked predominance of the 100- to 150-pound group,

which constitutes approximately 60 percent of the total.

Less than 5 percent of the

catch is made up of fish weighing less than 100 pounds.

£0-100 | 100-150] 150-200 | 200-250] 250-300

|1/Only the months of June, July, and August are represented here since these are the

peak months of yellowfin landings.

SEX RATIO OF THE TUNAS

Examination of the landings at the Honolulu Market during 1949 and 1951 reveal-

ed a predominance of males in both yellowfin and big-eyed tuna (table 12).

Chi-square

tests (Snedecor 1948) indicated significant deviations from the expected 50:50 sex

ratio.

12 COMMERCIAL FISHERIES REVIEW Vol. 16, No. 9

This situation appears to be common also in other areas where long-line fish-
ing is carried on. During the first Japanese postwar mothership tuna expedition in
the western equatorial Pacif-
and Big-eyed Tuna in the yellowfin landings was
Tr | Tuna |... | . . | Percentage| usually found to be greater
than that of females, the sex
ratio sometimes running as
high as 80 males to 20 fe-
males (Shimada 1951). Sim-
ilar findings were made dur-
ing several long-lining cruises
of POFI vessels in the cen-
tral Pacific equatorial waters (Murphy and Shomura 1953),

The significance of these findings is not clear. We do not have sufficient evi-
dence of seasonal changes in the sex ratios such as may be expected if these sea-
sonal changes are directly related to the spawning cycle of the fish. As pointed out
by Murphy and Shomura (1953), it may indicate such phenomena as differential
growth or mortality. There are data which show that the sex ratios of both yellowfin
and big-eyed tuna change with the size of fish, suggesting the possible occurrence
of either differential growth or mortality in the populations. Shimada (1951) observed
that female yellowfin tuna occurred more frequently among fish below 130 cm. in
length (about 95 pounds) than among larger size groups, although at no time did he
find the proportion of females exceeding that of males. Nakamura (1949) shows sim-
ilar findings for the yellowfin taken in the East Philippine Sea between June and Sep-
tember 1937. He found 63 or 50.8 percent of 124 fish less than 37 kg. (81.4 pounds)
to be males, or nearly a 50:50 sex ratio. For fish above this size he found 164 or
73.9 percent of 222 fish to be males. During the fifth Japanese mothership expedi-
tion in the western Pacific between March and June 1951, the author sampled a total
of 1,293 big-eyed tuna, of which 70.5 percent were found to be males (table 13). Here

Table 13 - Sex Determination on 1,293 Big-eyed Tuna Captured During the Fifth

Japanese Mothership-Type Tuna Expedition in the Western Equatorial Pacific
Ocean April-June 1951

<120 cm. (80 pounds 2120 cm. (80 pounds
Month Percentage Percentage
No. No. i No. No.

‘0

again it was noticed that the predominance of males was especially pronounced a-
mong the larger fish. Out of 949 fish measuring over 120 cm, in total length (about
80 pounds), 77.3 percent were males. In the other group of smaller fish, males con-
stituted only 51.7 percent of a total of 344 individuals examined. Thus the sexratio
in the catch below 80 or 90 pounds is about equal, whereas the males predominate
among the larger big-eyed and yellowfin tuna.

PREDICTING THE LONG-LINE CATCH OF YELLOWFIN

Yellowfin smaller than 50 pounds are seldom taken by the Hawaiian long-line
fishery and those below 20 pounds are practically never caught (fig. 5). Smaller fish,
on the other hand, are frequently taken by the skipjack pole-and-line fishery, which
finds them at the surface either mixed with schools of skipjack or in independent
schools. The absence of small fish in the long-line catch may result either from a
selective action of the gear or from a general absence of small fish in the subsurface

September 1954 COMMERCIAL FISHERIES REVIEW 13

population. The second alternative appears to be more plausible as Murphy and
Shomura (1953) have pointed out that there is no reason to believe that the long line
is selective as to sizes of fish
taken since skipjack as small as
10 pounds have often been captured
by this method. In addition, small
yellowfin have been taken by long
line in the vicinity of the Line Is-
lands in the central Pacific, indi-
cating that small fish will be
caught if present in the population.

The surface-caught yellowfin
are generally small- to medium-
sized fish and appear to be a seg-
ment of the yellowfin population
which is ecologically separated in-
to surface and subsurface groups.
The surface fish may descend to
deeper levels after attaining a
certain age or size. If this as-
sumption is true, it may be rea-
sonable to expect the abundance of
surface fish in one year to indi-
cate the abundance of subsurface
fish a few years later. Suchare- |”
lationship, if real, would be of
some value to the fishery in pre-
dicting the abundance of yellowfin
a few years in advance. Since the long-line catches of yellowfin are largely made
up of a few year-classes, with fish believed to be in their third year (Moore 1951)
contributing the largest percentage to the fishery, the size of this year-class, at
least, may be a reflection of the abundance of surface fish two years previous.

Fig. 7 - POFI scientists examining tunas and spearfishes on the auction
floor of the Honolulu Market.

Table 14 - Monthly Landings of Surface Yellowfin by the Hawaiian Skipjack
Fishery, 1948-521/

Month 1953 1952 1951

PANUMAGY ay ase sine ter eese es ereel ste = = 1,598 7,131 763 6,911
Ne bruany San Se soe eas ete = 2,372 632 1,618 1,301 387
Viana Cleese stine setae airaierelieirs = 554 40 1,061 3,073 6,810
PANO WMG Poe Were sticc aia at cl oias erotrse) ete = 4,892 4,087 7,672 1,303 5,620
Wie tek tata etitniatspaneroxieteos hatte = 1,663 1,552 Si Gal 1,532 1,183
UNG, Biodcaora bo momaod oo ame = 238 118 6,549 139 1,892
UUW? ccoosoddadconvboacade = 11,946 117 1,017 3,342 838
JAUGUISIE 5 oo 6000 60000000600 S 985 7,379 6,798 | 13,141 638
Septembernhyyamimcer eeie = 1,090 8,502 7,224 = 1,323
OClLODerie eens nessa s = 5,148 98 132 | 12,071 396
INOWEMUMISS sob 56500GdGGou0 - 2,413 83 3,416 e 531
DECeMbES Ti esies ir iahara vvanes 2° 146 891 26 185 -

wAmnuAl totally. MSE RE aa Sen On eee

Yellowfin landings by long-
line fishery. ....... 2/535,000/719,000 |661,000 {605,000 a

1/From records provided by the Territory of Hawaii Fish and Game Division.
2/Approximate long-line landings of yellowfin for 1953. Data not available by months.

The landings of surface yellowfin by the skipjack fishery for the years 1948 to
1952 are presented in table 14. Also listed in the same table are the yellowfin land-

14 COMMERCIAL FISHERIES REVIEW Vol. 16, No. 9

ings by the long-line fishery for 1950 through 1953. There appears to be some re-
lationship between the total landings of surface fish in one year with the catch of
subsurface fish two years later; e.g., the 1948 landings of 26,529 pounds of surface
fish with the 1950 catch of 605,000 pounds of subsurface fish; the 1949 landings of
36,850 pounds with the 1951 catch of 661,000 pounds; and the 1950 landings of 45,795
pounds with the 1952 catch of 719,000 pounds. The catch statistics for the year 1953
indicate estimated yellowfin landings by the long-line fishery of 535,000 pounds, a
drop from previous years, which again agrees with the reduced surface yellowfin
landings of 25,097 pounds in 1951. Unfortunately, available data are far too scanty
to draw any conclusions. Even if sucha relationship actually exists, we cannot ex-
pect to find perfect correlations as there are numerous factors which tend to make
surface sampling inadequate and probably inaccurate. In the first place, the total
landings may not indicate the true abundance of surface yellowfin in these waters as
the skipjack fishermen may often forego schools of yellowfin when skipjack schools
are numerous. Again, the amount of effort expended by the skipjack fleet from year
to year might vary so much that total landings would not be indicative even of rela-
tive abundance of the species.

FISH PRICES AND VALUE OF LANDINGS

The catch of a Honolulu long-line boat is unloaded at one of two auction markets
where buyers from the several fresh fish markets, as well as individual fish ped-
dlers, bid for the fish (fig. 7). Since at the present time there are no outlets for
canning of these large tunas, the only markets are those for fresh fish. Fresh tuna
is in great demand, especially by the island's oriental population, for consumption
as sashimi (raw fish). Fortunately for the fishing industry, big fish are preferred
for sashimi because of the higher oil content, which supposedly improves the flavor.
The bulk of the spearfishes is sold to processors for use in making fish cakes
(kamaboko), while a small part is handled as fresh fish.

While the local skipjack fishermen enjoy a relatively steady contract price be-
cause their catches are canned, the prices realized by the long-line fishermen fluc-
uate very widely. Only in times of extremely
good catches are the canneries not able to ab-
sorb all of the fish which are landed by the
skipjack fishery. These fish may be cannedand

ee held in warehouses, but the large tunas and
aS bisceveo Cg GNARL Se spearfishes which are presently handled onlyas
fresh fish are highly perishable, and conse-
quently the prices paid for them are largely con-
trolled by the factors of supply and demand. It
is therefore not unusual that prices paid for
—Rata-even —esa} MMWAL AVERAGE Prices long line-caught fish vary from day to day or
Toa Tae even between the two auction markets on the
same day.

PRICE PER POUND IN CENTS

Figure 8 presents graphically the monthly
TIT TELLOWEING 299) anual AVERAGE PRICES average prices of yellowfin and big-eyed tuna
: at the auction markets between 1949 and 1952.
These prices are essentially what the fishermen
receive for their catches, although some deduc-
‘|| tions are made by the auction firms for serv-
ices rendered, Annual average prices for both
oo | species do not differ significantly although yel-
MONTH ; lowfin generally commands a slightly higher
Figae Uae Sisahy prices ee price than big-eyed tuna. The prices are deter-
inieni for! yellowfintand|bis-eved tunia1949-59 (from mined more by the size of the fish and condition
records of the Territory of Hawaii Fish andGame Of the meat (such as color and texture) than by
Division), species.

~—— YELLOWF IN—332

aS 333 } anwar AVERAGE PRICES

September 1954 COMMERCIAL FISHERIES REVIEW 15

The ever-fluctuating fish price is an important factor which tends to influence
the intensity of fishing. As shown in table 15, the annual values do not show any
significant trend but remain rather steady at slightly over a million dollars. This
is not in keeping with the steadily increasing annual landings (table 1), but appears
to be the result of a limited market capacity which controls the price of fish accord-
ing to supply and demand. As seen in figure 8, the annual average price for both
species of tuna dropped markedly from about 40 cents per pound in 1949 to less than
30 cents in 1950, and has not shown any appreciable recovery since.

Table 15 - Value of Fish to the Fishermen Landed by the Long-line Fishery
in the Territory of Hawaii, 1948-19521/

Yellowfin tuna ...... 0,41 206,038 178,111

Big-eyed tuna 600,361 548,526
Albacore tuna 13,933 11,591
Spearfishes 335,092

1/Compiled from records of Territory of Hawaii Fish and Game Division.

Although all or nearly all of the fish are presently being absorbed by the buyers,
the prices paid for them are often very low. While it is generally agreed that the
coastal and offshore waters of the Hawaiian Islands contain a dependable supply of
tunas and spearfishes to sustain a much more intensive long-line fishery, the limited
market constitutes a serious block to any such expansion.

Table 16 - Monthly Landings (In Thousands of Pounds) by the Hawaiian
Long-line Fishe 1848 521/
Mar. . g.| Sept. oe Nov. te
Yellowfin tuna ... 28 41 34 49 aE 113 [120 |] 128
Big-eyed tuna ... 167 | 196 | 133 | 357 | 224 96 71 69 | 116 ce ie
Albacore tuna ...
Spearfishes 30 86 66 52 119 | 121 | 124
225 | 468 | Paro Lars

Yellowfin tuna ... 10 18 30 aH 80 60 83 oe
Big-eyed tuna ... 142 | 172 | 131 | 197 204 FG 115 | 105 | 109
Albacore tuna ...|(1951 1 ine i nt 1 3 ae 3 4
Spearfishes 37 135 | 104 136 | 114

SB0uINS36

Yellowfin tuna ...

Big-eyed tuna ... 212 114 G3
Albacore tuna ... {(1950 ae 0 6
Spearfishes 44 sa “68 af 4518 “fel 116 | 123

Yellowfin tuna... as 120 |128

Big-eyed tuna ... a 42 16 23 ie
Albacore tuna ... |(1949 it 4 6 5 5 7
Spearfishes vo or an “a 93 80 | 113 66
sr = ee 172 | 278 | 335 |
Yellowfin tuna... ae o8 67 99
Big-eyed tuna ... 103 73 18 41 ue
Albacore tuna... 9
eee 1a age 485 ee 111 | 133
| 242 | 228 | 313

235 186 [308 |

2/Includes black marlin, striped marlin, and lesser ties of sailfish, Sais marlin, broadbill swordfish, and short-nosed spearfish,
/3/Totals may not be exact due to rounding off figures.

16 COMMERCIAL FISHERIES REVIEW Vol. 16, No. 9

Table 17 -

Analysis of the Catch Rates (as Tunas per 100 Hooks) of 27 Boats
(September to December) by Months

| Boat nara

Month

Bee

3
0. 47 0.66 Ox9 15 | es 1.63
122) IIe! al te 1.64
1.24 ; NBS}; Ie le 1.70
1.02 0. ONG) |e Bo 1.74
1.18 0. Wer] ake Be 1.80
1.86 les Onis) pele 3 2.02
153 ile 0.67] O. on 2.06
1577, it 1345 ele iL. 2.10
APSIN7, is Wall Ae Ze 2.22
0.92 il. WANs |) ake 4, 2.33
Qe: ult Ween ake on 2.91
1.78 il. 132) |e 5s oF
Zot ihe 19/2)| tale De
3.89 nie Grandimeanlofi2miboatseeeeL Lee

Table 18 - Monthly Average Weights of Yellowfin and Big- eyed Tuna in the
Landings of the Hawaiian Long-li

Yellowfin tuna Big-eyed tuna

= Bie eyed tuna aaa
1952 | 1951 | 1950 | 1949 | 1952] 1951] 1950[ 1949
d

January
February

November
December

139.7 | 140.3 | 138.7 | 162.1] 158.5 | 157.3] 160.1

7 4.2
5 8
0 at)
1 sil
3 8
7 .0
3 a)
5 oll
6 otf
8 2
0

atl

LITERATURE CITED

June, Fred C, Leipper, Dale F, and Anderson, Ernest R,
1950. Preliminary fisheries survey of the Hawaiian- 1950. Sea temperatures, Hawaiian Island area, Pacific
Line Islands area: Part I - The Hawaiian long- Science, vol, IV., pp. 228-248, 27 figs.
line fishery. U, S, Fish and Wildlife Service,
Commercial Fisheries Review, vol. 12, no. 1, Moore, Harvey L.
pp. 1-23, 18 figs. (also as Separate No. 244), 1951. Estimation of age and growth of yellowfin tuna (Neo-

thunnus macropterus) in Hawaiian waters by size
——— frequencies, U.S, Fish and Wildlife Service, Fish-
1953. Spawning of the yellowfin tuna (Neothunnus ma- eries Bulletin No. 65, vol. 52, pp. 133-149, 14 figs.
cropterus) around the Hawaiian Islands. U.S.
Fish and Wildlife Service, Fishery Bulletin No. | Murphy, Garth I, and Shomura, Richard

77, vol. 54, pp, 47-64, 11 figs. 1953, Long-line fishing for deep-swimming tunas in the
central Pacific, 1950-1951. U.S. Fish and Wildlife
King, Joseph E, and Hida, Thomas Service, Special Scientific Report: Fisheries No.
1954, Variations in Zooplankton abundance in Hawaiian 98, 47 pp., 15 figs.
waters, 1950-52. U.S. Fish and Wildlife Serv-
ice, Special Scientific Report: Fisheries No. Nakamura, Hiroshi

118, 66 pp., 16 figs. 1949, The tunas and their fisheries. Takeuchi Shobo, Tokyo,

September 1954

1949, (Translation U, S, Fish and Wildlife Serv-
ice, Special Scientific Report: Fisheries No. 82,
1952, 115 pp., 28 figs.)

Niska, Edwin L.
1953. Construction details of tuna long-line gear used
by the Pacific Oceanic Fishery Investigations.
U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Commercial
Fisheries Review, vol. 15, no. 6, June 1953, pp.
1-6, 1 fig. (also as Separate No. 351).

Reintjes, John W. and King, Joseph E,
1953. Food of the yellowfin tuna in the central Pacific.
U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Fishery Bulletin
No, 81, vol. 54, pp. 91-110, 10 figs.

Shimada, Bell M.
1951. Contributions to the biology of tunas from the
western equatorial Pacific. U.S, Fish and Wild-

COMMERCIAL FISHERIES REVIEW 17

life Service, Fisheries Bulletin No, 62, vol. 52,
pp. 111-119, 2 figs.

Snedecor, George W,
1946, Statistical methods applied to experiments in ag-
riculture and biology. Iowa State College Press,
Ames, Iowa, 485 pp.

Takayama, I, and Ando, S,
1934, A study of the ‘‘maguro”’ (Thunnus) fishing in 1930,
(in Japanese with English summary: Jour. Imp.
Fish, Exp. Sta. No. 5, paper No, 38, pp. 1-21.)

Van Campen, Wilvan G,
1952. Japanese mothership-type tuna-fishing operations
in the western equatorial Pacific, June-October
1951. U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Commer-
cial Fisheries Review, vol. 14, no. 11, pp. 1-9,
Ofigs.

ACKNOWLEDGMENT

The Fish and Game Division of the Territory of Hawaii, Board of Agriculture
and Forestry, has provided much of the data on which this paper is based. The
generous cooperation of the various dealers and officials of the Honolulu Market

Place, the Kyodo Fishing Company, the United Fishing Agency, and the Hawaii Fish-
ing Company in allowing examination and sampling of their fish is gratefully acknow-
ledged. The captains and crews of the Honolulu long-line boats have been very co-
operative in supplying information pertaining to fishing operations. The interview
method of obtaining information was initiated in 1949 by Fred C. June, Fishery Re-
search Biologist, formerly with the staff of the Service's Pacific Oceanic Fishery In-
vestigations. Many others have helped in the collection of data, including fishery
research biologists Isaac I. Ikehara, Richard Shomura, and Heeny Yuen. The fig-
ures were prepared by Tamotsu Nakata, draftsman for POFI.

UNUSUAL SALMON MIGRATIONS

Several unusual recoveries of salmonmarked in Oregon Fish Com-
missionhatcheries were made during 1953 as part of the research pro-
gram being coordinated by the Pacific Marine Fisheries Commission.
On August 1, 1953, a markedsilver salmonfrom the Klaskanine hatch-
ery (lower Columbia River) was caught by a troller near the Farallon
Islands off San Francisco. This fishwas about 520 nautical miles from
its home stream when captured.

At the other extreme, two marked spring chinook salmon from the
Willamette River were taken by the Alaskan troll fishery and landed at
Pelican during July 1953. One of these was taken at Lituya Bay, at the
northern limit of the present troll fishery, which is over 1,000 miles
from the Willamette River.

--Fish Commission Research Briefs, March 1954

18 COMMERCIAL FISHERIES REVIEW

_

COLD-STORAGE LIFE OF FRESH-WATER FISH--NO. 1

Very little information is available on the cold-storage life of fresh-water fish.
Landings of these fish contribute substantially to the domestic supply of fishery prod-
ucts. Cold-storage life data are of value to the producer in adopting proper packing
procedures and in evaluating the marketing problems, andtothe sport fisherman for
preserving a portion of his catch. Furthermore, studies of the freezing and cold-
storage keeping characteristics of species not now being extensively used may ulti-
mately lead to their wider utilization. This project was initiated at the Seattle Tech-
nological Laboratory about two years ago. The results to date are presented in this
report.

EXPERIMENTAL PROCEDURES

Collecting samples in the Great Lakes and other areas and shipping them in
good condition to the Seattle Laboratory limited the scope of the study. The fish

Table 1 - Cold-Storage Life of Certain Fresh-Water Fish Stored as Round (Whole) Fish at OU F.

[y

2/ Factors determining quality were appearance, odor, flavor, snd texture,
—

mples ‘ondition o: ples Stored at 0° Fg =
Date een 0" | Initial Examination After After After After Pee a
Caught Shipping. Just Prior to 3 months' 6 months’ 9 months' 12 months’ life ate
Pace Storage Storage Storage Storage Storage Test Samples
Months
Good, but belly- |Good, but some-
Good; body meat flap portions what rubbery-
October mild-flavored, of some fish textured and (Same as at | (Same as at
ellow/perc PakevErie) | ee95i a firm, and flaky slightly off- belly-flap por-| six months) | six months) |More than 12
flavored tions Slightly
off-flavored
Stizestedion October ; pment
Yellow pike Senn Lake Erie 1951 A mild-flavored, Good Good Good Good More than 12
rs moist, and tender |
le Good; body meat Good, but belly-
iStizostedion | Lake Erie | October mild-flavored, flap portions (Same as at (Same as at | (Same as at
Blue pike glaucum 1951 ES moist, and tender slightly off- 3 months) 3 months) 3 months) More ‘than'12
—+— _| flavored
ale If F tty portions [>
Raw meat ex- Ene dark [P°°T: fatty
1 Ceregonus November tremely soft, but |(No significent |(Nosignificent 2 _ | portionand
Whitefish | .Gpeaformis| Lake Erie | (951 a cooked meatfirm | change) change) wat ctonmg | dark meat
qiavared rancid
T t varied
Aplodinotus October mae 7 Varied from 0
jheepshead Lake Erie A greatly in flavor Varied Varied Varied Varied
i —— 1951 andltextare | to more than 12)
(Meat poor in [Meat in
meat taste- (Dark meat dis- S. appearance Poo.
arp Cyprinus. Mississippi pune: B less, moist, and agreeably off- ( elaaiae and firmer eppearance 9
carpio River 1952 soft navared 3 months) than orig- and in flavor
inally
oor, dark
meat off-fla-
Dark meat some
Ameivrus |LakeBenten,| August dy meat moist > vored; body . i:
Eee melas Minnesota 1952 © and soft mbatintrong meat slightly S
off-flavored
and mushy _
Method A. Whole fish were frozen, packed in dry ice, and shipped to Seattle by railway express. At the laboratory they were ice-glated, wrapped by mo! amd vapor- proof c and stored st 0° F.

collected were used both for storage tests and for chemical analyses for proximate

composition (protein, fat, moisture, and ash content).

Round (whole) fish whenever

obtainable in sufficient amounts were used for cold-storage tests, otherwise, only
fillets or dressed fish were used.

The fish were handled and shipped by two general methods.

Deviations are in-

dicated in the tables showing the cold-storage keeping quality. The fish used had
been out of the water no longer than 12 hours before shipment.

September 1954 COMMERCIAL FISHERIES REVIEW 19

ICED FISH: Whole fish were properly iced and shipped to Seattle by railway ex-
press. The fish were continuously maintained in a chilled condition until delivered
to the laboratory. The fish were in ice no longer than 5 days from the time they
were initially prepared for shipment until delivered to the laboratory. At the labor-
atory the fish were (1) washed in tap water, (2) placed in a blower-type freezing unit,
(3) frozen at a temperature of -20° F., (4) properly glazed by dipping in water at a
temperature of 34° F., (5) wrapped in moisture- and vapor-proof cellophane, (6) packed
in fibreboard boxes, and (7) stored at 0° F. (Use of the fibreboard boxes was an
extra precaution to prevent dehydration of the samples during storage. Since the
fish were stored in a room with a blower-type refrigeration unit, the extra protec-
tion was needed to eliminate frequent reglazing of the fish. )

Fillets were cut from washed whole fish, wrapped in moisture- and vapor-proof cello-
phane, frozen, packaged, and stored in the same manner as the whole fish.

FROZEN FISH: Whole fishwere frozen, ice-glazed, and packaged, (as previously
described), in commercial freezers, packed in suitable containers with dry ice, and
shipped solid-frozen to Seattle by railway express or by air freight.

Fillets, cut from frozen fish which had been thawed in cold running water only
until soft enough to handle, were packaged in moisture- andvapor-proof cellophane,
frozen, packed in fibreboard containers, and stored at 0° F,

RESULTS

Data on the cold-storage life of fresh-water round fish are shown in table 1;
data on fillets or dressed fish, in table 2.

Table 2 - Cold-Storage Life of Certain Fresh-Water Fish Stored Either as Dressed Fish or as Fillets at 00 F.

Description of Samples nod Condition of Samples Stored at 0° F.2/ Estimated

Species Method o ane AA Cold-Stor-

Common Scientific Ss Date | Handling, aan Examination After 3 to 4 Months of After 5 to 6 Months of age life of
Name Nam jource Caught| Shipping, & Storage Storage Storage the Test
Packing 1/ Samples

vena Months
Good; mild an Bee
Lake March A sweet-flavored; Belly flaps off-flavored Belly flaps off-flavored 6
Michigan 1952 A

tender and moist

Good; distinctive- INape discolored; belly flaps Fish pungent in ordor and

8 wlitz ril Z e
men Was! 1552 3 flavored; soft and slightly off-flavored slightly sour and slightly 5
moist rancid in flavor
Good; mild-fla- Some fillets discolored Fatty portions somewhat
Lake June Cc vored; tender and | and slightly off-flavored; | rancid; body meat slightly | 3 to 6
Superior | 1952 moist one sample rancidin flavor | sour; fillets discolored

ight meat flat-
flavored; dark meat P A ‘3
Ictiobus Mississippi| June -f1 : Dark meat faded incolor {Fillets badly discolored,
1952 strong; flavored; and rancid in flavor rancid in odor, and mushy Less than’

species

portions of belly
flap off-flavored

1/ Method A, These fish commercially packed. They were headed, eviscerated, packed in one-pound waxed cartons with a cellophane overwrap, frozen, and then shipped in dry ice to Seattle.
~ Method B, These fish commercially packed. They were headed, eviscerated, packed in one-pound waxed cartons with a wax overwrap, frozen, and then shipped in dry ice to Seattle.

. Eviscerated fish were iced and shipped by railway express to Seattle, At the laboratory, they were filleted; each fillet was wrapped in moisture- and vapor-proof cellophane, frozen, and stored at 0° F.
Method D, Whole fish were frozen, packed in dry ice, and shipped to Seattle by air freight. At the laboratory they were thawed and filleted; each fillet was wrapped in moisture- and vapor-proof cellophane,
refrozen, and stored at 0° F,
|2/ Factors determining quality were appearance, odor, flavor, and texture.

DISCUSSION

The results of the cold-storage life studies are limited to the conditions of this
experiment. Additional studies on such variables as seasonal variation, method of
handling, and methods of packaging and storing are necessary before general con-
clusions can be made on the cold-storage life of fresh-water fish. Furthermore,
those species stored as fillets or dressed fish probably would show a much longer
cold-storage life if stored as round fish.

Of the species studied, yellow pike had exceptionally long storage life. Even
after one year, it lost little of its original flavor, developed no off-flavors, and
showed little or no change in texture.

The quality of sheepshead varied from good to poor. The body meat was vari-
ously described by the taste-panel members as mild, moldy, muddy, oily-rancid,

20 COMMERCIAL FISHERIES REVIEW Vol. 16, No. 9

and/or similar to animal meat. The texture varied from tender to extremely tough.
As it was not possible to segregate and use only the better-quality fish for cold-stor-
age purposes, this variation in quality was found among the samples throughout the
12 months! storage period. At the end of the 12 months, some of the sheepshead
still rated good in flavor and in texture.

Species Currently Undergoing Storage Tests

In addition to the species listed in tables 1 and 2, the following species of fish,
all caught in 1953, are currently undergoing storage tests:

1. Squawfish (Ptychocheilus grandis) caught in Drano Lake, Washington, in
February and June.

2. Sheepshead (Aplodinotus grunniens) caught in Lake Winnebago, Wisconsin,
in July.

3. White bass (Lepibema chrysops) caught in Lake Winnebago, Wisconsin, in
July.

4, Utah Chub (Gila atraria) caught in Hebgen Lake, Montana, in July.

5. Crappie (Pomoxis annularis) caught in Two Rivers Lake, Minnesota, in
October.

6. Chub (Leuchichthys) caught in Lake Michigan in August.

--D. T. Miyauchi, Fishery Products Technologist, and
M. E. Stansby, Chief Pacific Coast and Alaskan
Technological Research,
Fishery Technological Laboratory,
U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service,
Seattle, Washington

fa ey
‘ S 7 )
IPRS

CIN

GLAZING FROZEN SALMON

Experiments have beencarried out to confirm the reported beneficial
effect of glazing frozen salmon in ascorbic acid solutions and solutions
of cellulose thickening agents (Tylose, Modocol, etc.), Because of favor-
able storage conditions, no improvement was found by glazing in Tylose
and Modocol solutions. Glazingina kpercent ascorbic acid solution was
found to delay onset of rancidity.

--Arsberetning fra Fiskeriministeriets
Forsogslaboratorium,
Copenhagen 1953

September 1954 COMMERCIAL FISHERIES REVIEW 21

TECHNICAL NOTE NO. 30--PROPOSED METHOD FOR

ESTIMATING AMOUNT OF SOLUBLES ADDED TO
WHOLE FISH MEAL

"Whole fish meal" is a term commonly used to describe a mixture of regular
fish meal with solids from stickwater, usually added in the form of condensed fish
solubles. A Norwegian herring-research group has done considerable work with
this type of product, studying methods of manufacture, vitamin content, storage
properties, etc. Quite recently plans were announced for the large-scale recovery
of stickwater by the South African pilchard industry. These plans indicated that the
entire production of condensed solubles would be returned to the meal to make whole
meal. This process does, of course, materially increase the output of meal. There
are indications that this whole fish meal will seon be offered for sale on the United
States market. However, at the present time, most members of the byproducts in-
dustry in this country prefer to market condensed solubles as a separate product.

One explanation for the general
lack of interest in the production of
whole meal in this country may be
related to the lack of a good method
for estimating with reasonable ac-
curacy the amount of solubles solids
that have been added to a wholemeal.
The proximate composition is of lit-
tle value for this purpose, since the
differences between condensed solu-
bles on a dry matter basis and the
related fish meals are generally
within the range of the naturally
large variability in proximate com-
position which is characteristic of
each. This is a matter of no great
concern as long as whole meal and
unmixed fish meal are sold at the
same price. However, there is some possibility that whole meal might sell for a
premium price if the important nutrients of condensed solubles can be shown to be
retained in whole meals, and if a method for estimating the solids from added con-
densed solubles in the whole meal were available.

Weighing samples for nitrogen analyses.

Heretofore, the only method suggested for estimating the amount of added solu-
bles solids is that given in Meldinger fra Sildolje og Sildemelindustriens Forskning-
sinstitutt, Bergen, Norway, no. 1-3, pp. 15-16, 1950. An abstract of this article
has been published in FAO World Fisheries Abstracts, vol. 1, no. 5, p. 23, 1950.
The method is based on the fact that the major part of the solids contained in stick-
water or fish solubles consists of proteins and other nitrogenous components which
may be removed from the whole meal by water extraction. Thus the content of wa-
ter-soluble protein can be used to distinguish whole meal from ordinary herring
meal. The method is as follows: a 10-gram portion of whole meal is mixed with
some 200 milliliters of hot water in a 250-milliliter volumetric flask and heldina
boiling-water bath with occasional shaking for 30 minutes. After the contents of the
flask have been cooled and diluted to volume, a portion is filtered through a folded
filter paper and the nitrogen content is determined on a 50-milliliter aliquot. In
Norway it was found that a minimum of 20 percent of the total crude protein of the
whole meals from herring was soluble in water when all of the stickwater was re-
turned to the meal. This was therefore selected as a tentative qualification for a
meal to be designated ''whole meal."

This method is satisfactory for the purpose of distinguishing between a meal
with admixed solubles solids and a regular meal, orasa measure of the percentage

22 COMMERCIAL FISHERIES REVIEW Vols LsseNows

of the total protein present in a water-soluble form. For the method to indicate the
actual amount of solubles solids that have been added to a mixture of this type, it
would be required that the protein of the added solubles should be entirely soluble
and the protein of the regular meal should be entirely insoluble under the test con-
ditions.

In order to test the validity of these premises, a number of menhaden meals
with no added solubles were tested by this method and found to contain appreciable
amounts of soluble protein. The reason for this is readily apparent since the press-
cake before drying contains about 50 percent solids (including residual oil) and 50
percent water. A typical lot of 1,000 pounds of menhaden (or herring or pilchard)
contains roughly 200 pounds of solids, which will form the meal, and a highly vari-
able amount of oil, most of which can be expressed. When these whole fish are
cooked and pressed, approximately 400 pounds of presscake and 600 pounds of oil
and stickwater (disregarding the water condensed from steam used in cooking) are
produced. This mixture then goes through screens, decanters, and centrifuges to
separate fine solids and oil from the stickwater. For purposes of illustration, it
will be assumed that 100 pounds of oil are obtained, leaving 500 pounds of stickwa-
ter which contains approximately 6 percent of solids, or a total of 30 pounds. This
is evaporated to give 60 pounds of condensed solubles. But 200 pounds of stickwa-
ter are left in the presscake. This stickwater contains at least as large a propor-
tion of solubles solids as did the stickwater which was pressed out of the presscake,
or a total of 12 pounds. This soluble material then remains in the scrap and meal,
and repeated washing of the presscake with hot water would be required to obtain a
fish meal free of this soluble fraction. The actual amount of the water-soluble
fraction present in any meal will depend upon the condition of the fish before cook-
ing and upon the efficiency of the pressing operation.

Analyses performed at the College Park laboratory of the U. S. Fish and Wild-
life Service demonstrated that the average amount of soluble protein in menhaden
meals is slightly less than 6 percent, or about 10 percent of the total protein con-
tent of the meal. Any fish meal prepared by the wet-rendering process would prob-
ably not differ greatly from this value. However, when the percentage of the total
protein that is water-soluble is used as an indicator of the amount of added con-
densed solubles in the whole meal, itis evident that a somewhat erroneously high
estimate will be obtained since there is in effect a 10-percent bias from the soluble
protein that is in the regular meal.

If this bias were the only factor involved, it could be compensated for by sim-
ply subtracting 6 percent from the analyzed value for soluble protein before using
this value as the basis for estimating added solubles. However, analyses of some
samples of pure dried menhaden solubles showed that the protein in them was not
100 percent water-soluble. Instead the soluble portion averaged only about 85 per-
cent of the total protein. This also is understandable since the screens and decant-
ers are not 100 percent efficient in removal of insoluble solids, and these insoluble solids,
whether derived from plankton or fine meat particles, are highly proteinaceous.

The effect of the insoluble protein in the solubles is partially to compensate for
the soluble protein in the basal meal, and both must be taken into account if an ac-
curate estimate is to be made of the amount of condensed solubles added to the
whole meals. The percentage of added solubles solids in the whole meal (X) can be
estimated when the percentage of the total protein that is water-soluble for the basal
meal (A) and for the solubles (B) for the specific type of meal is known, and when
the percentage (C) of the total protein of the specific whole meal that is water-sol-
uble has been determined by analysis. Since the whole meal contains only basal
meal and solubles solids, 100 -Xisthe percentage of basal meal solids, and A
(100 - X) + BX = 100C. Hence, the percentage of added solubles solids,

x = LOO(C=A)
B-A

September 1954 COMMERCIAL FISHERIES REVIEW 23

}n the case of menhaden meal-solubles mixtures, A = 10 and B = 85, so

x = 100(C-10)- 1.33C - 13.3. One example will illustrate the application of this
formula. A whole meal mixture is found on analysis to have 25 percent of the total
protein soluble in hot water. Then X = 1.33 x 25 - 13.3 = 20 percent as the modi-
fied estimate of the percentage of added solubles solids in the mixture, rather than
25 percent as indicated by the simple ratio.

It has been impractical to prove the accuracy of the proposed method of esti-
mate, because no commercial whole meals could be obtained for which accurate in-
formation was available regarding the amount of solubles solids added in their man-
ufacture. However, fairly satisfactory estimates were obtained when the method
was applied to experimental mixtures of menhaden meal containing high levels of
some atypical samples of added solubles. There is every reason to believe that the
formula will give a quite accurate estimate for mixtures containing lower levels of
more typical condensed solubles.

Since herring meal and herring solubles, or pilchard meal and pilchard solu-
bles, might have slightly different average values for (A) and (B) of the above for-
mula, somewhat greater accuracy would be attained in work with pilchard and her-
ring whole meals if these values were known. At present most of these meals are
imported. Consequently the average user of whole meal will not have this informa-
tion available. Lacking the specific data for each species, the values determined
for menhaden meal in the above formula will probably give a more accurate esti-
mate of the amount of solubles solids added to a whole meal mixture than will be ob-
tained when the simple ratio of soluble protein to total protein is used.

--Charles F. Lee, Chemical Engineer,

Fishery Technological Laboratory,
Branch of Commercial Fisheries,

U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service,
College Park, Maryland

WHALE OIL EXTRACTION BY PRESSURE

Japanese experiments in extracting whale oil by pressure instead
of cooking are said to have produced oil of better quality; in addition,

the residual tissues can be used to manufacture synthetic textiles.

--La Peche Maritime, La Peche Fluviale et La
Pisciculture, June 15, 1953.

24 COMMERCIAL FISHERIES REVIEW Vol. 16, No. 9

THE DEVELOPMENT OF FEDERAL SPECIFICATIONS

ASSIGNMENT: A new method of developing Federal specifications was putinto
effect on July 6, 1954. By this method the responsibility for the development of
specifications will be assigned by the General Services Administration to other Fed-
eral agencies with their consent. Normally the assigned agency will also be respon-
sible for maintaining the specification.

SCOPE: The assignment will include responsibility for:
1. Development and coordination with Federal agencies and the industry.
2. Amendment, revision, or further development as found to be necessary.

BASIS: An important factor in the assignment of the specifications projects is
the technical staff and facilities of agencies and their competence in the science and
technology of the item. Most of those projects on fishery products, therefore, have
been assigned to the Fish and Wildlife Service. The actual work is being carried
out by the Technological Section of the Branch of Commercial Fisheries.

DEFINITION: A specification is a clear and accurate description of the techni-
cal requirements for a material, a product, or service, including the procedure by
which it will be determined that the requirements have been met.

1. Federal. A specification covering those materials, products, or services,
used by two or more Federal agencies (at least one of which is a civil agency), or
new items of potential general application, promulgated by the Administration for
mandatory use by all Federal agencies.

2. Interim Federal. A specification intended for final processing as either a
new or revised Federal Specification, issued in interim form for mandatory use by
the agencies specified in the preamble to the specification, but which may be used
by other agencies; or issued to cover immediate procurement needs of one agency
but which may be of interest to another Federal agency.

BASIC REQUIREMENTS: The basic requirements observed in the development
of a specification are:

1. The requirements of all Federal agencies having an interest in the items
shall be considered.

2. The number of types, grades, colors or finishes, and varieties specified
shall be held to the minimum consistent with optimum over-all efficiency and econ-
omy of the operations or services to be performed.

3. Wherever practicable, functional or performance requirements, rather than
design, construction, or compositional requirements, shall be specified.

4, Requirements shall be written to give full consideration to end use andecon-
omy and to encourage maximum participation by industry in the Government supply
program.

5. Nationally recognized industry, technical society, and other commercial
specifications and standards shall be used and adopted to the maximum extent prac-
ticable.

6. Specification requirements which can be met by products of standard com-
mercial construction, manufactured by business enterprises for general commer-

September 1954 COMMERCIAL FISHERIES REVIEW 25

cial use, shall be adopted to the maximum extent consistent with Government re-
quirements.

DEPARTMENT
OF DEFENSE
STANDARDIZATION
DIVISION

GENERAL SERVICES
ADMINISTRATION
STANDARDS DIVISION

FEDERAL AGENCIES

HAVING INTEREST USING FEDERAL AGENCIES

ASSIGNED AGENCY

4th the consent of the
agency assigns responsi-
bility for development

Reassigns responsibility
within agency to prepar-
ing activity, a6 appro-
priate

of Federal or Intcrin
Vederal Specification

Consultation

Consulte with and ob-
taine data from DOD,

agencies having inter-
est, ond industry

Consultation

Consultation

Send comments to as-
signed agency; copy
of civil agency com-
ments to GSA

Prepares Interim Federal--|.
Specification, and iseuca
{t with request for ag-
ency and iodustry cop-
ments. (Makes initial
distribution.) Or,..,

Request for comments

Comments

; Proceeds to
6) | (ess
Lists in Index of Fed-
eral Specifications and
Standards, reproduces
and maintains supply of

copies for cies and
industry

Copy of civil-agency comments

Distribution of copies on request

8 ae applicable

Preparce draft of pro-
posed Federal Specifi-
cation incorporating
commente of agencies and
industry; sends proposed
specification to GSA for
review and promulgation

Reviews proposed Feder-
al Specification, con-
sults with agencies and
industry os necessary,
and determines whethor
upecification sball....

Consultation

Bo promulgated a5 a
Federal Specifica-
tion and listed in
Index of Fedcral
Specifications and XN
Standards, or NX

Distribution of copies

Further develops the
specificativa or dis-
continues project, as
authorized by GSA

Roport major or repeated
deviations and those re~
quiring revieion of tho
specifications, subsitting
justification therefor in
duplicate, to GSA

Forwards one copy of
justification for
exceptions to assigned
agency

Further develops speci-
fication, amending or
revising and repcating
steps 3, 4, and 6 as
applicable

Figure 1 - Flow chart for development of Federal and interim Federal specifications,

26 COMMERCIAL FISHERIES REVIEW Vol. 16, No. 9

7. The preservation, packaging, packing, and marking requirements in spec-
ifications shall be uniform to the greatest extent practicable consistent with the
varying needs of Federal agencies for domestic and export shipment.

8. Consideration shall be given to the conservation of critical materials.
RESPONSIBILITY:
1. That the specification is adequate for use by the Federal agencies.

2. That representatives of industry properly concerned are afforded an oppor-
tunity to make recommendations.

3. The methods of sampling, inspection, and test required have been tried and
found to be satisfactory.

INTERIM SPECIFICATIONS: Asa rule, Federal Specifications shall be issued
initially as Interim Specifications. Except when GSA approves issuance for the im-
mediate procurement needs by an agency, Interim Specifications shall be coordinated
with Federal agencies and with industry to the extent the assigned agency determines
to be necessary.

PROCEDURE: Figure 1 shows the flow chart for the development of Federal
and interim Federal specifications.

BREEDING OYSTERS FOR SPECIAL CHARACTERISTICS

Oysters bred for specialcharacteristics, ascattle, hogs, andhorses
are bred, are now believed possible as a result of an experiment at the
Virginia Fisheries Laboratory, Gloucester Point, Va.

Oysters that growrapidly and reach maturitya year or two earlier
thanthe average commercial oyster now does is one possibility foreseen;
oysters bred to resist disease is another.

Successful artificial spawning of oysters and their larvel develop-
ment to the setting stage under artificial conditions has been achieved
by a Virginia biologist assisted by a U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service
biologist. This is the first time this has been done in Virginia.

Biologists throughout the world have maintained that it is possible,
through hybridization, to produce special oysters to meet special needs.
Investigations leading to a solution of the many problems involved in
producing oysters artificially are being made not only at the Virginia
Fisheries Laboratory but at several other laboratories in this country
and other parts of the world.

--Science News Letter, June 19, 1954

September 1954 COMMERCIAL FISHERIES REVIEW 27

EXPERIMENTAL FREEZER-TRAWLER DELAWARE
RESUMES OPERATIONS

The Service's experimental freezing vessel Delaware, operating out of East
Boston, started its initial cruise of the season on June 29. This was its first trip
since completion of fire-damage repairs and restoration of the galley and after
crew's quarters. The purpose of the cruise was (a) to brine freeze in-the-round
and store in the frozen-fish hold all commercial species of fish taken in the Georges
Bank area, (b) to further test the operation of the freezing equipment, particularly
in relation to certain automatic controls that had been recently installed, and (c) to
prepare sample lots of iced, gutted fish of various species for use in projects under
way in the laboratory.

The vessel returned to the laboratory on July 4 with a catch of 11,500 pounds of
fish, principally haddock, cod, and yellowtail. Approximately 2,500 pounds of this
total were frozen.

While fishing, mechanical equipment replaced or overhauled during the winter
was tested under full operating loads. Asa result of these sea trials, certain ad-
justments and replacements were made in the equipment prior to the next cruise.

The Delaware again went to sea on July 14. The purpose of this cruise was
essentially the same as that for the first one. After a trip of about 13 days, the
vessel returned to the laboratory on July 27. Fishing was done mostly in the Georges
Bank area. The catch of 50,000 pounds of fish was largely haddock and scrod had-
dock, with the remainder consisting of cod, whiting, ocean perch, and other fish.
About 43,000 pounds of the catch were brine-frozen in-the-round, and 7,000 pounds
were gutted and iced.

Considering that the vessel operated only during daylight hours because a full
crew of fishermen was not taken on these cruises, the quantity of fish brought in by
the Delaware is believed to be very satisfactory. Translated into around-the-clock
fishing, which is the normal commercial operating schedule, the catch would have
been something over 100,000 pounds of fish. While all of the brine-frozen fishwere
in excellent condition, the fish caught during the first part of the trip and stored in
ice were not of the best quality when landed. The second cruise demonstrated that
frozen fish held aboard the vessel for two weeks can be landed in excellent condition.

A technologist from the Army Quartermaster Corps Food and Container Insti-
tute, Chicago, Illinois, was aboard on both cruises to select lots of both iced and
frozen fish for later use in the preparation of frozen fillets, fish squares, and fish
sticks for consumer acceptance tests under the direction of the Institute. The lab-
oratory staff assisted him in handling the fish upon the arrival of the vessel atEast
Boston and in the processing of the fish into the desired types of samples.

On both cruises lobsters, caught incidental to the trawling operations about 200
miles at sea, were placed in a tank of circulating sea water. A total of 35 lobsters,
weighing up to 12 pounds each, were brought in alive. They were turned over to the
Division of Marine Fisheries, Massachusetts Department of Natural Resources,
Boston, Massachusetts, for tagging and release in inshore waters for studies on
migratory habits and survival rates.

28 COMMERCIAL FISHERIES REVIEW Viol LG eNOS

NEW FORMAT

NOTE: Recent surveys of readers of Commercial Fisheries Review indicate
that more detailed and complete reports of progress are desirable. Therefore, the
content of the section "Research in Service Laboratories" has been changed with
this issue of Commercial Fisheries Review. This will permit a prompt and more
suitable means of reporting progress on projects carried out in the Service's four
technological research laboratories. The section will, as in the past, be devoted
principally to current progress on technological research projects. However, these
reports will be prepared in more detail by the principal investigators or project
leaders and will represent definite progress or phase reports on the projects. Com-
plete reports of this type should prove to be of greater value in following the re-
search work and in the prompt practical application of the results.

Such items as test cruises of the research trawler Delaware and other miscel-
laneous observations made by the research staff will be included as before.

The progress reports will be abstracted in the Service journal Commercial
Fisheries Abstracts. Users of the abstract journal will have a ready reference file
to the material appearing in the ''Research in Service Laboratories" section of Com-
mercial Fisheries Review.

The new format will not alter the present practice of issuing reports of com-
pleted research as feature articles in Commercial Fisheries Review, other Service
reports, and in trade or scientific journals. The Technical Notes will not be changed
and will consist of observations made in the course of study on research projects or
other incidental technical observations that may be of interest to the industry.

152-YEAR-OLD LAKE STURGEON CAUGHT IN ONTARIO

A 152-year-old lake sturgeon (Acipenser fulrescens), caught in Lake
of the Woods, Ontario, in 1953, has caused a mild furor in scientific cir-
cles. The age of the remarkable fish has been established by biologists
of the Fish and Wildlife Divisionof the Ontario Department of Lands and
Forests at Maple, Canada, accordingtoan April 6 release by that Agency.

The fish was caught in July by afisherman. It measured 81 inches
in length and weighed 215 pounds. At time of capture, a pectoral fin was
removed from the fish and later forwarded to Maple by Kenora District
Wildlife Officers. It was from a microscopic examination of a cross-sec-
tion of this fin ray that the age of the fish was determined.

To assess its great age, annual rings similar to those found in trees
were counted. In fact, the figure arrived at appeared so fantastic thata
section was sent tothe Chief Limnologist of the Canadian Wildlife Service
at Ottawa, and he reaffirmed the findings.

It is interesting to realize that this piscatorial curiosity was swim-
ming the waters of Lake of the Woods at least ten years before the War
of 1812 and had managed to escape commercial fishing gear and natural
enemies until 1953,

September 1954 COMMERCIAL FISHERIES REVIEW 29

California

PACIFIC MACKEREL FISHING OUTLOOK DISMAL: Pacific mackerel fishing
off the California coast has slowed up considerably and purse seiners have been
catching onlya few loads of small young fish hatched in 1953. Most of these fish
would not normally have laid their first eggs until 1956. California marine biologists
say that as long as the fishery continues to operate on such young fish the hope for
recovery of the Pacific mackerel is most dismal, according to the June Outdoor

California, a Department of Fish and Game bulletin.

% OK OK OK

COMMERCIAL FISHING LICENSE SALES DOWN IN 1953/54: The sales of com-
mercial fishing licenses in California have dropped for the fourth consecutive year,
according to the June Qutdoor California, a Department of Fish and Game bulletin.

A total of 11, 367 licenses were issued for the 1953/54 series--a decrease of 31 per-
cent from the 1949/50 high of 14, 967 licenses.

Total shipments of metal cans for fish and sea food during January-
May 1954 amounted to 29, 842 short tons of steel (based on the amount
of steel consumed in the merce of cans), compared to 33, 257 short

— tons for the same period last year.

Note: Statistics cover all commercial and captive plants known to be producing metal cans, Reported in base boxes of steel
consumed in the manufacture of cans, the data for fishery products are converted to tons of steel by using the factor: 23.0

base boxes of steel equal one short ton of steel.

Federal Purchases of Fishery Products

OF DEFENSE, May 1954: Fresh and frozen fishery products purchases for the mil-
itary feeding of the U. S. Army, Navy, Marine Corps, and Air Force by the Army
Quartermaster Corps in May 1954 amounted to 2,125, 243 pounds, valuedat $894,789

Table 1 - Purchases of Fresh and Frozen Fishery Products by Department o

Defense (May and the First Five Months of 1954 and 1953) E
QUANTITY VALUE
January-Ma: ie SeViayA eR NR anwareysiMe yas
954

Lbs.
8, 951, 048 894. 789/1, 183 404|3, 896, 68914, 308, 587

125, 243 8, Ie 176 Only 418

30 COMMERCIAL FISHERIES REVIEW Vol. 16, No. 9

(table 1). This was an increase of 16.4 percent in quantity and 18.6 percent in value
as compared with April purchases, but lower by 32.0 and 24.4 percent, respectively,
than in May 1953.

Prices paid for fresh and frozen fishery products by the Department of the Army
in May 1954 averaged 42.1 cents per pound as compared with 46.9 cents in April.

June 1954: The Army Quartermaster Corps in June 1954 purchased 2, 966, 264
pounds (valued at $1, 191, 632) of fresh and frozen fishery products--39.6 percent
greater in quantity and 33, 2 percent higher in value than purchases in May (table 2).
When compared with a year earlier, June purchases were down 36.2 and 29.8 per-
cent, respectively.

Table 2 - Purchases of Fresh and Frozen Fishery Products by Department of
Defense (June and the First Six Months of 1954 and 1953)

a UATE Ys ea OR PsA

me era iane

1954 1953 1953 | 1954" | 1953 | 1954 | 1953__|
6,005,451

953 1
Lbs. Lbs. Lbs. Lbs
1,191,632 |1,696,864 |5,088,321

Army Quartermaster Corps purchases of fresh and frozen fish during the first
six months of 1954 amounted to 12, 037, 682 pounds (valued at $5, 088, 321)--a de-
crease of 11.5 percent in volume and 15.3 percent in value as compared with the
similar period in 1953,

An average price of 40. 2 cents per pound was paid by the Department of the
Army for fishery products purchased in June 1954, compared with 435.7 cents per
pound in June 1953.

Fillet and Fish Stick Advertising Test

A joint fish fillet and fish stick advertising test program in Columbus, Ohio, in
the fall of 1954 was agreed upon by firms in Canada, Iceland, Norway, and the United
States. Agreement was reached at a meeting in Boston, Mass., August 5. The pur-
pose of the test will be to determine how successful such a joint program is in in-
creasing the consumption of fish fillets and fish sticks.

Film to Show Role of Outboard Motors in Fishing Industry

Work on an educational motion picture featuring the use of outboard motors in
commercial fishing operations has been started by the U. S. Fish and Wildlife Serv-
1Ce®

The film is being produced by MPO Production, Inc., New York City, for the
Outboard, Marine and Manufacturing Co., Milwaukee, with Fish and Wildlife Serv-
ice specialists serving as technical advisors, helping in the selection of locations,
and participating in the preparation of the script.

Cited as an excellent example of teamwork between industry and Government,
the project is designed to acquaint commercial fishermen and the general public
with the important role outboard motors play in getting high-quality sea foods and
fresh-water fish to the American dinner table.

September 1954 COMMERCIAL FISHERIES REVIEW 31

The following commercial fishing operations have been selected by the Service
as likely material for the film: 1. Lobster and sardine fishing in Maine. 2. Scallop
fishing in Massachusetts. 3. Oyster harvesting in Maryland, or Virginia. 4. Clam-
ming in New Jersey. 5. Crabbing in North Carolina, or Louisiana. 6. Mullet fish-
ing in Florida. 7. Shrimping in Louisiana. 8. Salmon fishing in Alaska. 9. Pound
or gill netting for herring, lake trout, and whitefish in the Great Lakes. 10. River
fishing for shad, carp, and other fish in the Hudson or the Mississippi rivers.

The picture will be a 16 mm. sound and color production with a showing time
of about 25 minutes. Due to the seasonal nature of commercial fishing, the film
will require about 18 months for completion. A wide distribution of prints for pub-
lic showings and television use is planned.

Fishery Products Marketing Prospects, July-October 1954

CONSUMPTION AND RETAIL PRICES: U. S. civilian consumption of fishery
products per person during the first half of 1954 was slightly smaller than a year
earlier. The reduction came mostly in canned fish. Consumption of frozen fishery
products was maintained at the year-ago rate in large part due to expansion in the
use of frozen ''fish sticks.'' Retail prices of fish and shellfish, as a group, aver-
aged close to those of the first half of 1953, judging from wholesale prices in prin-
cipal markets. Civilian consumption of fishery products in the next few months is
not expected to differ much from the rate of a year earlier, while retail prices for
these commodities probably will be about the same.

CATCH: Commercial landings of fish and shellfish through about midyear were
at least as high or perhaps slightly higher than in the same months of 1953. Heavier
landings of tuna fish this year than last was the outstanding feature in the over-all
production situation during the first half of 1954. Total landings of fishery products
are close to the seasonal peak, and will decline as winter approaches.

FREEZINGS AND HOLDINGS: Commercial freezings of fishery products in the
United States and Alaska through the end of June totaled 112 million pounds, only
one percent higher than in the first half of 1953. Cold-storage holdings of frozen
fish and shellfish on June 30 totaled 140 million pounds, slightly less than a year
earlier. Although the volume of fishery products frozen will be declining seasonally
as the year progresses, total cold-storage stocks (which include imports) will con-
tinue to build up during the fall. The out-of-storage movement of frozen fishery
products is generally heaviest during the winter months when landings are at the low
point for the year.

CANNED FISH: Less canned fishery products are available now than last sum-
mer, but the 1954 packs will start moving to market in volume in a few weeks. Tuna
is the only popular canned fish item for which a large pack is in prospect for this
year. Thus far in 1954 more tuna has been canned than a year earlier, and indica-
tions are that it will continue ahead of last year unless the volume of imports of fro-
zen tuna or of domestically caught tuna landed for canning drops sharply. The can-
ned salmon pack probably will decline for the third year in a row because of the
shortage of pink salmon in the Puget Sound area and conservation restrictions on
fishing in some Alaskan waters. The size of the packs of mackerel and California
sardines (pilchards) probably will be small again this year.

FOREIGN TRADE: Imports of fishery products through April were somewhat
larger than a year earlier. Most of the increase was in the major canned fishery
products, which were up more than 25 percent. Although receipts of the important
fresh and frozen fishery products during this period were only moderately higher

32 COMMERCIAL FISHERIES REVIEW Vol. 16, No. 9

than in the same part of 1953, those of frozen groundfish and ocean perch fillets
were up almost 20 percent. The increase was due mainly to stepped-up use of im-
ported fillets by domestic producers of frozen ''fish sticks. '' Exports of fishery
products from January to April were smaller than a year earlier. Outgoing ship-
ments of the major canned fish items were down about 18 percent. A considerable
increase in canned salmon exports was more than offset by declines in sardines and
mackerel. Trade prospects for the year as a whole are for somewhat heavier im-
ports and smaller exports than in 1953.

This analysis appeared in a report prepared by the Bureau of Agricultural Eco-
nomics, U. S. Department of Agriculture, in cooperation with the U. S. Fish and
Wildlife Service, and published in the former agency's August 2, 1954, release of
The National Food Situation (NFS-69).

=
tr

Florida

SHRIMP EXPLORATIONS OFF WEST COAST BY "GOODWILL" (Cruise 1):
Over the past several months decreasing shrimp production with a reductionin
shrimp prices has caused an economic decline in the Florida shrimp industry. As
a result of this serious economic situation a program was established by the Tampa
Shrimp Producer's Association for the systematic exploration for shrimp off the
western Florida coast.

Diesel Engine Sales of St. Augustine loaned the trawler Goodwill to the Associa-
tion for a period of four months to carry out this exploratory work. The cost of op-
erating the vessel is being shared by members of the Tampa Shrimp Producers's
Association. At their request scientific personnel are being provided by the Marine
Laboratory of the University of Miami, official research body of the State Board of Con-
servation, for the purpose of collecting data and making reports on the various
cruises.

The first of these cruises by the Goodwill consisted of two trips to explore for
shrimp in the area between Tampa and Cape San Blas off the west coast of Florida.

The Goodwill departed from St. Augustine for the first trip on June 17, 1954.
After making a port call at Miami for provisions and gear it proceeded to Tampa
and started its exploratory operations. A port call for repairs to the automatic pilot
was made in Apalachicola on June 28-29. Explorations were resumed off Cape St.
George. The Goodwill returned to Tampa on July 1 for reprovisioning.

The second trip of this cruise took place between July 4-10. On this trip the
Goodwill operated in the area between Tampa and Anclote Light.

During the first trip, the Goodwill made 29 trawling stations in depths of 10 to
60 fathoms, The majority of the drags were made inside the 20-fathom curve. This
area was unsuitable for trawling due to the presence of large quantities of loggerhead
sponges and live and dead coral which littered the bottom,

No commercial concentrations of shrimp were discovered on this trip. One to
six shrimp per 10- to 15-minute try-net drag were found in 11 to 14 fathoms at posi-
tion 28°20'N. latitude and 83930' W. longitude. These shrimp ranged from 15 to 30
count heads off. The small number of shrimp caught by the try net did not warrant
the use of larger gear. The six try net stations in this position show the area to be
trawlable and more extensive than any located east of Cape St. George.

September 1954 COMMERCIAL FISHERIES REVIEW 33

A series of 6 stations off Cape San Blas in 21 to 60 fathoms did not yield any
shrimp of commercial interest. In 25 fathoms at position 29°05' N. latitude and
85°25' W. longitude, a scallop bed covering some six miles in length was discovered.
Three 15-minute drags with a 150-mesh try net yielded 60, 95, and 50 commercial
scallops. These scallops are the desirable commercial species similar to Pecten
gibbus and ranged from 13 to 3 inches in size. This scallop bed is large enough to
be of commercial importance.

While the Goodwill was in Tampa on July 1-3, information was obtained concern-
ing catches of commercial shrimp made in 10 to 14 fathoms northwest of Tampa. It
was decided to investigate the extent and catch rate of this area.

Twenty-one try-net sets and eight sets with a 375-mesh flat trawl with extended
wings were made on this trip. Three nights were spent in exploring before a suitable
concentration of shrimp was discovered off Tarpon Springs at 28°07' N. latitude and
83°10' W. longitude.

The catch rate with the 375-mesh flat trawl was 275 pounds (heads on) pink
shrimp (Penaeus duorarum) per hour. The total catch for two nights' fishing was
1,700 pounds of 41- to 45-count shrimp (heads off).

The area in which the Goodwill fished was not extensive, possibly $ mile in
length and 7 mile in width. Radio contacts with other boats indicate that many such
sections of trawlable bottom with commercial concentrations of shrimp had been lo-
cated in the general vicinity.

On these cruises no extensive trawlable mud bottom, similar to the Dry Tortugas
and Campeche Banks, was found. Rather, the shrimp appeared to be isolated insmall
compact pockets which have to be bouyed off to prevent destruction of gear.

From 10 to 20 shrimp trawlers are currently operating in the waters off Tampa.
Many of these boats have sustained severe gear damage, even complete loss of nets.

The trawlers working adjacent to the Goodwill had rigged their gear with a tick-
ler chain attached to the bottom trailing edge of the trawl door. The length of the
tickler chain varied, being either equal in length to the cork line or two feet shorter
than the cork line. Other boats were fishing without the drop link chain. However,
the Goodwill made good catches by leaving the drop link chain attached to the net.

An electronic fishing aide, the 'Shrimplupe," was installed on the Goodwill. The
apparatus operates as a depth recorder as well as an indicator of the presence of
marine organisms. An additional feature of this instrument is its ability to select
any two fathoms of water for detailed study. No positive identification of shrimp
were made on the first trip. This may have been due to the inexperience of the oper-
ator in identifying the objects on the screen of the ''Shrimplupe"' or to the lack of suf-
ficient concentrations of shrimp.

\om

Maryland

CHESAPEAKE BAY FISHERIES, 1946-50: The general condition of Maryland's
Chesapeake Bay fisheries from 1946-50 appeared to be excellent, according to the
Maryland Department of Research and Education at Solomons, Maryland. This con-
clusion is based on the results of a study of detailed records of the commercial fish
catch of the State published in a oulletin, Maryland Commercial Fisheries Statistics,
1946-1950, issued recently from the Chesapeake Biological Laboratory.

34 COMMERCIAL FISHERIES REVIEW Vol. 16, No. 9

The statistics set forth in the report were derived from records obtained only
from licensed commercial fishermen; the bulletin contains no data pertaining to
small unlicensed units of fishing gear, or to the sports fishery. While it is recog-
nized that these figures do not represent the total finfish removal from Maryland
waters, they do have very definite merit and
usefulness. The stability of the commercial
fishery makes it an excellent source of catch
statistics suitable for critical comparison and
analysis. The numbers of men, boats, andunits
of gear vary only slightly from year to year.

Prices for fish were relatively stable, aver-
aging generally about 9 cents per pound for all
species during the 5-year period. Total land-
ings in 1950, for example, increased over 42
percent, and most of the major fish species fol-
lowed an upward trend. Striped bass or rock-
fish catches increased 94 percent over the 1946 level, shad gained 101 percent, ale-
wives 69 percent, and white perch landings rose 74 percent. All of these important
commercial species reproduce in Maryland waters.

— SE;

Striped Bass

Croakers (hardheads) suffered a slight recession, but production in 1950 rose
again to a point 3 percent above the 1946 figure. The only major species that failed
to show stable or increased production is gray sea trout, which went steadily down-
ward, resulting in a reduction of 84 percent.

In contrast to these Chesapeake Bay landings, the Atlantic Ocean catches indi-
cate rather discouraging trends. The decline in total production was attributed in
some measure to marketing difficulties, but to a greater extent resulted from phe-
nomenal decreases incertain individualspecies. The following species of fish showed
spectacular drops in production: king whiting, gray sea trout, croaker, and red
(squirrel) hake. The declines in croakers and gray sea trout were reflected in both
the trawl and pound-net catches, but king whiting and hake are more typically taken
by trawls. The lower yields of these last two species resulted in a greater total re-
duction in the trawl fishery than in pound nets.

Altogether, 95 percent coverage of licensed commercial fishing was obtained
during the five years included in the survey, entirely on a voluntary basis. The re-
turns indicated seasonal patterns of fishing that were strikingly constant for each of
the various types of gear.

KK RK K

species of food fish occurred from 1952 to 1953. Sea trout, striped bass, and ale-
wives increased slightly over the 1952 catch, but croaker, shad, and white perch
failed to reach the 1952 level. Striped bass, shad, and alewives were above the aver-
age catch for 1944-52, while landings of croaker, white perch, and sea trout were be-
low the average for the nine-year period.

The State's Atlantic Ocean fishery continued to decline during 1953. Pound-net
catches totaled less than 6,000 pounds for the entire year. Total landings for all

September 1954 COMMERCIAL FISHERIES REVIEW 35

other types of gear were only slightly above 35 million pounds, of which more than
13 million pounds were shucked meats of surf clams.

1 OK OK

of the largest oyster shell-planting operations inthe history of the Maryland Tide-
water Fisheries Department was being completed by that agency in the Maryland
portion of Chesapeake Bay, accord-
ing to the July 1954 Maryland Tide-
water News. On the average, about
150,000 bushels of oyster shells per
week have been planted during the re-
cent spring period. Plantings from
Baltimore have been made since the
oyster-shucking period began in the
fall of 1953 through the early summer
of 1954.

EASTERN OYSTER

Ontae vininica The shell-planting measure is
designed to make old shells available
PATENT TONGS as anchorage for baby oysters. A

shell scow carries from 2,500 to
4,000 bushels, and the shells are
trucked to the scows from packing
plants which supply themtothe State.

Under a new law, packers must surrender 50 percent of their shells without
cost. The Department has planted about 1,750,000 bushels during the season and
has a goal of 2,000,000 bushels per year.

*K OK A OK OK

SPOT FISHERY INCREASES: The commercial fishery for spot (Leiostomus
xanthurus), a small full-bodied member of the drumfish family, relative and fellow
traveler with the croaker or hardhead in Maryland waters, has enjoyed a slight pros-
perity in increased harvest during the past decade, according to biologists of the
Maryland Department of Research and Education at Solomons.

In addition to being a staple sports fish throughout Chesapeake Bay and a deli-
cately-flavored species for human consumption, the spot is caught in relatively
large numbers; but the fishery is much smaller than that for alewives, carp, croak-
ers, eels, sea trout (weakfish), shad, and striped bass. Although large numbers are
caught in late spring (when they come from the ocean), summer, and autumn, the
financial returns to fishermen are not large.

The spot fishery started off two decades after the Civil War at a high level, but
by the turn of the century it declined to a very low level. After World War I the
landings and value increasedtotheir present level. This change is demonstrated by
the average annual landings for the following periods and the price per pound:

(1) 1887-1891, 295,000 pounds at 4 cents per pound; (2) 1897-1908, 10,000 pounds at
2 cents per pound; (3) 1920-1938, 110,000 pounds at 3 cents per pound; and (4) 1939-
1951, 151,959 pounds at 7 cents per pound. The conditions are about the same for
the spot fishery in Virginia waters where it is eight times the size of the Maryland
industry.

The changes in the types of gear used for catching spot are of interest. Between
1887 and 1891 most spot were caught on hand lines and sold commercially; second-
ary catches were made in haul seines, pound nets, gill nets, fyke nets, and weirs.

36 COMMERCIAL FISHERIES REVIEW Vol. 16, No. 9

From 1929 to 1931 a few were caught in purse seines, but the largest percentage
was taken in pound nets from 1929 to 1950, followed by haul seines. A small amount
are taken in otter trawls in the ocean off Maryland. Although spot is not a Bay fish,
it is quite important to the commercial and sports fisheries so that its future in the
over-all fishery economy of Chesapeake Bay will be studied with great interest.

He OK % OK

HAKE CAUGHT IN CHESAPEAKE BAY: During the last few months the Chesa-
caught by sports fishermen in Chesapeake Bay and the lower estuaries. In almost
every case these queer fish have turned out to be hake, curious cod-like ocean-
dwellers that are visiting the Bay for the summer, according to biologists of the
Maryland Department of Research and Education.

All fish examined have been less than 10 inches long, indicating that they are
members of a dominant year-class that have migrated to the rich nursery grounds
of the Bay. They probably arrived in late spring from the ocean as fingerlings, and
have since grown large enough to be caught by fishermen.

The most commonly recorded form is the spotted hake, Urophycis regius, but
one red (squirrel) hake, Urophycis chuss, was caught in a pound net at Hunting Creek,
a tributary of the Patuxent River. Fishermen call them "ling" and ''cod.'' The
Chesapeake Biological Laboratory has recorded hake of such small size almost
every year, but this year they are more frequent than usual. Hake of marketable
size are too scarce in Chesapeake Bay to excite attention.

off Ocean City, Maryland, according to the Maryland Department of Research and
Education's bulletin Maryland Tidewater News. The incidental fishery for squid,
principally Loligo Peali, is over a half century old. Squid, also known as "'sea
arrows," "cuttlefish, and "calamaries, ''do not occur in the Maryland portion of
Chesapeake Bay.

The catch and value of squid have fluctuated over the years from 1904 to the
present. The average annual yield in pounds and price per pound for the following
periods indicate clearly this change: (1) 1904-
foe ae 1925, 14,842 pounds at 5 cents per pound;
S : (2) 1929-1939, 59,400 pounds at 2 cents per
| ag

pound; and (3) 1949-1951, 51,109 pounds at 8
cents per pound. By contrast the much larger
~ fishery for squid off Virginia shows the follow-
ST ing statistics: (1) 1929-1939, 206,674 pounds
XX at 2 cents per pound; and (2) 1940-1951, 117,218
pounds at 4 cents per pound.

——
=

a The demand for squid seems to be growing

due to the fluctuating availability of this mollusk to pound-net and otter-trawl fish-
ermen. Most squid are used as bait by commercial and sports fishermen, although
many of the best restaurants in metropolitan areas serve it on their menu.

The Maryland squid fishery may be the source some day of live animals for use
in medical research. The squid is important in nerve physiology and, hence, of
potential value in medical research, because of the presence of a single giant nerve
fiber rather than a complete bundle of nerve fibers. Squid are delivered alive daily
from the ocean to scientists in an especially designed truck to points as far as

September 1954 COMMERCIAL FISHERIES REVIEW 37

Cambridge, Massachusetts. The giant nerve fibers are easily dissected’ and handled,
and the study of their properties, heretofore quite difficult with other experimental
animals, has yielded a great deal of basic information that will benefit mankind.

Squid are caught in pound nets set in the ocean and in otter trawls operating
near Ocean City during the summer months. During the earlier days of the fishery
most squid were taken in pound and trap nets exclusively, but since the advent of the
otter-trawl fishery off the Maryland coast, almost all squid are taken by that type

of gear. 5
= é ae

New England Tuna Explorations

WEST COAST PURSE SEINER FISHING TUNA OFF NEW ENGLAND: Bluefin
tuna fishing on a commercial scale in waters off New England is being tried this
summer. Based on results of tuna explorations conducted by the Service over the
past three years in that area, experimental fishing by a California purse seiner com-
menced about the end of July in the Gulf of Maine and nearby waters. Considerable
industry interest has been shown in this undertaking, as it will be the first commer-
cial seining for North Atlantic tuna since an attempt was made by industry to estab-
lish such a fishery in 1938-40.

Captain Nick Mezin sailed late in June from San Pedro, California, with his
purse seiner Western Pride and an experienced West Coast crew. The Western
Pride was scheduled to arrive in the Cape Cod area on July 28. Mechanical difficul-
ties caused a later start than was planned, but the vessel will purse seine for blue-
fin tuna in New England waters until the end of September or until it is apparent that
the run of tuna is over for the season.

The Service's bluefin tuna exploratory program, which began in 1951, success-
fully showed that North Atlantic tuna could be taken by the purse-seine method in
commercial quantities within a 100-mile radius of New England fishing ports. The
catch that year was 180,000 pounds of prime tuna of a size ideal for canning. In 1952
and 1953 explorations the Service used long-line gear. Although catches were small-
er with this type of gear than with the purse seine, the project in both years con-
tinued to demonstrate that good canning-size bluefin tuna could be caught over a wide
area in the Gulf of Maine and adjacent waters during the summer months. Consider-
able information’on the habits and movements of the tuna was obtained. However,
additional exploration of offshore waters, in and beyond the Gulf Stream, is necessary
before any extensive evaluation of the potential fishery can be made.

An experienced observer from the staff of the U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service
has been assigned to accompany the Western Pride on all fishing trips in New England
waters this year. Complete records of the scouting and seining activities will be
maintained and made available to interested parties.

Need

Pribilof Islands Fur-Seal Take, 1954

A total of 63,882 fur-seal skins was taken in 1954 in the Government-adminis-
tered sealing operations on Alaska's Pribilof Islands. The annual sealing operations
conducted by the Fish and Wildlife Service began June 22 on St. Paul Island and June
27 on St. George Island. Operations were terminated on July 27.

38 COMMERCIAL FISHERIES REVIEW Viol; 16; Noy 9

This year's yield was 2,496 skins under the 1953 take of 66,378. The average
annual yield over the past 10 years has been around 65,000 skins.

Although the fur-seal industry on the Pribilofs is the responsibility of the United
States Government, 20 percent of this year's take will be delivered to the Canadian
Government under the terms of the Provisional Fur-Seal Agreement of 1942. The
remaining skins will be delivered to a private concern in St. Louis for processing
and sale at public auction under a Government contract.

Approximately 80 percent of the world's fur seals go to the Pribilof Islands
each summer to breed. During the winter these seals range southward as far as

southern California.

At one time the Alaskan seal's numbers diminished to such an extent that the
herd's existence was threatened. The depletion was due principally to pelagic seal-
ing--the indiscriminate killing of seals at sea.

Under the protection of international agreements, the herd has been restored
and is being maintained at its original level of abundance. Since the annual take is
limited primarily to three-year old males considered surplus from the standpoint
of breeding, the species is assured of survival under present conditions.

hn.

U. S. Canned Packs of Selected Fishery Products, 1953

ALEWIVES: The 1953 United States pack of canned alewives amounted to
111,391 standard cases, valued at $507,925 to the canners (table 1). This is an in-
crease of 39 percent in quantity and 36 percent in value as compared with the prev-
ious year.

Table 1 - U. S. Pack of Canned Alewives by States 1953 1

. Value to Canners' Avg. Price
CEM CEEOL Canners Per std, Case
Std. Cases + $ $
Maryland and North Carolina ... 39, 463 184, 807 4.68
Watiesniialel Gop oooonboouDCoDOGCOUG 71, 928 4,49

Biot alls WAie: eee aR eee Til, 391 507, 925

1/ Preliminary,
2/ Cases of various sizes converted to the equivalent of 48 cans per case, each can with a net weight of 15 ounces.
Practically the entire pack was canned in 15-ounce cans,

Alewives were canned in 1953 by 5 plants in Maryland, 11 in Virginia, and 1 in
North Carolina.

Table 2- U. S. Pack of Canned Alewives, 1948-1953

: Net Value to | Canners' Avs. Price
QUEEIIET Weight Canners Per Std. Case2/
Std. Cases 4 Lbs. $ ?
19531/ Wiliesoie 5,012,595 | 507,925 . 56

79, 861 3,593, 745 374, 680
127, 760 5, 749, 200 604, 314
69, 568 3,130, 560 316, 993
111, 994 BR OR) SO) 469, 398
123, 134 5, 541, 030 639, 356

1/ Preliminary.
2/ Cases of various sizes converted to the equivalent of 48 cans per case, each can with a net weight of 15 ounces.

September 1954

COMMERCIAL FISHERIES REVIEW 39

Alewife runs were reported to be heavy during 1953 and more could have been
canned if market conditions had justified a larger pack.

Canners received an average of $4.56 per standard case for the 1953 pack, 3

percent less than the $4.69 received in 1952.
($4.19) did lower prices prevail (table 2).

From 1948 through 1953, only in 1949

%* OK OK

ANCHOVIES: The United States pack of canned anchovies in 1953 totaled
1,061,995 standard cases, valued at $7,661,173, or an average price of $7.21 per

Table 1 - California Canned Ancho
by Style of Pack, 1953

Pack

Table 2 - California Canned Anchovy. Pack
by Size of Can and Case, 1953

Canners’

Natural, without
sauce or oil
In tomato sauce

1 Preliminary,
2/Cases of various sizes converted to the uniform basis of
100 cans, each can containing 5 ounces net.
standard case to the canners (table l).
California was the only state where an-
chovies were canned; 33 plants packed
this product in 1953. Anchovies in to-
mato sauce comprised the bulk of the
pack; the remainder was put up natural
style.

The 1953 pack of anchovies, which
was the largest ever reported, increased
57 percent in quantity and 62 percent in
value as compared with the 1952 pack
(table 2).

From a high of $7.76 per standard case in 1951,

Quantity | Value
to Canners
Actual Cs.| $
479,513 | 3,359,754
427,648 | 2,775,051

190,678 | 1,526,368

5 ounces net (100 cans)
Ts ounces net (48 cans)

15 ounces net (48 cans)
tal

Qt al See. w ease nee seats

|1/ Preliminary.

Table 3 - California Canned Anchovy Pack, 1947-53)
Canners
Value Avg. Price Per

$ $

ito Canners Std. Case
Std, Cases2

“1,061,995

674,286

63,060

38,096

5,771

102,903

199,863
Preliminary.

9/Cases of various sizes converted to the uniform

~ basis of 100 cans, each can containing 5 ounces

net.

7,661,173

1,377,275

the average price to the canner

dropped to $7.21 per standard case in 1953 (table 3).

OK OK OK OK

CALIFORNIA SARDINES (PILCHARD):

The 1953 pack of California sardines

(pilchard) of 63,612 standard cases was valued at $653,131 to the canners (table 1).

Style of Pack 1gsal

Natural, without
sauce or oil

In tomato sauce

In mustard sauce

sauce2

151,029
405,050

97,052

1/Preliminary,
2/Includes a small specialty pack of sardines (pilchards)
in soy sauce,

48 cans to the case,

Table1-C aerate Pack of Canned Sa PaO ae (Pilchard)

Quanti! = "std a

aanAsn S ae 653,131 0 27

3/Cases of various sizes converted to the uniform basis of
Each can containing 15 ounces net.

This was the smallest pack since the in-
ception of thefishery. As recently as
1950 the pack of these fish amounted to
over 5 million cases. Sardines were
canned in 18 plants in California during
1953.

Canners received an average price
of $10.27 per standard case in 1953
(table 3), an increase of $1.67 over the
1952 price. The 1953 average price
was the highest onrecord--slightly above

40 COMMERCIAL FISHERIES REVIEW Vol. 16, No. 9

that received by the canners in 1947 when the average
price reached $10.01 per case.

Table 3 indicates the trend in production in the
period since 1948. As a result of the disappearance of
the sardines from California waters, the pack declined
to 2,864,984 cases in 1951, and to only 106,746 cases
imi L9)5 2%

Table 2 - California Pack of Canned Sardines (Pilchard),
by Size of Can and Case, 1953 1/ Table 3 - California Pack of Sardines (Pilchards), 1948-53

Canners” Canners

Value z
Avg. Price Per
to Canners std. Case

Std. Case1/ $
1 pound cans: 2 63,612 653,131
15 ounces net, oval 106,746 918,072
(48 cans) 42,822 479,252 2,864,984 19,362,744
15 ounces net, tall 5,070,805 26,345,609
(48 cans) 18,897 154,021 5 3,768,212 21,334,825
Other sizes converted 2,654,149 21,892,893
to 15 ounces net
(100 cans) 1,893 19,858 1/ Cases of various sizes converted to the uniform basis of
48 cans to the case, Each can containing 15 ounces net,

Total 63,612 653,131 2/ Preliminary.

1/Preliminary.

ee ke ok Xe

CLAMS AND CLAM PRODUCTS: The 1953 United States and Alaska pack of
canned clams and clam products amounted to 1,645,335 cases, valued at $12,629,803

Table 1 - U.S. and Alaska Pack of Canned Clams and Clam Products by Type and Area, 19531/

Whole and Minced Chowder, Juice, Broth,
Bouillon, & Nectar
Canners’ Canners’
Species 5 Avg. Price Avg. Price

Std. Cases’
a |
Maine 5 20,002
Washington 4 6,759
Oregon 2
Alaska 8 31,391

Total Razor
Clams 38,150 742,556

ard clams:

Rhode Island

New York

New Jersey 1,037,447 {6,910,198 ff 1,226,158

Pennsylvania

Delaware

Maryland

Washington

California

Alaska

Total Hard
Clams4/

Grand Total

1/ Preliminary.

2/ Cases of various sizes converted to the equivalent of 48 No. 1 picnic cans, each can of whole or minced clams contain-
ing 5 ounces of meat, drained weight; and each can of chowder, juice, broth, bouillon, or nectar, 10 ounces net,

3/ Includes the pack of surf clams in Maine.

4/ Includes the pack of surf clams in New York, New Jersey, and Delaware; pismo clams in California; cockles in Alaska.

September 1954 COMMERCIAL FISHERIES REVIEW 41

(table 1). This was a decrease of 53,656 cases, but an increase of $420,245 as com-
pared with the previous year's production. The pack of canned clam chowder, juice,
broth, bouillon, and nectar comprised 51 percent
of the total pack; canned whole and mincedclams
accounted for the remaining 19 percent, com-
pared with 78 and 22 percent, respectively, in
1952.

The 1953 production of canned clams and
clam products is the second highest on record,
being exceeded only by 1952 (table 2); while the
total value received by the canners in 1953 was
the highest ever.

Canning Retort.

Table 2 - U.S, and Alaska Pack of Canned Clams and Clam Products, 1943-53

Whole and Minced

Soft Clams 3/} Hard Clams 4/

Chowder, Juice, Broth,

Bouillon, & Nectar Value to Canners

Quantity

Std, Cases2/] Std. Cases2/ | Std, Cases 2/ Std, Cases 2/ Std, Cases 2/ $
20 ,002 255,050 38,150 1,331,333 1,645,335 12,629,803
27,020 318,358 35,803 1,317,810 1,698,991 12,209,558
58,550 277,100 55,097 1,110,861 1,501,608 11,773,909
200,889 198,451 47,154 1,072,225 1,518,719 10,839,889
155,129 101,191 41,657 888,083 1,186,060 8,779,018
107,177 29,085 36,932 1,006,580 1,179,774 8,329,639
33,968 24,852 47,406 1,151,424 1,257,650 8,642,235
167,987 108,638 719,394 1,171,770 1,527,789 11,145,047
64,425 238,475 63,703 538,429 900 ,032 7,391,098
712,434 71,771 40 ,450 363,041 547,696 3,820,612
47,746 28 344 40 ,340 348 364 464,794 2,802 ,420

Note:

For explanation of footnotes see table 1.

*k ke OK Ok OK

CRAB MEAT: The United States and Alaska pack of canned crab meat in 1953
amounted to 114,886 standard cases, valued at $2,898,016 to the canners (table 1).
East Coast and Gulf States packers canned 61 percent of the production; while the

Table 1 - U.S. and Alaska Pack of Canned Crab Meat by States and Species, 1953 1/

Canners’
Value to Avg. Price Per
State Species Quantity Canners Std, Case 2/

Std, Cases 2/
Atlantic and Gulf States:

Maine, North and South Carolina, and Alabama Rock & Blue
Mississippi, and Louisiana Blue

54,714
15,620

1,324,399
270,011

Total Atlantic and Gulf States

West Coast States:

Washington Dungeness 410,109
Oregon and California Dungeness 207,867
Alaska { Dungeness 470,785

King 210,845

Total West Coast States

Grand Total Mires) 114,886 2,898,016

1/ Preliminary.
/ Cases of various sizes converted to the equivalent of 48 cans to the case, each can containing 6-1/2 ounces net.

42 COMMERCIAL FISHERIES REVIEW Vol. 16, No. 9

remainder was put up in West Coast and Alaskan plants. A total of 39 plants packed
crab meat in 1953: 2 plants each in Alabama and Mississippi; 3 plants in Louisiana;
4 in Oregon; 9 in Washington; 15 in Alaska; and 1 plant each
in Maine, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Oregon.

The 64-ounce can continued as the most popular size
can used for packing crab meat in 1953 (table 2).

Compared with previous years, the 1953 pack was the
second lowest since 1945--the 1952 pack was the lowest.
Production in 1953 was up 33 percent in quantity and 39 per-
cent in value as compared with 1952, due mainly toincreased :
production on the East Coast. : ee | /

Packing crab meat for canning.

The canners' average price for canned crab meat in the
Atlantic Coast and Gulf States was $22.67 per standard case in 1953, 10 percent

Table 2 - U. S. and Alaska Pack of Canned Crab Meat by Can and Case Size, 1953 1

Can and Case Size

$
5 ounces net (24 cans) : 442,577
6-1/2 ounces net (24 cans) 467,988
6-1/2 ounces net (48 cans) 897,959
13 ounces net (24 cans) 63,409
Other sizes converted to standard cases (6-1/2 0z.--48 cans) 1,026,083

Total

1/ Preliminary.

higher than in 1952; while in the Pacific Coast States and Alaska the average price
again reached a new high of $29.20, 4 percent above the previous year.

Table 3 - U.S, and Alaska Pack of Canned Crab Meat, 1943-53

Atlantic Coast and Gulf States Pacific Coast States and Alaska

Canners’*
Value to Avg. Pri Value to |Avg. Price Pe Avg. Price Pe:
Quantity |Canners | Std, Case 1/ | Quantity Canners | Std, Case 1/ | Quantity Std, Case 1/
$ $ $ $ 3

137,490
161,829
220,802
139,816
199,078
55,514
86,942
75,308

2/ Preliminary.

OYSTERS: The United States pack of canned oysters in 1953 totaled 488,908
standard cases, valued at $6,559,309 to the processors (table 1). This was a de-
crease of 8 percent in quantity and 7 percent in value as compared with the 1952
pack. The Atlantic and Gulf States processed 77 percent of the pack, and the States

September 1954 COMMERCIAL FISHERIES REVIEW 43

Table 1 - U.S. Canned Oyster Pack, by States, 1953 J/

Value to | Canners' Avg. Price

[eaves RRERC CUREEN ENS Canners Per Std. Case 2/
$ $

South Carolina and Georgia... 683,441 12.68

Ala aimiay rien seks el etterisnie, @.tecwile 209,829 14.50

INGISISTS'SIP PIs reyioirel le) s) (eliel e) cecel ol elle 1,713,525 13.86

JEOUISTAN Aa venen siciel elieien eel eile! le 182,217 2,515,046 13.80

Wialshinotone yee celle) ec) eliene 109,704 1,377,037 12.55

OxcesonWwarei iene ao000000 4,983 60,431 12.13
Weve 6 60 5 5°9 0.0.0 06-0 00 6 488,908 6,999,309 42

1/ Preliminary.
2/ Cases of various sizes converted to the equivalent of 48 cans to the case, each can with 4-2/3 ounces (drained weight) of
oyster meats,

able 2 - U. S. Canned Oyster Pack, by Can and Case Size, 1953 J/
Can and ; Value to Canners' Avg.
Case Size Suen Price Per Case

4-2/3 ounces (24 cans).........| 415,437 2,857,268

4-2/3 ounces (48 cans).........| 171,147 2,405,932
6-1/2 ounces (24 cans).........| 136,492 1,115,086
6-1/2 ounces (48 cans)......... 2,127 36,819

Other sizes converted to standard
CESOBS 5s oo05 050 000000000000 12,024 144,204

Total... eee ees eee eee] $30,227 | 6,559,309 |

of Washington and Oregon the remaining

Atlantic and 23 percent. Oysters were canned in 16
plants in Mississippi, 12 in Louisiana,

; and . |5 in Washington, 4 in South Carolina, 3
374,221 114,687 488,908 |plants each in Alabama and Oregon, and
416,728 112,415 529,143] 1 in Georgia.

334,194 132,140 466,334

371,648 120,742 492,390 Eighty percent of the pack was put
338,929 113,989 452,918 |up in the 4-2/3 ounce size, 19 percent
273,591 83,489 357,080 jin the 6-1/2 ounce size, and the remain-
318,550 91,937 410,487 jing 1 percent in other sizes (table 2).
261,622 129,213 390,835

220,847 5,117 225,964 A large drop in the 1953 pack on
273,556 - 273,556 |the Atlantic and Gulf coasts was offset
344,931 937 345, 868 | slightly bya smallincrease on the Pacific
1/ Preliminary. Coast (table 3).

2/Cases of various sizes converted to the equivalent of 48 ca

to the case, each can with 4-2/3 ounces (drained weight) of The packers received an average
oyster meats. price of $13.42 per standard case for
the 1953 pack, compared to $13.28 in 1952, $12.72 in 1951, and $14.41 in 1950 and
1949.

%e OK OK OK OK

ton, 9 in Oregon, and 1 in California.

44 COMMERCIAL FISHERIES REVIEW Vol. 16, No. 9

The 1953 pack was 18 percent greater in quantity and 10 percent higher in value
as compared with 1952 (table 2). This was due to the fact that 1953 was a pink salm-

Table I - Pacific Coast States Canned Salmon Pack by Species and Area, 195317

______- Puget Sound : olumbia River a - Coastal Total
Canners anners Canners'
; Value Avg. Price Value Avg. Price ; Value Avg. Price P Value
Species to Per. Std,| Quantity to Per, Std, | Quantity to Per. Std, | Quantity to
Canners Case Canners Case (Canners| Gase Canners

Fy $ Std. Cases Z) $ 2 Std. Cases Z $, : Std. Cases Z 3
hinook or king 85,394] 21.43 97, 320 3, 267, 303 35.57 98' 16,995] 17.22 102, 292 3, 369, 692
hum or keta 2,149, 803 13.92 9,775 130, 062 13.30 11,255 143, 519 12.75 175, 506 2,423, 384
ink 8, 296, 849) 18.35 251 5, 318 21.19 = = = 452, 305 8, 302, 167
ed or sockeye 7,287, 895) 33.59 3,014 127, 791 42.40 442 17,559} 39.73 220, 440 7,433, 245
ilver or coho 1,237,717) 22.53 24, 219 676, 237 27,92 442 8,776] 20.80 79, 584 1, 922, 730
teelhead = = 19, 420 616, 621 31.75 = = = 19, 420 616, 621
Total 9,057,658] 21.60 153, 999 4, 823, 332 31.32 13, 106 86, 849 14, 26 i, 049, 547 24, 067, 839

2
1/Preliminary. Does not include Alaska salmon pack.
(2/"Standard cases'' represent cases of various sizes converted to the equivalent of 48 1-pound cans, each can containing 16 ounces net,

on year (pink salmon have a two-year cycle and are taken in volume in Puget Sound

only in odd-numbered years), and in spite of a decrease in all other varieties except
steelhead. The largest decreases were for silver or coho (62 percent) and chum or
keta (46 percent).

The average price of all salmon packed in the Pacific Coast States in 1953 was
$22.93 per standard case to the canners as compared with $24.61 in 1952. Columbia

Table 2 - Pacific Coast States Canned Salmon Pack, by Species, 1943-53

Year Chinook or King Red or Sockeye | Silver or Coho | Steelhead Total

19532/ 102,292 175,506 452,305 220,440 79,584 19,420 ) 1,049,547
1952 105,208 326,251 4,711 225,160 209,847 18,979 890,156
1951 157,231 262,037 441,605 163,657 121,882 14,862 | 1,161,274
1950 151,928 539,982 2,277 136,741 160,625 10,266 | 1,001,819
1949 157,861 219,652 553,987 107,801 85,143 8,881 | 1,133,325
1948 285,266 276,158 4,480 97,907 125,647 20,617 810,075
1947 300,029 185,178 628,300 37,095 155,842 22,782 | 1,329,226
1946 164,898 68,762 160 283,935 25,505 17,029 560,289
1945 139,262 1,214 301,376 53,130 43,580 19,207 557,769
1944 167,070 1,669 490 38,061 17,809 20,489 245,588
1943 194,225 9,387 62,025 21,610 32,383 16,259 275,889

'1/ Cases of various sizes converted to the equivalent of 48 1-pound cans, each can containing 16 ounces net,
/ Preliminary

River canned salmon had the highest average price--$31.32 per standard case--due
to the large percentage of chinook salmon in the pack from that area. The 1952 aver-
age on the Columbia River was $33.55 per case. Salmon canned in the Puget Sound
area averaged $21.60 per standard case to the canner in 1953 and coast salmon
averaged $14.26, compared with $22.68 and $18.46, respectively, in 1952.

2 OK Ok ok ok

TUNA AND TUNALIKE FISH: The packofcanned tuna
and tunalike fish in the United States, Hawaii, and Puerto Rico
during 1953 set a new record of 9,580,026 standard cases, val-
ued at $126,257,608 tothe canners (table 1). Thisis the first
year that tuna was cannedin Puerto Rico.

Yellowfin tuna was the leading species canned with
3,058,985 cases, valued at $40,097,135. The second most
important species was albacore (white-meat tuna) with
2,690,635 cases, valued at $37,460,824; followed by skip-
jack with 2,529,539 cases, valued at $32,982,103 (table 2).

California, which packed 86 percent of the total, con-
Canning tuna, tinued as the leading state canning tuna. The balance was

September 1954 COMMERCIAL FISHERIES REVIEW

Table 1 - Canned Tuna and Tunalike Fish Pack by Species and Area, 1953 L/

2,100,115 | 29,025,314
Yellowfin 3,058,985 | 40,097,135
Bluefin 218,865 2,888,125)
Skipjack 2,529,539 | 32,982,103
Tonno 186,068 2,639,125
Miscellaneous 12,135
Total Tuna

Tunalike fishes:

Bonito
Yellowtail

Total Tuna-
like Fishes [eee 967 [ERS 513,413
8,278,674 {109,272,758} 13.20

Total
rea | nasaous Los, | eisasel asso.
Total | 7,454,515 e15.200| 2,659,068

1/ Preliminary. Includes dietetic and baby food packs.

2/ Cases of various sizes converted to the equivalent of 48 No. 1/2 tuna cans to the case, each can 7 ounces net weight
for solid meat, 6-1/2 ounces net weight for chunks, or 6 ounces net weight for flakes or grated.

13/ Includes mostly yellowfin and skipjack; and some albacore, bluefin, and big-eyed tuna,

'4/ Includes albacore, yellowfin, bluefin, skipjack, and little tuna.

Table 2 - Canned Tuna and Tunalike Fish Pack by Species, 1951-53

1953 Total 1/ 1952 Total 1951 Total
-Canners’ Canners’
Avg. Price Avg. Price
Quantity

2,690,635

3,058,985

218,865

Skipjack 2,929,539

Tonno 186,068
Misc.

Tunalike Fish:
70,853
102,114

al
[ees 513 | ee 220000) 000 1,938 Pac.

26,257,608 257,608 T1318 _| 18 | 9,115,200 115,202) 113,000,833 000 333[ 19.40 _|

1/ Preliminary. Includes dietetic and baby food packs.

2/ Cases of various sizes converted to the equivalent of 48 No. 1/2 tuna cans to the case, each can 7 ounces net weight for
solid meat, 6-1/2 ounces net weight for chunks, or 6 ounces net weight for flakes or grated.

3/ Includes some albacore, yellowfin, bluefin, skipjack, little tuna, and big-eyed tuna,

4/ Includes small production of light meat and dark meat packed from mixed tuna species,

5/ Includes small production of skipjack tuna,

46 COMMERCIAL FISHERIES REVIEW Vol. 16; No. 9

canned in Washington and Oregon, and a small pack in Massachusetts, Pennsylvania,
Maryland, South Carolina, and Puerto Rico, Dietetic and baby food tuna packs are
included in these totals.

Table 3 - Canned Tuna and Tunalike Fish Pack, 1942-53 pL ee Se eae |

Value Canners’ mre ies) | oe Canners’
to Avg. Price Quantity Avg. Price
Canners | Per Std, Case2/ Braree Per Std, Case2/

Std. Cases 2/ $ $ Std. Cases Se $
9,580 ,026 126,257,608 5,894,495 _ 90,609,175
9,115,202 113,000,833 i 4,784,484 59,135,823

8,236,725 99,046,206 : 4,531,565 47,407,451
9,016,541 112,830,094 : 3,560,020 40,836,117
7,290,320 97,710,325 i 2,696,073 31,430,189
7,037,758 112,612,296 d 2,484,749 30,742,493

1/ Data for years prior to 1952 do not include pack in Hawaii.

2/ Cases of various sizes converted to the equivalent of 48 No. 1/2 tuna cans to the case, each can 7 ounces net weight for
solid meat, 6-1/2 ounces net weight for chunks, or 6 ounces net weight for flakes or grated,

3/ Preliminary. Includes dietetic and baby food packs.

The average price per standard case in 1953 ($13.18) was 6.3 percent higher
than in 1952 ($12.40), but 17.7 percent below the record high of $16.00 per case in
1948 (table 3).

U. S. Fish Stick Peodened January-June 1954

The United States production of cooked
and uncooked fish sticks in June 1954
amounted to nearly 43 million pounds--
the largest ever reported for any one
month. The data in table 1 include the
yield of 33 plants, many of which packed
for more than one company, and the fig-
ures are believed to represent practically
the entire United States pack of fish sticks.

Fish sticks were produced throughout
1953, but quantity production did not begin
ss ; until July of that year. Revised data on
Pouring batter on fish sticks prior to breading inalead- the monthly production during 1953 are
ing Gloucester fishery products plant. presented in table 2.

able 2 - U.S. Production o ticks
(Cooked and Uncooked) by Months, 1953

September 1954 COMMERCIAL FISHERIES REVIEW 4T

U. S. Foreign Trade

EDIBLE FISHERY PRODUCTS, MAY 1954: United States imports of fresh, fro-
zen, and processed edible fish and shellfish during May 1954 totaled 69.4 million
pounds (valued at $18.2 million), according to the May United States Foreign Trade,
a Department of Commerce publication (see table). This is a decrease of 10 percent
in quantity and 8 percent in value as compared with April imports of 76.7 million
pounds (valued at $19.7 million). .Compared with a year earlier, May imports were
higher by 39 percent in quantity and 25 percent in value.

UNITED STATES FOREIGN TRADE IN EDIBLE FISHERY PRODUCTS, MAY 1954 AND COMPARISONS

May 1954 May 1953 Year 1953

on

1,000 Lbs.} Million $ |1,000 Lbs. | Million $} 1,000 Lbs. | Million $
IMPORTS:
Fish & shellfish: Fresh, frozen, & processed1/ : 724,656 193.2

EXPORTS:
Fish & shellfish; Processed 1/ only (excluding
fresh and frozen)

1/ Includes pastes, sauces, clam chowder and juice, and other specialties.
OURCE: UNITED STATES FOREIGN TRADE (Trade by Commodity), Summary Report FT 930, May 1954, U. S, Department
of Commerce,

Exports of processed edible fish and shellfish (excluding fresh and frozen) in
May 1954 totaled over 3.0 million pounds (valued at $0.7 million)--lower by 4.7 per-
cent in quantity but unchanged in value as compared with April exports of 3.2 million
pounds (valued at $0.7 million). May exports were down 54 percent in quantity and
53 percent in value as compared with a year earlier.

1K Oe OK OK Ae

JANUARY-MAY 1954 TRENDS: Imports: Substantial increases in most of the
leading fishery products imports during the first five months of 1954 over the similar
period of 1953 are shown by preliminary data
compiled by the Fish and Wildlife Service
from data collected by the Bureau of Census,

United States imports of groundfish (in-
cluding ocean perch) fillets during January-
May 1954 were 39 percent above those of the
same period a year ago. This gain was ac-
counted for principally by greater imports
from Iceland.

Among the tuna and tunalike items, im-
ports of fresh and frozen tuna showed an in-
crease of 48 percent above the 5-months' peri-
od of 1953, tuna cannedin brine was 64 percent
greater, and bonito canned in oil increased by
44 percent.

Fish-meal imports showed additional gains during May with the result that the
total imports for the first 5 months of 1954 were 28 percent larger than those dur-
ing the same period a year earlier.

48 COMMERCIAL FISHERIES REVIEW Vol. 16, No.9

Imports of sardines canned in oil were 7 percent below those of January- May
of a year ago, but imports of sardines canned not in oil were up 142 percent.

U, S, Fish-Oil Exports by Country of Destination,
1953 With Comparisons
Country of Average
Destination 1953 1/} 1952 1/] 1951 | 1950 |1935-39

ORTH AMERICA:
British West Indies
Canada

Cuba

Mexico

Other

Shrimp imports were 16 percent
greater during January-May 1954 than
those of the similar period of 1953.
Among items showing declines were
canned crab meat imports which declined
by 34 percent and tuna canned in oil which
declined by 75 percent.

Exports: Exports of canned salmon
during the first 5 months of 1954 were
160 percent above those of the same peri-
od of 1953, reflecting increased shipments
to the United Kingdom made earlyin1954.

Fish-oil exports were 89 percent
greater than those during the 5-months'
period of 1953. Fish-oil exports in 1953
reached record levels. Exports of canned
sardines and mackerel were below those
of the same period a year ago.

Netherlands
Norway

Switzerland
Other

kk ok

FISH- om EXPORTS AT RECORD
ASIA: fish oil in 1933 totaled 54,233 short tons
Phil., Rep. of 6 66 | (see table), more than twice the quantity
Other *4 | exported in the preceding year, and 43
percent above the previous record expor-
tation in 1950. About 94 percent of the
total was sold to Europe with the largest
single volume--36,155 tons-~-going to
Western Germany. The large export to
Western Germany last year was respon-
sible for the over-all increase, as ship-
ments to that country in 1952 were only 6,232 tons. The Netherlands, Switzerland,
Canada, and Norway also took significant quantities, states the March 22 Foreign
Crops and Markets, a Department of Agriculture publication.

/ Preliminary, 2/ Revised.

U. S. Tuna Catch Can Be Greatly Increased

The United States catch of tuna could be greatly increased by adoption of methods
for taking subsurface stocks not now exploited and by fishing new areas in the mid-
Pacific, the Fish and Wildlife Service reports as the re-
sult of a comprehensive study made about ayear ago.1/

Tuna constitutes one of the world's leading fishery
resources and the United States catch, which has aver-
aged about 350 million pounds annually in recent years,
is one of the most valuable products taken by fishermen. ¢

Since the war, increased demand for canned tunain
the United States has stimulated world interest inthe
1/Special Scientific Report: Fisheries No, 104 (Survey of the Domestic Tuna Industry).

September 1954 COMMERCIAL FISHERIES REVIEW 49

tuna fisheries. The tuna fleet consists of craft on which little improvement can be
made to increase the present efficiency of production. Unless some revolutionary
means of catching tuna is developed to a practical stage, there appears to be little
chance of curtailing production costs through increased effectiveness per-unit-of-
crew effort.

An important aspect of the tuna fishery is live bait, since 70 percent of the total
catch of tuna by United States vessels is made with it. Between 85 and 90 percent
of the bait supply is found in foreign countries. A limited amount of research con-
cerning synthetic bait has been started. Development of a suitable synthetic bait or
substitute source of natural bait would benefit the tuna industry.

At least 50 percent of the weight of the whole tuna, as landed, is not canned.
The so-called ''waste'' material is used to produce liver oils, solubles, liquid ferti-
lizer, oil, and meal.

The two leading canned fish products for human consumption, tuna and salmon,
show divergent consumption trends--the demand for tuna is increasing while that
for salmon has declined.

Wholesale Prices, July 1954

Although production continued liberal, an improvement in demand caused an
over-all upward movement in July wholesale prices for fishery products. The July
1954 over-all edible fish and shellfish (fresh, frozen, and canned) wholesale index
was 103.5 percent of the 1947-49 average (see table)--
6.3 percent more than the June index and 1.0 percent
above a year earlier.

Lighter groundfish landings in New England and a
good demand boosted July ex-vessel prices for offshore
drawn large haddock at Boston 99.0 percent above June
and 36.3 percent above July 1953. But prices for scrod
haddock (not included in the index) did not fare as well.
At New York during July, slackening off of arrivals
strengthened the prices for fresh Western halibut; but
heavier seasonal receipts accounted for the lower
salmon prices. The market for fresh-water fish at
New York and Chicago in July was somewhat stronger
than in June, but it was not up to the level reported a
year earlier. The drawn, dressed, or whole finfish
subgroup index for July was 21.3 percent above June and 17.7 percent higher than in
July 1953,

Wrapping fillets.

In spite of the higher prices for offshore large haddock, July fresh haddock fil-
let prices remained steady at the June level. A drop in fresh shrimp prices at New
York City was principally responsible for the decline of 2.0 percent in the fresh
processed subgroup from June to July, The index for this subgroup was 14.8 per-
cent lower than in July 1953.

A steady demand for frozen processed fish and shellfish during July stabilized
prices for these products at June levels. Compared with July 1953, however, the
subgroup index for frozen processed fishery products this July was 13.1 percent
lower principally because of substantially lower prices (down 37.0 percent) for fro-
zen shrimp and flounder fillets (down 7.3 percent) which were not completely offset
by higher prices for frozen haddock (up 21.3 percent) and ocean perch (up 15.5 per-
cent) fillets.

50 COMMERCIAL FISHERIES REVIEW Vol. 16, No.9

A break in canned tuna and Maine sardine prices accounted for the decline of
1.3 percent from June to July in the canned fishery products subgroup index. This
a

Table 1 - Wholesale Average Prices and Indexes for Edible Fish and Shellfish, July 1954 and Comparisons

OOo SSS
Point of Avg. Prices1/ Indexes
Group, Subgroup, and Item Specification Pricing Unit (3) (1947-49=100)

July } June May | July
1954 | 1954 1954 | 1953
ALL FISH & SHELLFISH (Fresh, Frozen, & Canned). ........2++.2-+--. 5 103.5 97.4] 103.7}102.5

Fresh & Frozen Fishery Products: .......+...+- Are kr ene ka | 109.7] 2/ 98.8 2/106.9 | 107.2
Drawn, Dressed, or Whole Finfish;:. ..............- aes 119.0;2/ 98.1} 107,1:101,1
Haddock, lge., offshore, « drawn, Tresh . 3) 6) «i, || Boston lb. 5 102.1; 87.3
Halibut, West., 20/80 lbs., drsd., fresh or froz, New York lb, 97.5| 102.9
Salmon, king, lge. & med., drsd., fresh or froz.|New York lb, 120.8] 110.7 }
Whitefish, L, Superior, drawn fresh soeehte Chicago lb. 114.0} 112.8 |
Whitefish, L, Erie pound or gill net indi fresh New York lb, 123.3] 91.0
Lake trout, domestic, No. 1, drawn, fresh. .. |Chicago lb, 79.9} 107.6
Yellow pike, L. Michigan, rnd., fresh . . . . |New York lb, 4 F 0} 2 h 84,4] 143.6
Processed, Fresh (Fish & Shellfish): . . . . ene ellos dud etnitvol gla nih 115.9
Fillets, haddock, sml,, skins on, 20-1b, tins . {Boston lb, 122 .22 74.8 | 107.2] 93.6
Shrimp, lge. (26-30 count), headless, fresh. . |New York lb. 09 .60 94.8 99.6} 124.9
Oysters, shucked, standards ........ Norfolk gal. | 4.50 4.63 114.4| 117,.5)111.3 |

Processed, Frozen (Fish & Shellfish): . ............
Fillets: Flounder ose skinless, 1-1b,

PG SO O05) 010 OO. 6.0800 XO Boston lb,
Haddock, sml.,skins on, 1-lb. pkg. . .|Boston lb.
Ocean perch, skins on, 1-1b. pkg. . . | Boston lb,

Shrimp, lge. (26-30 count), 5-lb. pkg. . . . .|Chicago lb,
GannediRasheryeProducts: ines nacn el voli sini) aed Aerie Teer le nS A Set ers OH
Salmon, pink, No. 1 tall (16 oz.), 48 cans/cs,. . |Seattle case| 18,70 | 18.70

Tuna, lt. meat, chunk, No, 1/2 tuna (6-1/2 oz.),

AB Cans/CSiE yas. tess, of shee) terns, Reresuieeleus a Los Angeles} case] 13.05 | 13,25
Sardines, Maine, keyless oil, No. 1/4 drawn

(3-1/4 0z.), 100 cans/cs.. . 2... . .. . |New York case| 6,50 6.95

1/Represent average prices for one day (Monday or Tuesday) during the week in which the 15th of the month occurs. These
prices are published as indicators of movement and not necessarily absolute level. Daily Market News Service ‘‘Fisher
Products Reports’’ should be referred to for actual prices.

2/Revised.

index was 1.4 percent below July 1953. Although salmon prices were unchanged
from June to July, they were 1 A percent lower. than a year earlier. Compared with
July 1953, prices this July for canned tuna were up 1.8 percent and for canned Maine

sardines were down 2.9 percent. &

DO YOU KNOW:

That Billingsgate has been the fish market for the population of London for
hundreds of years. It is impossible to say how many people were catered to
when the market started as no census was taken then, but it is known that 300
years ago the figure was a quarter of a million. Today, with Greater London,
it is about 10 to 12 million people.

Billingsgate handles from 400 to 600 metric tons of fishery products per
day, but on occasions the amount is considerably larger.

--Fish Trades Gazette, July 24, 1954,

September 1954 COMMERCIAL FISHERIES REVIEW ol

“FOREIGN ~

International
BENELUX COUNTRIES EASE IMPORT RESTRICTIONS

The Benelux countries--Belgium, the Netherlands, and Luxembourg--have freed
most commodities for import from the United States andother dollar areas without
quantitative restrictions, the Bureau of Foreign Commerce, U. S. Department of
Commerce, reported in a June 11 release.

Canned fish are among the commodities which now may be freely imported from
the dollar areas.

The Netherlands Government has estimated that items covered onthe commonlist
of freed commodities represent about 85 percent of Netherlands imports from the United
States in1953. Although no corresponding estimates have been made for Belgium and
Luxembourg, their percentage of liberalized U. S. imports probably is close to that
of the Netherlands.

Formalities to be observed in connection with the importation of commodities on the
commonlistarefew. The Netherlands Government requires that a license application
must be submitted to appropriate authorities, but licenses will be granted automatically
and willcarry with them the right toforeignexchange. Ordinarily, only adeclarationto
an authorized foreign-exchange bank tothe effect that specified dollar goods are to be im-
ported is required to obtain the necessary foreign exchange in Belgium-Luxembourg,

Once the commodities have been imported into the territory of one of the Bene-
lux countries they will be allowed to move freely within the entire area.

Omission of commodities from the common list does not necessarily mean their im-
portation willbe restricted. Itis expected that many nonlisted commodities willbe ad-
mitted freely, and that import restrictions will be applied only inrelatively few instances.

Information as to whether a specific commodity is included on the list may be
obtained from the European Division, Bureau of Foreign Commerce, U. S. Depart-
ment of Commerce, Washington 25, D. C.

INTERNATIONAL CONGRESS OF REFRIGERATION

frigeration was scheduled to meet at Paris, France, August 31 to September 15,
1955, Working sessions were to be held in the conference rooms and the lecture
halls of the Sorbonne in Paris. The Eighth Congress was held in London in 1951.

The program was to cover all phases of the refrigeration industries, including
the freezing and storing of fish.

NORTH PACIFIC FISHERIES COMMISSION

JAMES APPOINTED TEMPORARY DIRECTOR: Milton C. James has been ap-
pointed temporary director of the International North Pacific Fisheries Commission,

52 COMMERCIAL FISHERIES REVIEW Vol, 16, No. 9

effective August 1, according to Commission Chairman Bates. James is a former
Assistant Director of the U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service, having retired from Fed-
eral Government service in 1952. He also served as U. S. Commissioner on the
International Pacific Halibut Fisheries Commission; and more recently, since his
retirement from Federal service, acted as consultant to the Department of Fisher-
ies of Washington State.

WHALING

WORLD WHALE- AND SPERM-OIL PRODUCTION, 1953/54: World production
of whale and sperm oils during 1953/54 is forecast at 455,000 and 60,000 short tons,
respectively, as compared with 420,000 and 55,000 tons in 1952/53. The increase
in both of these oils is due mainly to larger returns from Antarctic pelagic (open
sea) operations, according to the June 14 Foreign Crops and Markets, a Depart-
ment of Agriculture publication.

Antarctic production of both whale and sperm oil in the recent 1953/54 whaling
season was around 392,000 tons, according to provisional data, or 5 percent larger
than the corresponding outturn of the preceding season. Whale-oil output increased
by 4 percent to 366,793 tons and sperm oil by 19 percent to 25,369 tons. The larger
production of whale oil can be attributed to the fact that in the ‘past season the catch
of baleen whales closely approximated the permissible catch limit of 15,500 blue-
whale units (established by international agreement), while in 1952/53 the total
catch amounted to only 14,855 units, or considerably short of the 16,000-unit quota
allowed. Since no maximum quota has been established for the catch of sperm
whales, the increased output of sperm oil in 1953/54 was due largely to a more fa-
vorable price and demand situation than that which prevailed during the previous
season.

There were 17 expeditions operating in the 1953/54 Antarctic season, or one
more than in 1952/53. Norway, with 9 factoryships, was again the leading producer
of whale oil followed by the United Kingdom, Japan, the Soviet Union, the Union of
South Africa, and the Netherlands.

Antarctic Pelagic Whale- and Sperm-Oil Production 1953 54 ee

ce Whale Oil
y 1953/54 1952/53) 1953/54/1952/53/1953 a rae 53
Ce eerie Let a Shortstons) eee

173,427 |138,226; 5,812] 5,125 ]|179,239 |143,351
79,081 | 73,623| 8,899] 10,230] 87,980| 83,853
41,220 | 37,443| 5,946] 1,259] 47,166] 38,702
25,929 | 26,299| 1,557| 1,786| 27,486| 28,085

Cc er)

UnitedyKingdom rece cies crete
JED cope odooaGcodosdodds
Union of South Africa .....

MhemNetherlandsir.rccietee et « 16,919 | 19,001 1,299 358] 18,218] 19,359
p OobGC0n ODD QC0D 30,217 | 28,201 a SM 182\ | “325 nue 28,983
spCoCON HOO GCDN ONS 28,924 aut 30, 641

6.0s020s05010-050 366, 193 351,717 | 25 369 ZR 2bVeI392 162 372,974

1/Does not include prediction of South Georgia shore stations. In 1952/53 this production totaled 21,161 tons of whale oil
and 1,239 tons of sperm oil.

Antarctic production of whale oil, including that which is produced by 3 South
Georgia shore-stations, usually accounts for around 90 percent of the world supply.
Output of whale oil by the South Georgia stations in 1953/54 is believed to have in-
creased by as much as 75 percent from the 21,161 tons produced in 1952/53. It is
expected that this year's production of whale oil from the numerous shore stations
operating in scattered parts of the world will be at least as large as in 1952/53
when some 46,000 tons were produced.

Sperm-oil production during 1953/54 from Antarctic operations amounted to
about 27,000 tons against 22,500 tons in 1952/53. Production from other areas of

September 1954 COMMERCIAL FISHERIES REVIEW 53

the world can only be roughly estimated as data regarding normally extensive North
Pacific sperm whaling by the Soviet Union are not yet available for 1953. In the 3
years 1950-52, Soviet Union output of sperm oil from this area averaged about
12,000 tons, according to reports.

As of April 2, 1954, the entire pelagic production of whale oil had been sold at
prices ranging from £67-10-0 to £.81-10-0 per long ton (US$169- 204 per short ton).
At that time only the Argentine South Georgia land-station outturn, estimated to be
around 11,000 tons, was still unsold. In addition, there was a carryover from the
1952/53 Antarctic season of about 17,000 tons which was in storage in the Nether-
lands. The forthcoming Australian summer production (in 1953 Australia produced
19,100 tons of whale oil) has been sold in advance at prices between £72-10-0 to
£,86-0-0 per long ton (US$181-215 per short ton). It is reported, also, that alarge
part of other summer production, including that of Norway and.Iceland, has been
contracted for at similar prices.

% Ok OK Ok

SIXTH CONFERENCE OF INTERNATIONAL
WHALING COMMISSION AT TOKYO: The In-
ternational Whaling Commission opened its sixth
conference on July 19 in Tokyo, Japan, andwas
attended by representatives of the contracting
parties, including the U. S. S. R., according to .
a July 16 U. S. Embassy dispatch from Tokyo.

The United States delegate was Dr. Arthur S
R. Kellogg, Director. of the U. S. National Museum, with Mr. William M. PeEEy
U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service, and Commander J. P. Martin, U. S. Coast Guard,
as advisers.

JAPANESE PEARL FISHING IN AUSTRALIAN WATERS IN 1954

Details of the conditions under which Japanese pearling vessels would be per-
mitted by the Australian Government to operate on a limited scale were announced
May 8 by the Australian Minister for Commerce and Agriculture. These conditions
will be in effect during the 1954 season and subsequently until a decision is given
by the International Court of Justice in the legal proceedings on the Japanese claims.

The Minister in his press statement recalled that in November. 1953 the Aus-
tralian Government had agreed, subject to certain stipulated conditions, that it
would not attempt to prevent the Japanese from having access to the International
Court of Justice in regard to issues arising from the Australian Pearl Fisheries
Act. The issues related to the contention of the Japanese Government that the Aus-
tralian Pearl Fisheries Act and related measures affecting pearling operations
were not applicable to Japanese vessels outside the limits of Australian territorial
waters. Because some time would no doubt elapse before the case could be heard
and a decision be given by the Court, the Australian Government had informed the
Japanese Government that its willingness for the matter to go to the Court was sub-
ject to the Japanese Government 's undertaking that, pending the Court's decision,
pearling by Japanese in waters within the scope of the Pearl Fisheries Act would be
in conformity with the Australian Government's requirements.

The Minister stated that the Japanese Government had now advised the Austral-
ian Government of its acceptance of the conditions laid down by the Australian Gov-
ernment limiting the extent of operations by Japanese pearling vessels during the
1954 and subsequent pearling seasons until the legal position was clarified by the
International Court's decision.

54 COMMERCIAL FISHERIES REVIEW Vol. 16, No.9

He further explained that the Japanese vessels will conform with all the pro-
visions of the Australian Pearl Fisheries Act and Regulations. During the 1954 sea-
son Japanese vessels will not take any greater quantity of pearl shell than was taken
by the Japanese pearling fleet in the 1953 season. The Australian Government will
be prepared to issue licenses to no more
than 25 Japanese pearling luggers anda
mothership--the same number as oper-
ated in Australian waters in 1953--and
for divers and divers' tenders who would
engage in pearling operations on these
vessels.

The Minister stated further that the
Japanese vessels will operate only in
specified areas off the Northern Terri-
tory designated by the Australian Govern-

Pearl Oyster (Avicula margaritifera) ment, and nowhere less than 10 miles
from land. The areas in which the Japanese will be permitted to dive for pearl shell
will be those generally farthest removed from Darwin and in which consequently
Australian pearling vessels based on Darwin are not dependent to any large extent
for their take. Further, Japanese vessels will be permitted to anchor for weather-
ing purposes only at locations specially designated by the Australian Government,
and will not land at all except for very special reasons and with the prior approval
of the Australian Government.

Under the Australian legislation the Japanese vessels will observe any catch
limits imposed in specific areas; will not take pearl shell smaller than the pre-
scribed minimum sizes; will furnish regularly the prescribed returns giving details
of take from time to time in the specified areas; and will be subject to inspectionon
the same basis as Australian pearlers.

The Minister stressed that observance by the Japanese of the provisions of
the Australian Pearl Fisheries Act and Regulations will insure that the conservation
requirements of the Australian pearling legislation will be fully observed. In final-
izing these arrangements the Australian Government had taken action which will
safeguard Australia's interests in the pearling industry in waters adjacent to its
coasts.

Note: See Commercial Fisheries Review, July 1954, p. 38.

TRADE AGREEMENTS

ICELANDIC-RUSSIAN BARTER AGREEMENT INCLUDES FISH: In accordance

During the next 18-months' period, Iceland will ship to Russia one-third of its total
production of frozen fish. Icelandic exports of frozen fish and salted herring will
be increased from 34,000 metric tons in 1954 to between 40,000 and 50,000 tons in
1955. No fishery products will be shipped from Russia. The total trade in each
direction is estimated at US$17 million. In 1953 the total Icelandic exports to all
countries amounted to US$43 million.

HOOK HK

NORWEGIAN-DANISH AGREEMENT INCLUDES FISHERY PRODUCTS: ACom-
modity Exchange Agreement including fishery products was signed at Copenhagen,
Denmark, on April 9 to cover trade between Norway and Denmark in the year end-
ing March 31, 1955,

September 1954 COMMERCIAL FISHERIES REVIEW 55

Norwegian-Danish trade is to a large extent in items on each country's OEEC
free list. The agreement provides, however, for somewhat larger imports by each
country of certain nonfree-listed items. Danish imports will include fish and fish
products. Norway will import miscellaneous commodities, but no fishery products.

OK OK OK

SOUTH KOREAN-PHILIPPINE AGREEMENT INCLUDES FISHERY PRODUCTS:
tentative agreement on barter trade amounting to US$3 million a year each way, ac-
cording to the May 21 issue of The Fishing News, a British trade paper.

South Korea plans to export tothe Philippines US$2 million worth of salted dried
fish, dried sea weed, cannedfood, agar-agar, and the remaining US$1 million inother
materials. No fishery products are involved in shipments from the Philippines.

OK KK OK

U. S.-PHILIPPINE NEGOTIATIONS PLANNED: The U. S. Department of State
announced on July 14 the appointment of a United States delegation for negotiation
with the Philippines regarding possible revision of the 1946 Agreement on Trade
and Related Matters between the two countries. Represented on the delegation were
the Departments of State, Agriculture, Treasury, Commerce, the Foreign Opera-
tions Administration, and the Tariff Commission.

Full opportunity will be provided for interested United States business firms
and individuals to make known their views regarding possible modifications of the
agreement. The holding of public hearings and an invitation for the submission of
written briefs will be announced in due course.

The discussions with the Philippine delegation were scheduled to commence up-
on its arrival in this country, probably in the latter part of August or early Septem-
ber. Liaison will be maintained with the U. S. Government departments and agencies
having an interest in these negotiations.

Australia
SHORE-BASED WHALING SEASON OPENS: The West Australian whaling sea-

consular dispatch
(June 4) from Perth
reports. The Aus-
tralian Whaling Com-
mission's stationat
Carnarvon was sched-
uled to open on June 8
with 3 whale catchers
to take the quota of 600
humpback whales. No
word had been re-
ceived of operations
at the Norwegian-
financed station on
the north coast of
Australia.

An Australian whale chaser, Note folded mast to get under low bridges and on foredeck
the tractor which serves as a winch for playing whales.

56 COMMERCIAL FISHERIES REVIEW Vol. 16, No. 9

The Carnarvon station opened the season with a new plant for spray-drying whale
solubles for stock feed. The new equipment was designed in Denmark, but largely
fabricated on the spot at a cost of LA50,000 (US$112,000). The dried solubles will
be packed in moisture-proof bags instead of the drums used previously, thus cutting
shipping costs by more than half,

The Commission announced in late May that both the whale oil and byproducts
from the coming season had been sold in advance for a total estimated return of
about £A700,000 (US$1.6 million). The whale meal has been sold to Western Aus-
tralian purchasers. The average price for the whale oil to be delivered to Europe
was reported as LA96/17/6 (US$217) per short ton.

formation Bulletin of the Caribbean Commission.

Flying fish is a very popular food in Barba-
dos, but at times there is a glut on the market and
prices fall. Furthermore, the improvements be-
ing carried out in the fishing industry are likely
to make more fish available.

It is expected that all the surplus flying fish
— will be canned as soon as the industry gets under

——— way. According to the Barbados press, the Min-
eee ster of Trade, Industry and Labour has stated that
=~ =~ this new industry, as well as the canning of other

fish products, will be given pioneer status.

— Se Proposals call for the canning of surplus
quantities, and after the needs of the Island are
Flying fish, met, efforts will be made to export the canned fish

to Canada, the United States, and Venezuela. It
is estimated that the cannery will employ between 100 and 150 workers.

CASE

Bermuda
ELECTRICAL FISHING ITEMS EXEMPT FROM DUTY: Imports into Bermuda

sels ordinarily used by fishermen are now exempt from duty regardless of the orig-
inating country, reports the May 24 Foreign Commerce Weekly, a Department of
Commerce publication. These items include echo or sonar equipment used for
sounding or locating fish shoals, as well as transmitting and receiving radios of a
pattern approved by the Bermuda Board of Trade.

These exemptions were put into effect by amendments of items No. 30 and 84
of the Bermudan customs tariff act of 1953, dated January 27, 1954.

September 1954 COMMERCIAL FISHERIES REVIEW 57

Fishermen are required to furnish bond to the Colonial Treasurer to provide
that in event of sale or disposal locally of any such apparatus or equipment for other
than for the aforementioned purpose, the duty ordinarily payable on like goods at
time of sale will be duly paid thereon.

British Guiana

FISHERIES EXPANSION ENCOURAGED: Various types of fishery cooperatives
are being encouraged and sponsored by the British Guiana Fisheries Division, ac-
cording to the March 1954 Monthly Information Bulletin of the Caribbean Commis-
sion. Cooperative groups for the bulk purchasing of gear, among other things, is
one of the recent developments. A dried shrimp industry is also being formed and
a factory for this purpose was recently registered.

The processing of the byproducts of the dried shrimp industry, including shrimp
meal for stock feed and fish glue, is being carried out and the products are being
sold on the British market.

A recent review of the Acting Fisheries Officer disclosed that plans to create
a fish dock along the lines of those of Hull and Grimsby in England--but on a smaller
scale--have already been initiated. These plans include provisions for a wholesale
market, processing facilities, cold storage plant, and fishermen's shelter. Anice
plant has already been completed.

British West Indies

CERTAIN FISHERY PRODUCTS IMPORTS PLACED UNDER OPEN LICENSE:
Acting as a result of negotiations relating to the British West Indies trade liberal-
ization plan, all British Colonies in the Caribbean area, including British Honduras
and British Guiana, have placed certain fishery products under open license. These
include dried, smoked, pickled, salted, and canned fish, according to the July 5
Foreign Commerce Weekly, a Department of Commerce publication.

Importers in these Colonies no longer will be required to obtain individual or
specific licenses for import of these items from any country, according to individ-
ual announcements appearing in the respective official gazettes.

on, the Canadian Minister of Trade aan Commerce announced. The understanding
reached between officials of the two countries will permit Canadian exports to Italy
of C$2.5 million worth of Newfoundland- and Labrador-type cod, C$600,000 worth
of Gaspe-type cod, and C$2.0 million worth of canned salmon,

This is not a formal trade agreement but an understanding which is a renewal
of arrangements made last year, a June 18 U. S. Embassy dispatch from Ottawa
points out. Canada exported to Italy in 1953 salted cod and canned salmon valued

slightly over C$2 million,
Ok ok ok ok

58 COMMERCIAL FISHERIES REVIEW Vol, 16, No. 9

NEW SASKATCHEWAN FISHERIES REGULATIONS FOR IMPROVED QUALITY:
Provincial fisheries regulations designed to protect Saskatchewan consumers by in-
suring that they receive fish of high-quality standards went into effect with the open-
ing of the summer commercial fishing season in May.

The regulations are in line with the policy of the Fisheries Branch to bring fish
production and marketing in Saskatchewan up to standards on a par with any on the
North American continent, according to the Saskatchewan News (June 1), a Pro-
vincial news bulletin.

Commercial fishermen and fish dealers shipping fish considered unfit for human
consumption may have their licenses cancelled under one of the regulations, Other
regulations call for the proper dressing and handling of fish, and the labeling of
boxes containing whitefish. The boxes must have the lake of origin and the words
"dressed whitefish" or "round whitefish'' stamped or stencilled on them.

Fisheries violations may result in the seizure of fish shipments, along with e-
quipment used in committing the violation.

Ceylon

NEW FISHERY HARBOR: A new fishery harbor will be built at Mutwal, Ceylon,
costing Rs. 5.7 million (US$1.2 million), and will have berthing facilities for six
trawlers and other small fishing vessels, according to The Fishing News (May 21),
a British fishery periodical, There are only two trawlers operating there now.

The harbor is expected to be completed by December 1955.

The harbor will adjoin the port of Colombo, but it will be completely independ-
ent of it and facilitate the distribution and marketing of fish. When the trawlers un-
load catches the fish will be carried on conveyor belts, which will be built on the
breakwaters, direct to the 550-ton capacity refrigerating plant. This refrigerating
plant is to be built with Canadian funds and is due to be completed by September
1955:

A byproducts factory will be built alongside the harbor. Canadian aid is being
negotiated to finance the construction of this byproducts factory also. The factory
will convert the waste material into fish meal and oil.

ra
SB
Chile
NEW SPECIES OF SHRIMP DISCOVERED: Chilean fishermen have discovered

a succulent and high-priced shrimp of what may be an entirely new species, reports
the latest Fisheries Bulletin of the Food and Agriculture Organization. It appears
to be a close relative of a species of shrimp which was last reported in 1895 to be
living at a depth of about a mile in the ocean between Panama and the Galapagos Is-
lands,

The fishermen discovered the shrimp when they started deep trawling along the
edge of Chile's continental shelf on the recommendation of a fisheries biologist sent
by FAO under its Expanded Technical Assistance Program. Some of the fishermen
who followed the advice of the biologist made hauls of half a ton of the unknown spe-
cies of shrimp.

September 1954 COMMERCIAL FISHERIES REVIEW 59

A sample of these shrimp was received by the FAO Regional Office for West-
ern South America in Santiago and the shrimp was identified by a professor of the
Chilean Museum of Natural History and the FAO Regional Officer as belonging to
the genus Heterocarpus of the family Pandalidae. The shrimp does not seem to a-
gree with any of the Heterocarpus species reported in the available literature and
a detailed study of it is being made. Specimens sent to the United States National
Museum, Washington, D. C., were identified as belong to a species closely allied

to Heterocarpus hostilis (Faxen).

Cuba

SHRIMP BEDS DISCOVERED: Extensive shrimp beds were discovered in De-
cember 1953 near the Ensenada de la Broa in the Gulf of Batabano, Cuba, and sub-
sequently in shallow waters around Santa Cruz del Sur and Manzanillo. By the end
of May 1954 some 50 large shrimp boats and at least 30 other small craft were re-
ported to be engaged actively in shrimping in the Batabano Gulf alone, a June 11
U. S. Embassy dispatch from Habana states.

SANTA CRUZ DEL suo \
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To cope with the presently inadequate refrigeration facilities, additional equip-
ment will soon be installed through assistance of the Agricultural Bank (BANFAIC).
Meanwhile the Bank is lending financial and technical assistance to the fishermen's
cooperatives. It is also pushing further shrimp-bed explorations in a fully-equipped
research vessel Don Carlos, acquired recently in the United States.

French Morocco

SARDINE INDUSTRY OUTLOOK GOOD: The outlook for the French Moroccan
1954 sardine season which opened in May was encouraging, a June 23 U. S. consu-
lar dispatch from Casablanca points out. French Moroccan exports of sardines in
1953 totaled over 2 million cases as sales increased in many markets, including
the United States.

Because of the Protectorate Administration's encouragement of an effective
concentration in the fish-canning industry which led to the creation of productionand
marketing associations, operating costs have been reduced. This has enabled
French Moroccan sardines to compete with Portuguese sardines in foreign markets.
Also, French Moroccan sardines have been able to supply a large portion of the
over-all yearly increase in world demand for the product.

Since accumulated French Moroccan stocks were disposed of during 1953, it
was believed that production this year and next will be stabilized at about 1,600,000

60 COMMERCIAL FISHERIES REVIEW Vol. 16, No. 9

cases annually, of which over 600,000 cases will be sold in France, 400,000 cases
to the French Union and the French armed Forces overseas, and the remaining
500,000 to 600,000 cases to other foreign markets.

Another favorable index for sardine exports was the placing of this commodity
under the Open General License regulations in Great Britain, a development which
will permit the free importation of French Moroccan canned fish into that country.
Controlled imports of French Moroccan sardines by Great Britain were virtually
halted after 1951 owing to the accumulation of stocks in that country which remained
unsold due principally to the unattractive presentation of the cans and the occasional
shipment of low-quality products. It was too early to estimate the buying potential
of the British market, but the French Moroccan industry intends to recapture a part
at least of its former strong position in that country.

Encouraged by brightening exportation prospects and bolstered by production
cost decreases made possible through industrial and commercial concentration, the
representatives of the French Moroccan sardine canning industry decided to attempt
to broaden their market in metropolitan France, In February of this year a dele-
gation of the Committee of French Moroccan Fish Canners visited the various
chambers of commerce in France and the representatives of the French fish-canning
industries to outline a proposal whereby the duty-free quota for the importation of
French Moroccan sardines into France would be increased from 600,000 cases toat
least 700,000 cases. This proposal, which was advanced in the face of demands by
French fishermen and canners for a reduction in the duty-free quota to 400,000
cases or below, was based on the fact that the French sardine-canning industry
presently falls short of filling its French market quota of 800,000 cases by roughly
100,000 cases, and that French Moroccan sardines have been entering France duty-
paid over and above the free quota allotted to them. The plan of the Moroccan pro-
ducers was to permit their lower-priced sardines to fill the 100,000-case deficit and
to turn over 80 to 100 million francs (US$230,000-290,000) of the 140 million francs
(US$400,000) which would have been paid as duty on this extra contingent to the
French industry to be placed in a perequation fund to be used to reduce the cost of
producing French sardines.

A corollary to this plan for close collaboration between the rival industries
would be the profitable use of lower-priced Moroccan sardines in compensation a-
greements between France and other countries. While it was reported that the plan
aroused considerable interest in industrial and commercial circles in France, it
has not yet been formally presented for the approval of the French Governmental
agencies responsible for the establishment of duty-free quotas for French Moroccan

products.
=

Greenland

DENMARK BUILDS FISHING VESSELS: In an attempt to interest Greenlanders
in modern fishing methods, the Royal Greenland Trading Company in Copenhagen
has had built six modern vessels at a Danish yard. These consist of three 26-foot
and three 30-foot boats, capable of carrying between 5 and 6 metric tons each, full-
decked, with living accommodations for the crews. All six are equipped with line
winches, making it possible to use lines of up to 1,000 hooks. They will be sold to
interested Greenlanders on the installment plan,according to the June 26 Foreign
Trade, a Canadian Government publication.

September 1954 COMMERCIAL FISHERIES REVIEW 61

Iceland
TERRITORIAL LIMITS REGULATIONS TO BE DISCUSSED BY COUNCIL OF

EUROPE: The Council of Europe at its recent session in Strassbourg has agreed to
place on its agenda the extension of the territorial limits surrounding the Icelandic
coast. The resolution was introduced by representatives of Belgium, the United
Kingdom, the Netherlands, and France, according to a June 14 U. S. legation dis-

patch from Reykjavik reporting on an editorial in the June 4 issue of Althydubladid.
The resolution placed on the Council agenda is as follows:

"With reference to the desirability of taking up for consideration the changes
which have been made in fisheries rights within the territorial waters of the Ice-
landic State, and also with reference to the political and economic consequences of
these changes, the assembly resolves to place the following matter on its agenda:
CHANGES WHICH HAVE BEEN MADE IN THE REGULATIONS ON FISHERIES
RIGHTS IN THE TERRITORIAL WATERS OF THE ICELANDIC SOVEREIGN STATE,"

The Icelandic representatives on the Council had no objection to discussion on
the matter by the assembly, but they reserved the right to discuss it from allangles,
including...measures such as the British landing ban.

The resolution was approved and referred to the Legal Committee and the Po-
litical and Economic Committee. The legal aspects of the matter will be discussed
by the Legal Committee after which it will probably be given consideration by the
Political and Economic Committee. It is therefore uncertain that committee reports
will be submitted in time to permit discussion of the matter by the Council's next
session.

OOK OK Ok Ok

ity of establishing and operating their own organization at a British port to process
and market their fish after it is landed. This will include the building of a process-
ing factory and an ice-making plant, according to a June 15 U. S. Legation dis-
patch from Reykjavik.

The first stage of what will be a long-term policy was carried out in May by the
Icelandic Fisheries Attache in Britain in a visit to Newcastle-on-Tyne to investigate
the suitability of that port as a center of operations. Earlier the Attache had visited
the port of Goole, where he was particularly impressed by the facilities that were
offered there. However, before any decision is reached the trawler owners feel it
is necessary to explore other ports where officials have offered them every help in
resuming trade in Britain.

This new move by the trawler owners is in retaliation to the boycott of Icelandic

fish at the ports of Hull and Grimsby. It is designed to prevent the possibility of a
future ban such as occurred at these ports.

Japan

164° W. longitude.

62 COMMERCIAL FISHERIES REVIEW Vol. 16, No.9

The 100-ton trawler Asama Maru will make 3 trips from early in July to mid-
October 1954. The 7,500-ton mothership Eijin Maru with 475-ton trawlers will op-
erate from September 15 to October 30. Vessels are authorized to use only trawl
nets and return to the sea any halibut, salmon, and crabs caught in the trawling op-
erations, a U. S. Embassy dispatch from Tokyo (July 9) points out.

Permission has been granted under the following conditions: (a) trawl nets only
to be used; (b) halibut, salmon, and crab caught in the nets to be thrown back; (c)
no operation in foreign territorial waters; (d) no entry into foreign ports without au-
thorization.

OK KK

£1.5 million (US$4.2 million), under the Anglo-Japanese Payment Agreement. This
will represent about 90 percent of the production target for the year. During the
prewar years 1937-39, the average Japanese exports of canned salmon to the United
Kingdom amounted to 1,668,000 cases a year out of a total production of about
2,700,000 cases.

JAPANESE GOVERNMENT

Malaya

NEW FISHERIES LABORATORY: A new fisheries laboratory is to be built at
Changi to chart the movements of fish in Malayan waters and to find out the best
method of catching them, a June bulletin from the Pacific Science Association states.

The Director of the Regional Fisheries Research Station stated that the labora-
tory would have a team of five scientists from the Colonial Scientific Research Serv-
ice, Research work was to begin in March 1954 with the arrival of a 28-foot vessel
from England for inshore work. Another vessel, the 100-foot Manihine, will be
used for deep-sea work and was expected by July.

The entire project is a five-year Colonial Development and Welfare Scheme.
All capital costs and half the annual expenditure will be borne by British funds. The
other half will be shared by the five territories: Singapore, the Federation of Ma-
laya, Sarawak, North Borneo, and Brunei.

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Norway

has been sold, the Chairman of the Norwegian Herring Meal Export Committee re-
ported recently, The total value of the domestic and foreign sales amounts to about
Kr. 350 million (US$49.0 million), of which approximately Kr. 240 million (US$33.6
million) will be paid in foreign exchange. Adding the value of the herring that will
be processed during the rest of the year, plus the large quantities that have been
sold fresh, frozen, or salted, the Norwegian herring fisheries can safely be esti-
mated to produce total sales of Kr. 500-600 million (US$69.9-83.9 million) this year.

The 1954 winter herring fisheries off the coast of western Norway produced an
all-time record catch of 1,160,910 short tons as against only 747,408 short tons last
year. Subsequently, up to May 1 fishermen have landed 59,757 short tons of fat

September 1954 COMMERCIAL FISHERIES REVIEW 63

herring and 62,551 short tons of small herring. As of the same date last year they
had caught only 11,609 gross tons of fat herring and 25,345 short tons of small her-
ring. The total catch of winter, fat, and small herring as of May 1 was 1,282,308
short tons as compared with 744,363 short tons in the same period of 1953, or an
increase of nearly 538,000 short tons.

From the herring landed between January 1 and May 1, Norwegian processing
plants have produced about 200,000 tons of herring meal, all of which has been sold.
About 30 percent of the production went to domestic buyers, and the rest is being
exported. A substantial quantity of the exported herring will be paid for in dollars.
None is being traded as part of barter arrangements. In the same four-month pe-
riod, Norwegian reduction plants produced about 90,000 tons of herring oil, all of
which has been sold, mainly to domestic buyers. Altogether, about 85 percent of
the total herring landings are delivered to meal and oil plants, reports a May 27
bulletin from the Norwegian Information Service.

The major part of the herring meal is classed as ''extra quality, '' with a mini-
mum protein content of 70 percent, a maximum of 10 percent fat, and about 10 per-
cent moisture. The stickwater, which in former days was dumped into the sea as
worthless, is now utilized to make vitamin-rich condensed fish solubles and whole
herring meal, a valuable animal feed. Thus, the reduction plants utilize virtually
100 percent of the herring.

More and more Norwegian reduction plants are installing special evaporators
to utilize the stickwater. All of the major plants in north Norway are now equipped
with such machinery. The same trend is notable in western Norway, too.

OO OK OK

FREEZING HERRING IN ALGINATE JELLY: The development of a new method

at the most.

At a demonstration in Kristiansund recently, herring frozen in alginate jelly
for 12 months was served to a critical gathering of herring experts, chemists,
housewives, and representatives of the firm which has tested the new method. The
consensus, according to the Norwegian Journal of Commerce and Shipping, was that
the year-old herring tasted better than fresh. For one thing, the new product is
devoid of the characteristic herring odor.

Packed in alginate jelly and wrapped in cellophane, the filleted herring will be
introduced to Norwegian consumers next year. The fillets will be available in $-
kilogram packages (1.1 pounds) for retail distribution, and in 2- to 8-kilogram (4.4
to 17.6 pounds) packages for larger families and institutions. Experiments have
also been made with freezing whole herring and mackerel in alginate jelly. The
frozen mackerel has attracted considerable interest among foreign importers.

The demonstration in Kristiansund was held at Industrilaboratoriet A/S, a re-
search institution sponsored by the Klippfish Exporters National Association and
Norwegian Frozen Fish A/S. For more than a year scientists of this laboratory
checked the condition of the frozen herring at regular intervals. Similar tests have
been made by the Norwegian Fisheries Directorate's Chemical-Technical Research
Institute. In no instance has it been possible to detect any trace of rancidness or
deterioration of flavor.

OK OK OK OK

64 COMMERCIAL FISHERIES REVIEW Vol. 16, No. 9

FISHERIES FAIR: The first large-scale fisheries fair to be held in Norway
took place in Aalesund during two weeks in June, the Norwegian Information Service
reported ina June 24 bulletin. Covering an area of nearly 110,000 square feet, the
Norwegian Fisheries Fair gave a complete picture of the history, development, and
scope of this important industry. There were 150 stands sponsored by organizations
and manufacturers, including a number of foreign companies. Among other high-
lights was a historical section and Norway's biggest aquarium.

In an opening address the Fisheries Minister observed that the postwar devel-
opment of Norwegian fisheries has wrought far-reaching changes in the coastal dis-
tricts. He added: ''This fair is a review of our achievements as a fishing nation.
But its most important function is to give impulses that may lead to further prog-
ress. I sincerely hope it will stimulate the spirit of enterprise and daring that is
the hallmark of our fishing industry."

Primarily a sales fair, the Aalesund event assembled an impressive lineup of
products related to the fishing industry. One of the main exhibits featured a stream-
lined ocean-going fishing craft, equipped with radar, echo sounder, and a new type
of ASDIC (sonar) that effectively locates fish shoals, Others showed modern fishing
gear, including the superefficient purse seine; and a long line of marine engines.

In the machinery section, raw fish is fed into technical wonders, coming out again
as deep-frozen, cellophane-wrapped fillets, or delicate herring snacks.

FAO recognized the importance of the Norwegian Fisheries Fair by sponsoring
an international course in fish processing at Aalesund, with 40 participants from 10
European countries. Lectures in four languages, Norwegian, English, French, and
German, were given by leading specialists.

The rapid postwar development of Norwegian fisheries, emphasizing rational-
ization, mechanization, and scientific location of shoals, has reduced the number of
fishermen to about 85,000. Of these, some 16,000 have fishing as their sole liveli-
hood and nearly 52,000 derive their main income from the fisheries. The fishing
fleet now comprises some 14,000 decked vessels and 26,000 open boats. The annual
catch, of which 90 percent is exported, varies from 1.2 to 1.6 million metric tons.
Since the war, Norwegian frozen fish fillets have found a growing market abroad,
both in Europe and the United States.

% OK OK KK

WHALE-OIL PRODUCTION, 1953/54--(with correction): Norwegian Antarctic
production of both whale and sperm oil in 1953/54 is estimated at 191,300 short tons,
an increase of more than one-fourth from the corresponding 1952/53 output. Ant-
arctic pelagic operations, as usual, accounted for the bulk of the total output. Nine
Norwegian factory ships operating in the 1953/54 season rendered 173,400 and 5,800
tons of whale and sperm oil, respectively. The increase in the total production is
due to the fact that two more floating factories operated in 1953/54 than in 1952/53.
Later information received regarding Norway's Husvik Harbour, South Georgia,
whaling station indicates that the combined production of whale and sperm oil from
this source amounted to 64,789 barrels (12,100 short tons)rather than the 173,000
barrels (32,290 tons) reported in Commercial Fisheries Review, July 1954, page 55.

cr)
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September 1954 COMMERCIAL FISHERIES REVIEW 65

Peru
SHRIMP EXPORTS INCREASE IN 1953: Shrimp fishing in Panama continued

to expand in 1953 and total exports of shrimp for the year amounted to 2,083 metric
tons as compared with 1,096 tons in 1952 (see table).

Panamanian Shrimp

The total catch of fish other than shrimp in the Exports, 1950-53
Gulf of Panama in 1953 was 2.1 million pounds as
compared with 2.7 million pounds in 1952. How- Metric Tons q
ever, the total 1953 catch of fish (including shrimp) 2,083
was substantially higher than in any other previous 1,096
year,.according to a recent report from the Amer- 563
ican Embassy at Panama City. 138

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NZ
era
Panama

STATUS OF THE FISHERIES, 1953: The Peruvian fishing industry enjoyed
much more favorable conditions in 1953 than in the immediate preceding years and
the season was considered moderately favorable. This was in spite of a late start
awaiting the appearance of bonito and other fish in commercial quantities, according

to an April 19 U. S. Embassy dispatch from Lima.

More than 35 fish canners were reported in production at the end of the year
with an output in excess of one-million cases (48 7-oz. cans), 80 percent of which
was exported. Some 15 fish-meal factories have been established, exporting about
10,000 metric tons annually. Refrigeration facilities for fishery products along the
coast were estimated to have a capacity of about 4,500 metric tons. Increasing
numbers of large foreign (including U. S.-flag) fishing vessels were brought under
contract to Peru to fish for local companies.

Portugal

NEW COLD-STORAGE WAREHOUSES FOR COD: Additional cold-storage ware-
houses for dried cod will be constructed at various points in Portugal under the di-
rection of the Regulatory Commission of Trade in Codfish, according to a June 18
U. S. Embassy dispatch from Lisbon. A June 14 order of the Ministry of Economy
delegated the responsibility to the Commission.

The new installations will be built at Lisbon, capacity 1,800 metric tons;
Figueira da Foz, 600 tons; Aveiro, 1,200 tons; Oporto, 960 tons; and Viana do
Castelo, 900 tons. Existing installations total 10,500 tons--Lisbon, 6,300 tons;
Oporto, 3,000 tons; and Aveiro, 1,200 tons.

<alpp

Spain

REVIEW OF THE FISHERIES, 1953: A general scarcity of sardines and cod,
high operating costs, antiquated fishing vessels, and shortages in certain lines of
ship fittings continued to hamper the Spanish fishing industry in 1953. As a conse-
quence the total catch of 620, 026metric tons was only about 6 percent above the un-
satisfactory 1952 level of 583,647 tons.

66 COMMERCIAL FISHERIES REVIEW Vol. 16, No.9

Government loans to the fishing industry through the Caia Central de Credito
Maritima in 1953 amounted to 19,593,620 pesetas (US$503,000), a decline of almost
47 percent from the 36,682,852 pesetas (US$925,000) in 1952.

Other than a promised reduction in certain grades of coal for fishing vessels,
there was little prospect of immediate improvement in the distressed condition of
the industry. Fuel oil and tin plate remained under strict control and fishing gear
was under a system of voluntary rationing at the end of the year, a June 14U. S.

Embassy dispatch from Madrid points out.
Note: Values converted on the basis: 1953--38.95 pesos =US$1; 1952--39.65 pesos = US$1.

HK OK OK

VIGO FISH CANNING TRENDS, APRIL 1954: Fish canneries in the Vigo area
of Spain purchased 324,000 pounds of fish during April--4.5 percent of the total
catches entered through the Vigo Fish Exchange. This compares to 166,000 pounds
in March and 35,000 pounds in April 1953. In spite of more purchases by canneries,
fish for canning was still being landed in below-normal quantities. Stocks of oil,
tinplate, andother raw materials, while below normal for this time of year, were

reported to be adequate, a May 10U. S. Consular dispatch from Vigo reports.

With the off-season for the fishing of jurel and castaneta (brama-raii) approach-
ing, the short-range fishing fleet must look to the bonito runs. Some of the vessels
were being equipped for the albacore runs that were due to start about the middle of
May, but shortages of capital handicapped the owners in the purchase of necessary
equipment.

While in many respects the fish canners are now in a better position than a
year ago, the shortage of liquid capital to buy albacore and sardines should heavy
runs appear during the coming months continued to be one of their main concerns.

The industry anxiously awaited any measures that the Government may take on
the proposals made by the National Fishing Syndicate after the national assembly
held in Madrid during April. The Syndicate proposed a study tobe made of industry
problems.

Ps

=—s 4

Thailand
JAPANESE-TYPE FISH TRAP TESTS SUCCESSFUL: Excellent catches were

made by a Japanese-type trap net introduced into Thailand by STEM and operated.
by the Thai Department of Fisheries, a June 18 U. S. Embassy dispatch from Bang-
kok points out. In a recent 31-day demonstration under commercial fishing condi-
tions this net averaged more than 1,200 pounds of fish daily; peak production was
13,200 pounds in one day. What makes this record even more impressive is that
the traditional local type of bamboo stake traps were producing very little or no
fish during the same period.

This is the second season of practical demonstrations; during the first season
the imported trap caught twice as much fish as comparative local traps. The value
of the fish caught was about three times greater.

Fishermen in the neighborhood of the Ban Phae Marine Fisheries Station, where
the demonstrations were made, are enthusiastic about the new trap. Costs for the
imported gear are slightly less than those needed for the present type. Utilization
of locally-obtainable materials will cut the original cost by 30 to 40 percent under

September 1954 COMMERCIAL FISHERIES REVIEW 67

the existing type. Other advantages are greater mobility, easier removal of the
catches, easier setting and hauling, greater flexibility, and a greater variety of
catches including more valuable market species.

The first stages of expansion will commence this year in nearby fishing villages.
Since the Thai fisherman is traditionally conservative in adopting new methods, it
will probably be necessary to operate on a cooperative extended-risk basis in which
the Thai Government will participate by providing some materials for trap construc-
tion. After one season of this type of arrangement it is probable that Government
participation can be minimized.

The results of use of the new traps will be important. Larger catches at less
cost, more valuable species, anda longer fishing season with less risk to the fisher-
man may be expected.

-

Union of South Africa

WHOLE FISH-MEAL EXPORTS TO UNITED STATES PLANNED; The South
African fish-meal industry recently has been thoroughly testing fish processing e-
quipment designed to produce "whole meal.'' There are reported to be three fac-
tories already being equipped for this operation and a fourth is approaching com-
pletion.

"Whole meal'' is fish meal containing fish solubles. In the United States con-
densed fish solubles are marketed as a separate product from fish meal and the
former are sold strictly on their own merits. The plan of the South African pro-
ducers is to offer ''whole meal'' on the United States market as a fish meal for the
animal-feeding trade in competition with domestically-produced fish meals. The
Norwegians have also gone into this type of production.

Although opinion is divided on the relative merits of ''whole meal" versus fish
meal and condensed fish solubles, the advent of additional supplies of the "whole
meal" in the United States will be a factor to be reckoned with as a potentially com-
petitive item once its relative merits are established by actual test in the market
place and on the feed lot.

%* OK KK OK

sions with fishermen on matters affecting the industry, reports the May 21 issue of
The Fishing News, a British trade paper.

He travelled with the Director of Fishing and other officials in the Department's
research vessel Africana II, and was able to study the research methods en route.

At Velddrif he said the Fisheries Development Corporation had made important
proposals that, if accepted, would greatly expand research work on fisheries. These
proposals involved the Union Government, the South-West African Administration,
fishermen, andthe fish factories, as well as the Corporation.

To avoid serious depletion of the rich pilchard shoals off the coast of South
Africa, the Union Government is imposing control by declaring "closed" seasons,
besides restricting the number of canneries in the industry.

68 COMMERCIAL FISHERIES REVIEW Vol, 16, No. 9

Negotiations are proceeding for the erection of a quick-freezing plant for the
production of frozen fillets.

The Minister said also that the purchase price of fish would be dealt with and
that a Board would be appointed to control the building of fishing boats intended for
catching fish for processing.

During 1953 the total landings of pilchards and maasbankers in South Africa
waters totalled 288,155 metric tons, an increase of 3,704 tons over the previous
year.

The heavier catch was achieved, however, with an expanded fleet, while the
unit of effort per ton landed showed a significant increase. According to the Divi-
sion of Fisheries the greater effort required is accounted for by the decreased avail-
ability of fish not by a decreased supply, the heavy shoals appearing in areas farther
away from bases than in previous years.

A special committee is to be appointed with statutory powers to limit the num-
ber of fishing boats allowed to operate in the pilchard and maasbankers waters on
the west coast of South Africa, according to a statement by the Minister. He said
this was part of the proposed intensified program to conserve and improve the fish-
ing grounds of the west coast. No more than the number of boats operating at the
beginning of 1953 would be allowed on the fishing grounds.

The Fisheries Development Corporation has conducted experimental netting op-
erations in South African waters to discover whether Norwegian methods were suit-
able for catching species now caught by hand line. It was shown that the Norwegian
system was not suited to this section of the coast.

Gansbaai (South Africa) fishermen have registered the Gansbaai Cooperative
Fisheries, Ltd., operated independently under the management of a member of the
Fisheries Development Corporation's staff. Its products include crude shark-liver
oil, dried shark fins, and shark meat, which are exported; and fresh fish sold lo-
cally.

Note: Also see Commercial Fisheries Review, February 1954, p. 53.

"y
United Kingdom
GRIMSBY PLANT SUPPLIES FISH TO U. S. AND BRITISH ARMED FORCES:

Considerable quantities of quick-frozen fish are being supplied to the U. S. Armed
Forces by a Grimsby processing plant, according to the July 3 Fish Trades Gazette,
a British trade magazine. The plant is supplying mainly cod, haddock, and bream,
and payment is made in dollars. The U. S. Forces in Europe have bought large
quantities of fish from Denmark, Norway, Germany, Iceland, and Holland, but they
will buy only from firms which process in plants inspected and passed by U. S.
Armed Forces officials. A high standard is required and the finished product is in-
spected by a qualified inspector.

The same Grimsby firm is sending fish to British Armed Forces all over the
world. Grimsby fish has been shipped to British soldiers in Hong Kong, Singapore,
Australia, and South Africa.

KK KK

September 1954 COMMERCIAL FISHERIES REVIEW 69

FISHING PRIVILEGES OFF RUSSIAN COAST AGAIN EXTENDED: The Russian
Government has agreed to a one-year extension--to June 30, 1955--of the Pact
granting British fishing privileges off the Murman coast of Russia, states a U. S.
Embassy dispatch (June 22) from London. A year ago the pact had also been ex-
tended one year, to the end of June 1954. It was believed in Britain that it wouldbe
necessary to send a negotiating body to Moscow to get some concession, but this
latest temporary extension was secured without doing so. During the period of this
extension the British Government hopes to negotiate a more permanent agreement.

The Pact, which has been in force since 1930, allows British trawlers to fish
up to within 3 miles of the Russian White Sea coast instead of the 12-mile limit im-
posed on all other countries. Involved are some 3,000 square miles of fishing
grounds from which the British produce about 28 million pounds of plaice and had-
dock each year.

% OK OK

MINIMUM EX-VESSEL PRICES RAISED AS OPERATING COSTS INCREASE:

ent minimum prices were set in February 1952 and since then operating costs have
risen an average of £20 (US$56) per day at sea for distant-water vessels fishing
from Humber ports. This increased the annual cost of the fleet operating from these
ports an additional £.1.5 million (US$4.2 million) per year.

It is reported that this does not mean increased prices for the consumer, ac-
cording to the May 28 issue of The Fishing News, a British fishery paper. The
minimum price is merely the basic price below which trawler owners do not sell to
fresh fish dealers; it is designed to prevent the bottom dropping out of the market
and is generally well below the cost of catching the fish.

KK Ok K

TRAWLER LAY-UP REDUCED: The lay-up of British distant-water vessels
was reduced from 25 percent to 20 percent, effective August 1 to September 11, ac-
cording to the June 25 issue of The Fishing News, a British fishery periodical.
This will mean an effective tie-up of 10 percent, compared to the present 12.5 per-
cent, when allowances have been made for vessels which would normally be tied up
at this time of year for overhaul and other reasons.

This reduction in the tie-up of distant-water vessels was influenced by an ex-
pected strengthening of the markets late in the summer.

The lay-up scheme applies only to distant-water vessels, totaling about 270
craft in the ports of Hull, Grimsby, and Fleetwood.

Venezuela

CANADIAN FIRM TO BUILD FISH CANNERY: A Canadian packing firm plans

A representative of the firm said the company in Venezuela would act in part-
nership with the fishermen who would receive half the profits of the operation after
the deduction of 20 percent for various contingencies. It was not mentioned how

70 COMMERCIAL FISHERIES REVIEW Vol, 16, No.9

losses would be apportioned. He also stated: ''We believe that with our democratic
system we will obtain most of the fish for our industry."

These negotiations have been rumored for more than a year but the optimistic
views as to the probable monopoly of the fish catch will not advance the project be-
fore the Venezuela authorities.

OK OK KK

MARINE BIOLOGICAL LABORATORY PROPOSED: Officials of the recently-
organized Venezuelan Association for the Advancement of Science have been study-
ing a site for a marine biological laboratory near Higuerote, Miranda. A well
known businessman has reputedly offered a substantial sum if the laboratory is lo-
cated at Higuerote. Some industries and individuals have indicated a similar will-
ingness to contribute to this particular project, according to a June 23 U. S. Em-
bassy dispatch from Caracas.

The marine life off Higuerote should offer some unusual features as the sewage
from Caracas reaches the sea via the Rio Tuy, the mouth of which is just east of
Higuerote. The prevailing winds and ocean currents are from east to west so that
the nitrogenous content of the sea water in the Higuerote region should be somewhat

higher than normal,
2

FOREIGN TRADE LISTS

Trade Lists, prepared by the Bureau of Foreign Commerce, U. S. De-
partment of Commerce, are listings of foreign importers, distributors, man-
ufacturers, processors, agents, service organizations, professional groups,
and institutions, classified under approximately 75 major commodity and serv-
ice groups,

Data include name and address, relative size, method of operation, lines
handled, number of salesmen, and territory covered by each organization listed.

Each list is prefaced by a paragraph outlining market potentialities for
United States products together with basic import or export pattern, pertinent
regulations, and general conditions existing in the market.

Lists are used extensively in locating and selecting trade connections
abroad, locating sources of supply, direct advertising campaigns, market sur-

veys, etc.

Some of the classifications of interest to the fishery and allied industries
include the following:

Advertising Agencies & Concessionaires

Boat & Ship Builders, Repairers & Chandlers

Canneries

Cooperage =- Importers, Dealers or Distributors, and Exporters

Feedstuffs - Importers, Dealers or Distributors, Manufacturers, and Exporters

Machinery - Importers and Dealers or Distributors ee

Oils (Animal, Fish & Vegetable) - "porters, Dealers or Disrbutars,

Copies of these lists may be obtained by firms in the United States from

the U.S. Department of Commerce, Washington 25, D.C., or fromthat Depart-
ment's field offices, at $1 per list.

September 1954

OS” Gf

EA ~

-

7, ¥)
SCE

Civil Service Commission

FISHERY METHODS AND EQUIPMENT
SPECIALIST EXAMINATION AN -
NOUNCED: The U.S. CivilService Com-
mission on August 3 announced unassem-
bled examinations for the position of Fish-
ery Methods and Equipment specialist,
grades GS-5 to GS-12. Entrance sala-
ries rangefrom $3,410 to $7,040 per year.
THE CLOSING DATE ISSEPTEMBER 28,
1954.

The Fish and Wildlife Service requires
Fishery Methods and Equipment Speci-
lists for exploratory fishing and for improv-
ing methods of fishery operations. Only
commercial fishermen with the required
specialized experience, or mentrained in
fishery engineering, technology, or bio-
logy should apply for this examination. The
positions require sea duty in varying lo-
calities, chiefly inthe Atlantic and Pacif-
ic Oceans.

The duties include studying the occur-
rence and behavior of fish at sea and the
best methods of locating them by visual,
sonic, electronic, or other techniques;
identifying species; and recording the num-
ber and weight of fish and the weather con-
ditions at time of capture; studying the ef-
fectiveness of various kinds of bait and ox-
ygenconcentrations; temperature, salini-
ty, and other water conditions affecting
survival of bait fishes; making tests onthe
effectiveness of varied types of fishing gear
and studying the influence of weather, cur-
rents, and other conditions on their effi-
ciency; analyzing data obtained at sea and
designing new equipment or methods or rec-
ommending modification of those presently
used, for promoting the economical cap-
ture of ocean fish.

Except for the substitution of education
for experience as providedfor, applicants
must have had experience of the length and
of the kind commensurate in quality with
the grade levelfor which application is
made. The total experience must have been

COMMERCIAL FISHERIES REVIEW

4. DERAL
fae! ¢6CM ACTIONS 2

71

RALY

of aprogressively responsible nature in
the fishery exploration and productionarea
and must be suchas todemonstrate the ap-
plicant's ability to perform the duties of
the position. The amount of experience
ranges from 3 years of general plus 1 year
of specialized experience for the GS-5
grade, 3 years of general plus 4years of
specialized experience for the GS-12 grade.

The following are examples of the types
of general experience that are considered
qualifying: Mate or engineer ona fishing
vessel, net loft supervisor, commercial
fisherman, licensed deck officer, andsim-
lar or closely related types of experience.

The following are examples of the types
of specialized experience that are consid-
ered qualifying: Port captain or fleet su-
pervisor of afishing fleet, master of fish-
ing vessel over 25 nettons, navigator of
fishing vessels operating offshore, de-
signer of fishing vessels and equipment,
cannery superintendent including super-
vision of fish production, technical em-
ployment in conducting fishery exploration
or indeveloping fishery gear or equipment,
and other closely related types of experi-
ence.

Competitors will not be required to re-
portforawrittentest, but willbe ratedon
the extent and quality of their experience
and training relevant tothe duties of the
positions. Suchratings willbe based upon
competitors' statements in their applica-
tions and upon any additional evidence se-
cured,

Toapply for this examination, file Card
Form 5001-ABC, Form 57, andStandard
Form15. These forms, as wellasa copy
of Announcement No. 413(b) giving the
particulars of this examination, maybe
obtained from the U. S. CivilService Com-
mission, Washington25, D. C., orfrom
any of its RegionalOffices, or from any
first- or second-class post office. Appli-
cations are tobe sent to the Executive Sec-
retary, Boardof U.S. CivilService Ex-
aminers, Fishand Wildlife Service, De-

72

partment of the Interior, Washington, D.C.
Applications must be received inthat of-
fice, or post marked not later than Sep-
tember 28, 1954.

Be

Department of Defense
ARMY QUARTERMASTER CORPS

SURPLUS TRAWLERS OFFERED FOR
SALE: Invitation for bids on five sur-
plus large fishing trawlers located at
Bremerhaven, Port of Embarkation,
Germany, was issued by the Army Quar-
termaster Corps on August 3. The clos-
ing date forbids was September 2, 1954.

The following trawlers were offered
for sale: Pan Trades Andros, Tern,
Swell, Pacific, and Josephine Ess.

&

Foreign Operations
Administration

INDO-CHINA AUTHORIZED TO BUY
FISHING NET MATERIAL: Indo-China
has been authorized by the Foreign Op-
erations Administration to spend
$96,000 for the purchase of fishing net
twine and weights. No contract period
or terminal delivery date is specified
as procurement will be carried out

through the Emergency Procurement

COMMERCIAL FISHERIES REVIEW

Vol. 16, No. 9

Service, General Services Administra-
tion. Indo-China is authorized to make
these purchases in the United States and
possessions and Japan.

OK OK Ok OK

INDONESIA AUTHORIZED TO BUY FISH-
ING GEAR: Indonesia has been author-
ized by FOA to purchase fishing gear to-
taling $9,000 ($8,000 for flat shrimp
trawls, balloon trawls, trawl doors, and
spare parts for trawls; also $1,000 for
wire rope), according toa July 8 bulletin
from that agency. No contract period or
terminal delivery date was announcedas
procurement will be carried out through
the Emergency Procurement Service,
General Services Administration. Indo-
nesia is authorized to make the purchases
in the United States and possessions, Ca-
nada, European participating countries,

and Japan.

Department of Health,
Education, and Welfare

FOOD AND DRUG ADMINISTRATION

PROCEDURE FORESTABLISHING FOOD

STANDARDS: A statement of interpre-

tation of the procedures prescribed by
the Federal Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act
for establishing food standards was an-
nounced in the July 27 Federal Register
as follows:

Part 3—STATEMENTS OF GENERAL POLicy
OR INTERPRETATION

PROCEDURE FOR ESTABLISHING FOOD STAND-
ARDS UNDER THE FEDERAL FOOD, DRUG AND
COSMETIC ACT

Under the authority vested in the Sec-
retary of Health, Education, and Welfare
by the provisions of the Federal Food,
Drug, and Cosmetic Act (secs. 401, 701,
52 Stat. 1046, 1055, as amended 68 Stat.
54; 21 U.S. C. 341, 371) and pursuant to
the provisions of the Administrative Pro-
cedure Act (sec. 3, 60 Stat. 237, 238; 5
U. S. C. 1002), the following statement
of interpretation is issued:

§ 3.36 Procedure for establishing food
standards under the Federal Food, Drug,
and Cosmetic Act. The procedure pre-
scribed in the Federal Food, Drug, and
Cosmetic Act for the issuance, amend-
ment, or repeal of standards for foods
has recently been modified by Congress.

The new amendment permits any inter-
ested person showing reasonable grounds
therefor to petition the Secretary of
Health, Education, and Welfare to ini-
tiate action.

(a) If the petitioner shows that he is
an interested person and furnishes rea-
sonable grounds for his proposal, it is the
duty of the Secretary to publish the pro-
posal and afford opportunity for other
interested persons to comment on it.
After a study of all the facts available
and of the comments received, the Sec-
retary will act upon the proposal and
publish an order, to which objection may
be taken by persons who would be ad-
versely affected. Thus the issues in con-
troversy are singled out for a public
hearing.

(b) Practical administration of the
law requires that there be a substantial
showing of merit before any proposal is
published. In passing on proposals sub-
mitted by petitioners for initiating ac-

a Sng ot

tions, it will be the policy of the Depart-
ment of Health, Education, and Welfare
to consider that reasonable grounds have
been furnished when:

(1) The proposal includes or is accom-
panied by a statemert of the facts that
the petitioner asserts he is in a position
to substantiate by evidence in the event
the proceedings lead to a public hearing.

(2) The facts declared furnish sub-
stantial support of the proposal and war-
rant a conclusion that the proposal is
reasonable.

(3) The proposal, if adopted, would
promote honesty and fair dealing in the
interest of consumers.

(c) Opportunity will be given to
amend petitions regarded as inadequate.
(Sec. 701, 52 Stat. 1055; 21 U. S. C. 871.
Interprets or applies sec. 401, 52 Stat. 1046, as
amended 68 Stat. 54; 21 U.S. C. 341)

Dated: July 21, 1954.

[sEAL] Oveta CuLp Hossy,
Secretary.

September 1954

Department of the Interior
FISH AND WILDLIFE SERVICE

DR. O. LLOYD MEEHEAN APPOINTED
ASSISTANT TO THE DIRECTOR: Dr. O.
Lloyd Meehean has been appointed As-
sistant to the Director of the Fish and
Wildlife Service, in
charge of technical
staff services. He
has been chief of
the Service's Branch
of Game Fish and
Hatcheries since
October 1945,

The establish-
ment of the position
is part of the admin-
istrative reorganiza-
tion of the Washing-
ton Office of the Service as recently rec-
ommended in a report by a survey team
which studied the organization and oper-
ations of the Service for several months.
Secretary of the Interior Douglas McKay
approved the report on July 2.

In his new post Meehean will direct
the activities carried on by the Service's
branches of engineering, lands, river
basin studies, and Federal aid.

As chief of the Branch of Game Fish
and Hatcheries, Meehean was responsible
for the administration and maintenance
of Federal fish hatcheries.

Meehean has been associated with the
Fish and Wildlife Service and its prede-
cessor agency, the former Bureau of
Fisheries, since 1930 when he became a
biologist at the Fairport, Iowa, station.
Prior to entering Federal service, Mee-
hean in 1927 was an investigator of lakes
and streams for the Minnesota Game and
Fish Department, and for two years was
in charge of a stream pollution survey
for Duluth, Minnesota.

Meehean was recently appointed bythe
President as a member of the Water Pol-
lution Control Advisory Board, United
States Public Health Service. He is also
one of the three Federal representatives
on the Ohio Valley Water Sanitation Com-
mission which is an interstate compact
of eight states in the Ohio Valley. In Oc-

COMMERCIAL FISHERIES REVIEW

73

tober 1952 Meehean headed the United
States delegation to the Indo-Pacific Fish-
eries Council meeting in Manila.

OK Ok OK OK

—— _———— ee

The resignation
of Dr. Clarence Cottam as Assistant to
the Director of the Fish and Wildlife Serv-
ice was announced TEER

on July 20 by Sec-
retary of the In-
terior McKay.
Cottam will as-
sume the post of
dean of the Col-
lege of Biology
and Agriculture

at Brigham Young
University in
Provo, Utah, at
the beginning of
the new fall term,

Cottam joined the former Bureau of
Biological Survey in 1929 as a biologist
in the Section of Food Habits Research.
In 1934 he was placed in charge of a sec-
tion devoted to research on economic
wildlife problems in the Division of Wild-
life Research. Ten years later he be-
came chief of that Division. In April
1946 Cottam succeeded Albert M. Dayas
Assistant Director of the Service when
the latter was appointed as Service direc-
tor. In April 1953, when the Service was
being reorganized, Cottom was reas-
signed as an assistant to Director John

L. Farley.

Eighty-Third Congress
(Second Session)
AUGUST 1954

Listed below are public bills and res-
olutions introduced and referred to com-
mittees or passed by the Eighty-Third
Congress (Second Session) and signed by
the President that directly or indirectly
affect the fisheries and allied industries,
Public bills and resolutions are shownin
this section only when introduced and, if

74

passed, when signed by the President;
but also shown are the more pertinent re-
ports, hearings, or chamber actions on
some of the bills shown in this section
from month to month,

CUSTOMS SIMPLIFICATION ACT: The Senate Committee
on Finance on August 6 favorably reported H, R, 10009, Cus-
toms Simplification Actof 1954, with amendments (S. Rept,
2326). The bill authorizes the Tariff Commission to review
customs tariff schedules, and transfers from the Treasury
Department to the Tariff Commission the task of deciding
whether dumping of goods by foreign countries in the United
States market has resulted in injury to domestic producers.
The bill requires the Tariff Commission to report to Con-
gress by March 15, 1955, indicating the significant problems
that have developed and suggesting standards and methods
which might be adopted for simplification of existing tariff
schedules without significant changes in tariff levels. H, R,
10009 was introduced in the House on July 22 and passed by
the House on July 26,

The Senate on August 12 passed with amendment H, R,
10009 and sent it back to the House,

2453 (July 22, 1954, 83d Congress, 2nd Session), 25 pp.,
printed, The House Committee on Ways and Means reported
favorably on H, R, 10009, without amendment, and recom-
mended passage of the bill, The report explains the purpose
of the bill; includes a general statement on the bill, a section-
by-section analysis of the bill, and changes to be effected in
the existing law.

DUTY ON FISH STICKS: A duty on fish sticks and simi-
lar products is under consideration by Congress in view of
an amendment offered by Senators Saltonstall and Kennedy
to H, R, 8628, a bill to amend the Tariff Act of 1930 to insure
that crude silicon carbide imported into the United States
will continue to be exempt from duty and with respect to the
duties applicable to certain prepared fish, The amendment
was agreed to and inserted at the end of the bill as follows:

Sec, 2. (a) Paragraph 720 of title I of the Tariff Act of
1930 (U.S.C., 1952 edition, title 19, sec. 1001, par. 720), is
amended by adding at the end thereof the following subpara-
graph:

‘*(d) Fish sticks and similar products of any size or
shape, fillets, or other portions of fish, if breaded, coated
with batter, or similarly prepared, but not packed in oil or
in oil and other substances, whether in bulk or in containers
of any size or kind, and whether or not described or provided
for elsewhere in this act, if uncooked, 20 percent ad valorem;
cooked in any degree, 30 percent ad valorem.,”’

(b) The foregoing amendment shall enter into effect as
soon as practicable on a date to be specified by the President
in a notice to the Secretary of the Treasury following such
negotiations as may be necessary to effect a modification or
a termination of the international obligations of the United
States with which the amendment would be in conflict,

The bill was passed with amendment by the Senate on
August 11 and sent back to the House,

The Senate amendment to H, R, 8628, was adopted by the
House on August 16, clearing the bill for the President.

DUTY ON SHRIMP; H, R, 10170 (Boykin), a bill to pro-
vide for an ad valorem duty on the importation of shrimp; to
the Committee on Ways and Means, Introduced on August 4,

COMMERCIAL FISHERIES REVIEW

Vol, 16, No. 9

the bill would provide a 35-percent ad-valorem duty on
shrimp, shrimp tails, and shrimp meat, fresh and frozen
(whether or not packed in ice), or prepared, canned, or pre-
served in any manner,

Also H.R, 10171 (Grait), H, R, 10173 (Hebert), H.R, 10174
(Long), H, R, 10175 (Lyle), H, R. 10176 (Morrison), H. R, 10177
(Passman), H, R, 10179 (Thompson of Louisiana), H, R, 10180
(Thompson of Texas), similar to H, R, 10170.

LABELING OF FOREIGN-PRODUCED TROUT: The
House on August 10 passed with committee amendments and
returned to Senate, S, 2033, relating to the labeling of pack-
ages containing foreign-produced trout sold in the U. S., and
requiring certain information to appear on a placard in pub-
lic eating places serving such trout. Adopted an amendment
removing the requirement of labeling such foreign-produced
trout on menus but require such information to be exhibited
on wall signs or placards,

Senate on August 12 concurred in House amendments to
S, 2033, thus clearing bill for White House.

Senator McCarron on August 13 entered motion to recon-
sider vote by which Senate on August 12 concurred in House
amendment with a perfecting amendment, and House was re-
quested to return the bill to the Senate.

'S. 2033, was cleared for the President on August 19 when
the House agreed to Senate amendments to House amend-
ments to the bill.

NORTH PACIFIC FISHERIES CONVENTION: The House
on July 28 passed and returned to Senate S. 3713, to give ef-
fect to the International Convention for the High Seas Fisher-
ies of the North Pacific Ocean, signed at Tokyo, May 9, 1952,
after adopting committee amendments.

The President on August 12 signed S. 3713 (P. L. 579).

PHILIPPINE TRADE ACT: The President on July 5
signed H, R, 9315, to provide for an extension on a recipro-
cal basis of the period of the free entry of Philippine arti-
cles in the United States (P.L. 474). The law reads:

AN ACT
All 68 Stat. 448.
To provide for an extension on a reciprocal busis of the period of the free
entry of Philippine articles In the United States.

Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the
United States of America in Congress axscmbled, That the duty-free Philippine re-
treatment provided for in section 201 of the Philippine Trade Act of ofprooal trade,
1946 (GO Stut. 143) shall apply in lieu of the treatment specified in Extension,
paragraphs (1) and (2) of subsection (a) of section 202 of that Act, 22 usc 1251,
to Philippine articles entered, or withdrawn from warehouse, in the 1252.
United States for consumption during such period after July 3, 1954,
but not after December 31, 1955, as the President may declare by
proclamation to be a period during which. United States articles, as
defined in that Act, will be admitted into the Republic of the Philip-
pines free of ordinary customs duty, as such duty is defined in that
Act. Notwithstanding any such proclamation, paragraph (2) of
such subsection shall f considered as having been in effect for the
purpose of applying the provisions of paragraph (3) of such
subsection.

Approved July 5, 1954.

PROTECTION OF U, S. FISHERMEN ON HIGH SEAS: The
Senate Committee on Interstate and Foreign Commerce on

August 4 favorably reported without amendment, H, R, 9584,
protecting the rights of U, S, fishermen and others on the
high seas and in territorial waters of foreign countries. (S,

Rept, 2214).

Protecting the Rights of Vessels of the United States on
the High Seas and in Territorial Waters of Foreign Countries,

September 1954

Senate Report No. 2214 (August 4, 1954, 83d Congress, 2nd
Session), 7 pp., printed. The report explains that the bill
provides that in case of seizure of any privately-owned ves-
sel of the United States, large or small, by a foreign country
on asserted rights or claims to territorial waters or on the
high seas, which rights or claims are not recognized by the
United States, the Secretary of State shall take appropriate
action to attend to the welfare of the vessel and its crew
while it is held by such country and to secure the release of
the vessel and its crew.

The traditional policy of the United States is to support
the principle of the freedom of the seas, and to this end this
country does not recognize claims to jurisdiction over al -
leged territorial waters greater in breadth than 3 marine
miles from the coast, since it is the view of the UnitedStates,
acting through the State Department, that under international
law it is not required to recognize such claims,

The protection offered by this bill includes all documented
United States vessels, as well as smaller vessels, including
pleasure craft, of less than five tons which are not docu-
mented but are certificated by the Coast Guard, Specifically,
however, the need for this legislation at this time has devel-
oped from seizures of American-flag fishing vessels which
have taken place in the last several years as the result of
extravagant territorial claims by foreign countries; claims
which are strictly contrary to the traditional position of the
United States with regard to the seaward limits of national
jurisdiction, Some of these seizures have been made where
there was no dispute of material facts with respect to the
location or activity of the fishing vessels at the time of the
seizure. In this connection, the committee was apprehensive
lest the situations which have occurred to date shall be en-
larged in scope and gradually work to the detriment of the
long-established principle of the freedom of the seas which
has stood for all of our national life as a guiding principle in
international affairs.

Section 2 is the heart of the bill. It provides authority
for the Secretary of State to take such action as he deems
appropriate to secure the prompt release of a vessel of the
United States which has been seized on the sea by a foreign
country on the basis of rights or claims asserted by that
country but not recognized by the United States. The Secre-
tary of State shall take these actions where there is no dis-
pute of material fact between the two countries with respect
to the location or activity of the vessel at the time of its
seizure.

No definition is made of the rights on the sea which shall
be recognized by the United States. Consequently this bill
does not affect in any way the flexibility with which the
United States can deal with problems arising in this field of
foreign affairs, If, as a result of needs not now foreseen, it
becomes necessary for the United States to recognize under
international law or policy rights or claims by foreign na-
tions on the sea which it does not now recognize, it can do
so with no impediment provided by this legislation, But
whatever rights on the sea that the United States understands
it has under international law at any particular time or place
become, under this legislation, rights which its private ves-
sels can exercise with the benefits of protection of United
States law provided by the bill, Thus the fisherman and any
American operator can know where and how he can operate
on the sea without being molested in those operations by a
foreign government.

Section 3 of the bill provides for the reimbursement to
the owners by the Secretary of State of fines actually paid to
secure the prompt release of the vessel and its crew. The

COMMERCIAL FISHERIES REVIEW 75

bill, as introduced, provided in section 2 that the Secretary
of State should ‘‘pay any fines or post any bonds that may be
required by such country for such release,’’ This provision
was deleted by your committee at the suggestion of the De-
partment of State to avoid any appearance of recognizing to
any extent the validity of foreign claims by thus subjecting
itself to the jurisdiction of foreign courts. Accordingly, fol-
lowing the Department’s suggestion, the bill is amended as
here reported, leaving the Secretary of State completely free,
as provided in section 5 of the bill, to make and collect on
claims against a foreign country because of the seizure of a
United States vessel by such country.

Section 4 excepts two sorts of seizures from the provis-
ions of this bill: (1) Seizures made by a country at war with
the United States; (2) seizures made in accordance with the
provisions of any fishery convention or treaty to which the
United States is a party. The first is self-explanatory. With
respect to the second, it may be stated that the United States
is already a party to several fishery conservation treaties
with several foreign countries.

More important than the desire to protect present treaties
from the effect of this legislation, however, is the desire to
provide even further flexibility to the Executive in the con-
duct of this branch of foreign affairs. If for any reason it
becomes desirable for the United States to restrict its fish-
ermen’s activity off the shore of another country or countries,
or to prohibit them entirely, either for a stated period of
time or forever, this can be readily accomplished by engag-
ing to do so under treaty with such country or countries,

It is the hope and expectation of your committee that the
effect of the passage of this legislation will be even to re-
duce the number of seizures per year that have been made
in recent years, and to deter possible extension of claims
to territoriality on the high seas which would affect the
rights of other classes of American-vessel operators..

The Report also contains correspondence from various
U. S. Government agencies explaining their views on the biil,
and a section-by-section analysis.

H, R, 9584 was passed without amendment by the Senate
and cleared for the President on August 11,

RETURN OF FISHING VESSELS: The President on Au-
gust 13 signed S, J, Res. 67, to repeal certain World War II
laws relating to return of fishing vessels (P.L. 580).

Repealing Certain World War I Laws Relating to Return
of Fishing Vessels, House Report No. 2550 (July 27, 1954,
83d Congress, 2nd Session), 5 pp., printed. The House Com-
mittee on Merchant Marine and Fisheries, to whom was re-
ferred the joint resolution (S, J. Res. 67) to repeal certain
World War II laws relating to return of fishing vessels, and
for other purposes, having considered the same, report fa-
vorably thereon without amendment and recommend that the
joint resolution do pass.

The purpose of the joint resolution is to effect the repeal
of two laws governing the return of fishing vessels requisi-
tioned by the Martime Commission during the last war. The
laws to be repealed set up a priority system in favor of the
former owners of fishing vessels and other small craft and
were designed to aid the fishing industry in providing a
source of food, That they have long since served their pur-
pose is demonstrated by the fact that at present but two ap-
plications are pending for vessels covered and these would
be handled under existing law.

76 COMMERCIAL FISHERIES REVIEW

Congress, in the Federal Property and Administrative
Services Act of 1949 (Public Law 152, 81st Cong.), estab-
lished a uniform system for the disposal of Government sur-
plus property and the enactment of this joint resolution will
bring the handling of small-vessel disposal into conformity
with the generally applicable procedures.

The Report contains comments from the offices of the
Comptroller General of the United States and the Secretary
of Commerce, and lists the changes in the existing law.

SOCIAL SECURITY FOR FISHERMEN: Senate passed on
August 13 H, R, 9366, providing for expanded coverage and
an improved old-age and survivors insurance program, Bill
would cover employed fishermen, clam diggers, etc,,who are
now excluded under the present law.

The Senate on August 20 adopted conference report on
H, R, 9366, clearing bill for President.

Vol, 16, No. 9

Social Security Amendments of 1954, Senate Report No,
1987 (July 27, 1954, 83d Congress, 2nd Session), 183 pp.,
printed, The Report gives considerable detail in the follow-
ing sections: I, Purpose and scope of the bill, II. Summary
of principal provisions of the bill (extends coverage to in-
clude about 50,000 employees engaged in fishing and related
activities, on vessels of 10 net tons or less or on shore).

Il, Extension of old-age and survivors insurance coverage.
IV. Average monthly wage. V. Earnings base. VI. Increase
in old-age and survivors insurance benefits. VII, Improve-
ment of the retirement test. VIII, Insured status. IX, Pres-
ervation of benefit rights for disabled, X. Miscellaneous
provisions. XI, Actuarial cost estimates for old-age and
survivors insurance system, XII, Public assistance, The
report also contains a section-by-section analysis of thefive
sections of the bill; the amendments to Internal RevenueCode
contained in the bill; and changes in the existing law on social
security,

GULF FISHERIES--1952

Gulf Fisheries--1952, C.F.S. No.1005,is an annual summary of the fish-
eries of the Gulf States (Florida west coast, Alabama, Mississippi, and Texas)
for 1952. It includestables summarizing

GULF STATES CATCH, 1952

the catch by species and by states, catch

of certain shellfishin numbers and bush-

els, operating units by states, and lists

the pounds of meats per bushel for cer-
tain shellfish. The bulletin also contains
supplementary tables showing the operat-
omner ingunit and catch databy districts for the

MILLION
POUNDS

VALUE OF GULF STATES CATCH, 1952

MENHADEN Fo]
oysters Fess]
muter Fs
“snapper fd
Ot an Ss

MILLION
DOLLARS

entire State of Florida.

The 1952 catch of fish and shellfish

in the Gulf area amounted to 759,507,000
pounds, valued at $68,221,000 ex-vessel.
This represents an increase of 17 per-
cent in quantity and 7 percent in value,
compared with the landings of the pre-
vious year. Menhaden amountedto nearly
460 million pounds and comprised 61 per-
cent of the total landings.

Shrimp re-

ceipts (198 million pounds) accounted for 26 percent of the total poundage but
71 percent of the total value. Supplementary tables showing the operating unit
and catch data by districts for the entire State of Florida are shown at the end

of the bulletin.

Copies of C.F.S. No. 1005 are available free upon request from the Divi-
sion of Information, U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Washington 25, D. C.

September 1954 COMMERCIAL FISHERIES REVIEW 77

INDICATORS

CHART | - FISHERY LANDINGS for SELECTED STATES

In Millions of Pounds

MASSACHUSETTS
CUMULATIVE DATA ena CUMULATIVE DATA
QS. 1954 - 113.6 6 MQS. 1954 - 223.8

1953 - 62.0 6 1953 = 20¢
1953 - 241.6 iz ness = aagi3

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

CUMULATIVE DATA

5S mgs. 1954 - 57.2 QS. 1954 - 35.3
5, 1953 - 84.9 1953 - 34.2
12 1953 - 175.6 1953 - 67.0

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

NEW JERSEY

CUMULATIVE DATA CUMULATIVE DATA

1954 - 144.5 MQs. 1954 - 64.2
1953 - 111.8 1953 - 58.5
1953 - 433.3 1953 - 138.7

DEC

CALIFORNIA2/

CUMULATIVE DATA

6 MQS. 1954 - 22.4
6 , 1953 - 15.8
12 1953 - 38.0

CUMULATIVE DATA

. 1954 - 288.9
1953 - 336.9
1953 - 544.0

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

2/ONLY PARTIAL--INCLUDING PRODUCTION OF MAJOR FISHERIES AND MARKET FISH
LANDINGS AT PRINCIPAL PORTS.

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

78 COMMERCIAL FISHERIES REVIEW Vol. 16, No. 9

CHART 2

LANDINGS for SELECTED FISHERIES

In Millions of Pounds

HADDOCK

(Maine and Massachusetts)
CUMULATIVE DATA
6 mgs. 1954 - 73.1

6 , 1953 - 69.4
12 1953 - 122.1

OCEAN PERCH
(Maine and Massachusetts)
CUMULATIVE DATA

» 1954 - 82.6
6 | 1953 - 74.3
12 1953 - 153.9

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

SHRIMP

WHITING
(Gulf States!/ including Florida West Coast)

(Maine and Massachusetts)
CUMULATIVE DATA

CUMULATIVE DATA

6 mgs. 1954 - 19.2
6 , 1953 - 18.5

12 1953 - 63.4

JAN FEB MAR APR MAY JUNE JULY AUG SEPT OCT NOV DEC
V/A. & ALA. DATA BASED ON LANDINGS AT PRINCIPAL PORTS AND ARE NOT

Seer In Thousands of Tons

MENHADEN PACIFIC AND JACK MACKEREL
(East and Gulf Coasts (California)

CUMULATIVE DATA CUMULATIVE DATA

7 mgs. 1954 - 459.9 7 mgs. 1954 - 7.0
id 1953 - 338.9 weir 1953 - 22.8

12" 1953 - 807.7 12 1953 - 29.9

0
JAN FEB MAR APR MAY JUNE JULY AUG SEPT OCT NOV DEC
In Thousands of Tons

PILCHARD
(California)

TUNA AND TUNA-LIKE FISH
(California)

CUMULATIVE DATA CUMULATIVE DATA
J mMgs. 1954 - 119.2
u 1953 - 104.0
1953 - 183.1

1953/54 SEASON, TOTAL - 2.6
1952/53 SEASON, TOTAL - 3.6
1951/52 SEASON, TOTAL - 126.5

12

Legend:
— 1954/55
—— 1953/54

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

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

September 1954

COMMERCIAL FISHERIES REVIEW 79

CHART 3 - COLD-STORAGE HOLDINGS and FREEZINGS
of FISHERY PRODUCTS +

U. S. & ALASKA HOLDINGS

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

NEW ENGLAND HOLDINGS!

JAN FEB MAR APR MAY JUNE JULY AUG SEPT OCT NOV DEC
1/MAINE, MASSACHUSETTS, RHODE ISLAND, AND CONNECTICUT.

MIDDLE WEST HOLDINGS3/

JAN FEB MAR APR MAY JUNE JULY AUG SEPT OCT NOV DEC
B/OHIO, IND., ILL., MICH., WIS., MINN., IOWA, MO., N. DAK., NEBR., & KANS.

WASHINGTON, OREGON, AND ALASKA HOLDINGS
56

48

40

32

24 >

16 Yl.

8

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

*Excludes salted, cured, and smoked products.

U. S. & ALASKA FREEZINGS

CUMULATIVE DATA

7 MQs. 1954 - fal
7, 1953 - 153.1
12 1953 - 275.4

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

MIDDLE & SOUTH ATLANTIC HOLDINGS2/

JAN FEB MAR APR MAY JUNE JULY AUG SEPT OCT NOV DE
2/ALL EAST COAST STATES FROM N.Y. SOUTH.

GULF & SOUTH CENTRAL HOLDINGS4/

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

A/ALA., MISS., LA., TEX., ARK., KY., & TENN.

CALIFORNIA HOLDINGS

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

80 COMMERCIAL FISHERIES REVIEW Vol. 16, No. 9

CHART 4 - RECEIPTS and COLD-STORAGE HOLDINGS of FISHERY
PRODUCTS at PRINCIPAL DISTRIBUTION CENTERS

In Millions of Pound

RECEIPTS!/ AT WHOLESALE SALT-WATER MARKET 2 2
(FRESH AND FROZEN) COLD-STORAGE HOLDINGS2/

CUMULATIVE DATA

7 MQS. 1954 -
Ue Pie bes

0
JAN FEB MAR APR MAY JUNE JULY AUG SEPT OCT NOV DEC JAN FEB MAR APR MAY JUNE JULY AUG SEPT OCT NOV DEC
J/INCLUDE TRUCK AND RAIL IMPORTS FROM CANADA AND DIRECT VESSEL LANDINGS 2/AS REPORTED BY PLANTS IN METROPOLITAN AREA.
AT NEW YORK CITY.

RECEIPTS AT WHOLESALE MARKET
(FRESH AND FROZEN) CHICAGO COLD-STORAGE HOLDINGS

CUMULATIVE DATA

7 MgS. 1954 -
7 4, 1953 - 64.5
12 1953 - 113.8

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

SEATTLE BOSTON

WHOLESALE MARKET RECEIPTS, LANDINGS i
& IMPORTS (FRESH & FROZEN) s COLD STORAGE BOEDINGS

CUMULATIVE DATA

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

FISH MEAL FISH OIL
(In Thousands of Tons) (In Millions of Gallons)
CUMULATIVE DATA
- 124.5 % 7 MQS. 1954 -
7

- 113.5 1953 - 8.
= 225.0

0 —= i — = -
JAN FEB MAR APR MAY JUNE JULY AUG SEPT OCT NOV DEC JAN FEB MAR APR MAY JUNE JULY AUG SEPT OCT NOV DEC

September 1954

COMMERCIAL FISHERIES REVIEW

TUNA AND TUNA-LIKE FISH - CALIFORNIA

CUMULATIVE DATA

7 MQS. 1954 - 5,431.6
7 , 1953 - 4,753.6

12 1953 - 8,368.2

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

ANCHOVIES - CALIFORNIA

CUMULATIVE DATA
480] 7 4RS- 1954 - 373.3

7 1953 = 1,159.4
1953 - 1,537.2

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

SARDINES (ESTIMATED) - MAINE

CUMULATIVE DATA

6 MQS. 1954 - 1,060.7
1953 - 514.9
1953 - 2,451.9

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

SARDINES - CALIFORNIA
CUMULATIVE DATA
1953/54 SEASON, TOTAL -

1952/53 SEASON, TOTAL -
1951/S2 SEASON, TOTAL - 2,3

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

Legend:

CHART 6- CANNED PACKS of SELECTED FISHERY PRODUCTS

In Thousands of Standard Cases

MACKEREL!/ - CALIFORNIA

CUMULATIVE DATA

7 MOS. 1954 - 127.7
7 |, 1953 - 448.3

12 1953 - 593.3

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

SALMON - ALASKA
CUMULATIVE DATA
8 MQS. 1954 - 2,934.9

8 | 1953 - 27740.0
12 1953 - 2)882.1

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

STANDARD CASES

Variety No. Cans Can Designation Net Wet.

SARDINES ....... 100 + drawn 31 oz.

SHRIMP yelctelsieleicisie 48 om oz.
ATUINUAWateteleloielevelsyare 48 No, } tuna oz.

48 No. 1 oval oz.

60000060 48 1-pound tall oz,

ANCHOVIES ..... 48 3 lb, oz.

SHRIMP - GULF STATES

CUMULATIVE DATA

1953/54 SEASON,
AUG ,-JULY
1952/53 SEASON,
AUG .-JULY

- 949.5
- 893.7,

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

81

82 COMMERCIAL FISHERIES REVIEW

Vol. 16, No. 9

GROUNDFISH (INCLUDING OCEAN PERCH) FILLETS,
FRESH & FROZEN
7 mgs. 1954 - 76.0

7 4 1953 - 55.3
1953 - 91.4

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

SHRIMP, FRESH & FROZEN, FROM MEXICO

CUMULATIVE DATA

. 1954 ~ 17.0]
6 $+ 953 - 16.0
1953 - 36.8

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

TUNA, FRESH & FROZEN

CUMULATIVE DATA

. 1954 - 63,3
6 ce 1953 - 42.8
12 1953 - 95,1

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

CANNED TUNA AND TUNA-LIKE FISH (IN OIL)

CUMULATIVE DATA

£2 | 6 MQS. 1954 - 10.7
= 6 1953 1
12 1953

JAN FEB

MAR APR MAY JUNE JULY AUG SEPT OCT NOV DEC

CHART 7- U.S. FISHERY PRODUCTS IMPORTS

In Millions of Pounds

FILLETS & STEAKS OTHER THAN GROUNDFISH,
FRESH & FROZEN

CUMULATIVE DATA

6 mgs. 1954 - 22.8
6 , 1953 - 23,1
N2 1953 - 51.3

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

LOBSTER & SPINY LOBSTER, FRESH & FROZEN

CUMULATIVE DATA

. 1954 - 24.2
1953 - 24.6
1953 = 41.7

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

SEA HERRING, FRESH, THROUGH MAINE PORTS

CUMULATIVE DATA

6 MgS. 1954 - 1.6
1953 - 3.1
1953 - 23.2

— 2 =
JAN FEB MAR APR MAY JUNE JULY AUG SEPT OCT NOV DEC

CANNED SARDINES
(IN OIL AND NOT IN OIL)

CUMULATIVE DATA

E mgs. 1954 - 19,2
| 6 3 1953 - 17.0
1953 = 45.6

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

September 1954

COMMERCIAL FISHERIES REVIEW 83

LP: i Pe

FISH AND WILDLIFE SERVICE
PUBLICATIONS

THESE PROCESSED PUBLICATIONS ARE AVAILABLE FREE FROM

THE DIVISIGN OF INFORMATION, U. S.
1CE, WASHINGTON 25, D. Ce
NATED AS FOLLOWS:

FISH AND WILDLIFE SERV-
TYPES OF PUBLICATIONS ARE DESIG-

CFS = CURRENT FISHERY STATISTICS OF THE UNITED STATES
AND ALASKA.

FL = FISHERY LEAFLETS.

SL = STATISTICAL SECTION LISTS OF DEALERS IN AND PRO-

DUCERS OF FISHERY PRODUCTS AND BYPRODUCTS.

FISH. - SPECIAL SCIENTIFIC REPORTS-=FISHERIES

(LIMITED DISTRIBUTION).

SEP.- SEPARATES (REPRINTS) FROM COMMERCIAL FISHERIES

REVIEW.

SSR.-

Number Title

CFS- 966 - New England Fisheries, 1952, Annual
Summary (revised), 7 pp.

CFS- 990 - Florida Landings, February 1954, 6 pp,

CFS- 997 - New Jersey Landings, April1954, 2pp,

CFS- 999 - Florida Landings, March 1954, 6 pp.

CFS-1004 - Canned Fish & Byproducts, 1953 An-
nual Summary, 20 pp.

CFS-1007 - Frozen Fish Report, May 1954, 8 pp.

CFS-1008 - Maine Landings, May 1954, 4 pp.

CFS-1011 - Mississippi Landings, May 1954, 2 pp.

CFS-1013 - Fish Meal and Oil, May 1954, 3 pp.

CFS-1014 - Texas Landings, May 1954, 3 pp.

CFS-1016 - Florida Landings, 1953 Annual Sum-
mary, 10 pp.

CFS-1017 - New York Landings, January 1954, 4
Pp.

CFS-1018 - New York Landings, February 1954,
4 pp.

CFS-1019 - New York Landings, March1954, 4pp.

CFS-1020 - New York Landings, April1954, 4 pp.

CFS-1022 - Alabama Landings, May 1954, 2 pp.

FL -336u - Quarterly Outlook for Marketing Fish-
ery Products, July-September 1954,
29 pp.

FL - 416 - Little Tuna Recipes, 6pp. Describes
the little tuna, an Atlantic Coast mem-
ber of the popular tuna family, and
contains recipes developed in the
Service's test kitchens for preparing
this fine game fish.

SL - 152 - Firms Manufacturing Oyster Shell
Products, 1953 (revised), 2 pp.

SL - 161 - Producers of Packaged Fish, 1953
(revised), 6 pp

Sep. No. 375 - Freezing Fish at Sea--New England:
Part 8 - Some Factors Affecting the
Salt (Sodium Chloride) Content of
Haddock During Brine-Freezing and
Water Thawing.

SSR-Fish. No. 118 - Variations in Zooplankton
Abundance in Hawaiian Waters, 1950-52,
Joseph E. King and Thomas §. Hida, 71 pp.,
illus., processed, March 1954,

SSR-Fish. No, 119 - Variability of Long-Line
Catches of Yellowfin Tuna, by Garth I. Murphy
and Keith C. Elliott, 33pp., illus., processed,
March 1954, Describes a study of the varia-
bility of long-line catches of yellowfin tuna con-
ducted (1) to establish a means of estimating
the variance of catches made with different
amounts of gear ina single set or station, and
(2) to suggest a method of estimating the vari-
ance of a catch rate derived from the average
catches of several stations. Pursuant to this
the existence of schooling was investigated and
the suitability of two transformations was tested
empirically.

SSR-Fish. No. 126 - Creel Census and Expendi-
ture Study, Madison River, Mont., 1950-52, 44
pp., illus:, processed, April 1954.

THE FOLLOWING SERVICE PUBLICATIONS ARE AVAILABLE ONLY

Landings and Receipts of Fishery Products at
Seattle--1953, by Charles M. Reardon, 30 pp.,
processed, Ju June 1954, (Available free from
Market News Service, U. S. Fish and Wildlife
Service, 421 Bell Street Terminal, Seattle 1,
Wash.) The Pacific Northwest fisheries trends
and their effect upon Seattle fishery products
receipts for 1953 are discussed in the first part
of this report. Discussed by the author are the
factors affecting receipts of fishery products at
Seattle; the sources of supply for fresh and
frozen fishery products; the trends in the salm-
on, halibut, tuna, long-line, and otter-trawl
fisheries; shellfish receipts; and receipts of
livers, liver oils, herring meal and oil, and
other miscellaneous fishery products, The
tables present fishery landings and wholesale
receipts (including approximate values) at Se-
attle for 1953 by species, source of origin, and
by months; monthly index of receipts of certain
fishery products at Seattle; carload shipments
of fishery products from Seattle by months; and
names, classifications, and approximate stand-
ards for fresh and frozen fishery products sold
on the Seattle market.

Oyster Bulletins, processed. (Available free from
the Fishery Biological Laboratory, U. S. Fish
and Wildlife Service, Milford, Conn.) As in
previous years, a series of bulletins are issued

84 COMMERCIAL FISHERIES REVIEW Wells 2K, IN@s

during the summer with information of practical
importance and interest to the oyster growers
of Long Island Sound. These bulletins describe
the progress of accumulation and quantity of
spawn in oysters during the prespawning and
spawning periods, report on the intensity of
spawning of the oyster population at different
depths of Long Island Sound, and report on the
beginning and intensity of setting in different
sections of Long Island Sound, Also includedis
information on the survival and rate of growth
of recently set oysters, and other facts that
may be of interest to oyster culturists, espe-
cially concerning the behavior of the oyster ene-
mies, starfish, and drills,

THE FOLLOWING SERVICE PUBLICATION 1S FOR SALE AND IS
AVAILABLE ONLY FROM THE SUPERINTENDENT OF DOCUMENTS, WASH-
INGTON 25, D. Cy

"New Method of Artificially Planting Salmon Eggs,"
by Clinton Stockley; article, The Progressive
Fish-Culturist, vol. 16, no. 3 (July 1 {o5a). pp.
137-138, illus., processed (annual subscription
$1.25 domestic, US$1.65 foreign).

MISCELLANEOUS
PUBLICATIONS

WILOLIFE SERVICE, BUT USUALLY MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE OR-
GANIZATION ISSUING THEM, CORRESPONDENCE REGARDING PUBL! CA=
TIONS THAT FOLLOW SHOULD BE ADDRESSED TO THE RESPECTIVE OR=
GANI ZATION OR PUBLISHER MENTIONED. DATA ON PRICES, IF READ-~
LY AVAILABLE, ARE SHOWN,

Particular Reference to the Sockeye (ONCO-
RHYNCHUS NERKA), by William S. Hoar, 29
pp., illus., printed. (Reprinted from Journal
of the Fisheries Research Board of Canada, vol.
11, no. 1, 1954). Pacific Biological Station,
Fisheries Research Board of Canada, Nanaimo,
B. C., Canada. Behavior patterns of juvenile
sockeye salmon in fresh water are compared
with those of chum and coho salmon. Bothsock-
eye and chum fry are schooling fish, responding
positively to currents and avoiding shallow wa-
ters, Of the two species, chums, however,
form more active schools, travel more rapidly,
have a less marked cover reaction and prefer
stronger light and shallower water. Sockeye
smolts, in contrast to coho smolts, are more
active, show little thigmotactic and territorial
behavior and a more persistent response to cur-
rent, The experimental findings are discussed
in relation to the migratory behavior of these
fish. It is suggested that sockeye fry, emerging
from cover as the light intensity falls are dis-
placed downstream after dark. Moderate activ-
ity and a marked preference for deep water are
mechanisms postulated for continued residence
of sockeye fry in lakes, Further it is suggested
that the smolt exodus is due to heightened gen-
eral activity, both day and night, associated
with strong response to current. This brings
sockeye smolts into the outflow from the lake
where they hold position during the day but are
displaced down the river after dark. Coho
smolts, responding less vigorously to currents

and maintaining a measure of contact with spe-
cific objects in their environment, move sea-
ward more slowly than sockeye.

Bulletin of the Faculty of Fisheries, Hokkaido

University, vol. 4, no. 3, 46 pp., illus., print-
ed in Japanese with summaries in English.
Hakodate, Japan, November 1953. Contains
among others the following scientific papers:
"Studies on Insulin of the Marine Mammals (III);"
"Studies on the Herring Fishery by the Use of
Square Nets in the Sea Near Hokkaido, I--On
the Square Nets at Yagishiri Island of Hokkaido}!
and "On the Fishing Boats Prescribed in the
Revised International Regulations for Prevent-
ing Collisions at Sea."

Bulletin of the Faculty of Fisheries, Hokkaido
University, vol. 4, no. 4,128pp., illus., printed

in Japanese with summaries in English. Hako-
date, Japan, February 1954. In addition to
many others, this bulletin contains the following
articles: "On the Efficacy of Net Preservatives
(5);"' "Fundamental Studies on Spherical Glass
Floats for Fishing Nets (II)--On Water Resist-
ance of Glass Floats;'' ''Mechanical Studies of
Fishing Net Materials. I--Some Information on
the Tensile Strength of Netting Cord (1);"' and
"Mechanical Studies of Fishing Net Materials.
Il--A Method of Estimating the Least in the Ten
Thousand Tensile Strengths of Netting Cord."

Bulletin of Hokkaido Regional Fisheries Research
Laboratory, no. 10, 65 pp., illus., printed in

Japanese with summaries in English. Hokkaido
Regional Fisheries Research Laboratory, Yoichi,
Hokkaido, Japan, March 1954, Contains the
following articles: ''On the Normal Development
of the Fish, Theragra chalcogramma (Pallas),
Alaska Pollack; Holding Experiments of
Tagged Fishes: Common Mackerel (Scomber
japonicus Houttuyn) and Anchovy (Englauris
aponicus T. & S.);'' "Biochemical eadice on
aatee Components of Squid Muscle;"' "On the
Seasonal Variation of Pollack Liver Oil in
Monbetsu District;'' ''Studies on Containing
States of Vitamin A in Fish Viscera;" "A Study
on the Extraction Method of the Vitamin Afrom
Pyloric Caeca of Cod;" and "Studies on the
Freshness Test of Fishes. I,"'

Bulletin of the Japanese Society of Scientific Fish-

eries, vol, 19, no. 11, 1954, 62 pp., illus.,
printed in Japanese with summaries in English.
The Japanese Society of Scientific Fisheries,
Tokyo, Japan. Contains among others the follow-
ing articles: 'Some Properties of Oxidizing
Fish Oil Concerning to its Condition of Oxidation}!
"The Behaviors of the Sardine Schools by Fish-
Detector--II. Influences of the Water Tempera-
ture when Attracting the Fish Schools by Fishing
Light;" "Mechanical Properties of Fish Jellies
(Renseihin);"' ''Studies on Growth Process of
Sardine, (Sardinia melanosticta (F&S.)--I.
Growth of Sardine in Inlets, Yosanaikai and
Kumihama Bay;" "Biochemical Studies of the
Salmon, Oncorhynchus keta--II. The Changes

in the Components of Depot Fats During the
Spawning Migration;" 'Biochemical Studies of
the Salmon, Oncorhynchus keta--II]. The
Changes in the Components of Liver Fats During

September 1954 COMMERCIAL FISHERIES REVIEW 85

THESE PUBLICATIONS ARE NOT AVAILABLE FROM THE FISH AND WILDLIFE SERVICE, BUT USUALLY MAY

BE OBTAINED FROM THE ORGANIZATIONS ISSUING THEM.

the Spawning Migration;" and ''How do Fish Se-
lect Positions and Kind of the Bags When Enter-
ing into 'Masu-Ami'?--IIIl. Field Tests with
Flatfishes, Eels, and Other Marine Animals."

Bulletin of the Japanese Society of Scientific Fish-

eries, vol, 19, no. 12, 1954, 108 pp., illus.,
printed in Japanese with summaries in English.,
The Japanese Society of Scientific Fisheries,
Tokyo, Japan. Contains among others the fol-
lowing articles: ''The Behaviors of the Sardine
Schools by Fish-Detector--III. Behavior of
Sardines When Attacked by Dolphins;" "Studies
on Electrical Sterilization--II. Electrolysis of
Sodium Chloride Solution Through Alternating
Current;"' ''Physico-Chemical Studies on the
Skin and Leather of Marine Animals--IX, Swell-
ing of Shark Skin;" "' Studies on Vitamin Bj2Q of
Aquatic Animals--IV. The Vitamin Bj2 of the
Starfish;"''Onthe Removing of F.F.A. of Liver
Oil;" and "Studies on the Prevention of Emulsi-
fying in Alkali-Digestion Process."

(California) Statistical Report of Fresh, Canned,

Cured, and Manufactured Fishery Products
(Year 1953), Circular No. 28, 15 p. (mostly
tables), printed. Marine Fisheries Branch, De-
partment of Fish and Game, San Francisco,
Calif., 1954. The tables in this publication
show the California commercial landings of all
fish and shellfish by species and by main fish-
ing areas; the general origin of the commercial
catch (in pounds) of each species and the volume
of shipments into the State; a list of canningand
reduction plants; a list of plants curing and man-
ufacturing fishery products; and the production
of canned, cured, and manufactured fishery
products and byproducts (including fish meal and
oil), Historical data are also included for the
more important species--anchovies, sardine,
tuna, yellowtail, and bonito.

(Canada) Fisheries Statistics of Canada, 1952(New

Brunswick), 8 pp., printed, French and English,
25 Canadian cents. Dominion Bureau of Statis-
tics, Ottawa, Canada, 1954. Consists of tables
giving the production and landed and marketed
values of the principal species of fish and shell-
fish landed in New Brunswick in 1950-52; quan-
tity and value of manufactured fishery products
for 1951-52; vessels used in the sea fisheries;
capital equipment in the primary fisheries oper-
ations; and the number of persons engaged in
the fisheries.

(Canada) Fisheries Statistics of Canada, 1952 (Nova

Scotia), 8 pp., printed, French and English, 25
Canadian cents. Dominion Bureau of Statistics,
Ottawa, Canada, 1954. Consists of tables giv-
ing the production and landed and marketed
values of the principal species of fish and shell-
fish landed in Nova Scotia in 1950-52; quantity
and value of manufactured fishery products for
1951-52; vessels used in the sea fisheries; cap-
ital equipment in the primary fisheries opera-
tions; and the number of persons engaged in the
fisheries.

(Canada) Fisheries Statistics of Canada, 1952,

(Ontario, Prairie Provinces and Northwest Ter-
ritories), 8 pp., printed, French and English,

25 Canadian cents. Dominion Bureau of Statis-
tics, Ottawa, Canada, 1954. Consists of tables
giving the production and landed and marketed
values of the principal species of inland fish
landed in Ontario in 1950-52; capital equipment
in the primary fisheries operations; and the
number of persons engaged in the fisheries.
Similar data are also given for the Prairie
Provinces (Manitoba, Saskatchewan, and Al-
berta) and the Northwest Territories.

(Canada) Fisheries Statistics of Canada, 1952

(Quebec), 6 pp., printed, French and English,
25 Canadian cents. Dominion Bureau of Statis-
tics, Ottawa, Canada, 1954. Consists of tables
giving the production and landed and marketed
values of the principal species of fish and shell-
fish landed in Quebec in 1950-52; quantity and
value of manufactured fishery products for 1951-
52; vessels used in the sea fisheries; capital
equipment in the primary fisheries operations;
and the number of persons engaged in the fisher-
ies.

ian Bight, by T. W. Houston, Division of Fish-

eries Technical Paper No. 2, 18 pp., illus.,
printed. Commonwealth Scientific and Indus-
trial Research Organization, Melbourne, Aus-
tralia, 1954,

Effects of Compensatory Mortality Upon Population

Abundance, by W. E. Ricker, F.R.B. No. 359,
7 pp., illus., printed. (Reprinted from The
Journal of Wildlife Management, vol. 18, no. 1,
January 1954), Pacific Biological Station, Fish-
eries Research Board of Canada, Nanaimo,

B. C., Canada.

Food Composition Tables--Minerals and Vitamins

(for International Use), by Charlotte Chatfield,
FAO Nutritional Studies No. 11, 117pp., printed,
US$1. Food and Agriculture Organization of
the United Nations, Rome, Italy, March 1954,
(For sale by Columbia University Press, In-
ternational Documents Service, 2960 Broadway,
New York 27, N. Y.) This publication is in
sequence with Food Composition Tables for In-
ternational Use published by FAO in 1949. The
earlier tables showed the calorie value and the
protein, fat, and carbohydrate content of foods
commonly used throughout the world. Thepres-
ent tables give the figures for vitamin A, ascor-
bic acid (vitamin C), thiamine (vitamin Bj),
riboflavin and niacin, and for two minerals--
calcium and iron. These are all nutrients in
which human diets are often deficient. Know-
ledge of their distribution in foods is therefore
of considerable practical value,

The relevant figures can be used in calcula-
ting the nutrient content of diets in surveys of
selected groups which provide reasonably ac-
curate information about the intake of food. The
author indicates, contrary to the popular belief,
that the nutrient content of foods varies widely
from place to place, that ''similarities have
been more conspicuous than discrepancies in
the values reported for a foodwhenasufficiently
large number of observations under varying condi-
tions have been available from several countries."

86

COMMERCIAL FISHERIES REVIEW

Woks IS, INO,

THESE PUBLICATIONS ARE NOT AVAILABLE FROM THE FISH ANO WILDLIFE SERVICE, BUT USUALLY MAY

BE OBTAINED FROM THE ORGANIZATIONS ISSUING THEM,

There are three tables: 1, Food Composi-
tion in Terms of Retail Weight. 2. Composition
of the Edible Portion and Refuse in the Material
as Purchased. 3. Composition of the Edible
Portionand Refuse in the Material as Purchased:
Proximate Composition of New Items. A bibli-
ography of 539 references is given.

--Charles Butler

Foreign Trade Practice (Reference Sources), Busi-

ness Information Service World Trade Series
No, 578,22pp., processed, 25 cents. Bureau
of Foreign Commerce, U. S. Department of

Commerce, Washington 25, D. C., June 1954,

The Freezing and Cold Storage of Fish, by G. A.

Reay, A. Banks, and C, L. Cutting, Food In-
vestigation Leaflet No. 11, 20 pp. printed, 6d.
(7 U. S. cents). Food Investigation Organiza-
tion, Department of Scientific and Industrial
Research, Cambridge, England, 1952, (For
sale by Her Majesty's Stationery Office, London.)
The age-old practices for fish preservation by
salt-curing or salt-curing coupled with drying
or smoking have been superseded in some coun-
tries by an enormous expansion in the supply
and distribution of fresh fish. The limitations
of ice as a preservative of fresh fish are, how-
ever, a serious drawback, especially when fish-
ing is done on banks distant from the consuming
centers, Under normal commercial conditions
of handling and stowage in ice, nonfat fish such
as cod remain reasonably fresh for about one
week, Fatty fish such as herring are usually
landed in satisfactory condition even when not
iced during the eight hours they are aboard the
vessel, Even with adequate icing during the two
or more days required for distribution, the fish
frequently reach the consumer in an inferior
condition,

Fresh herring and "white" fish if well smoke-
cured will keep in first class condition for sev-
eral days in storage at 60° F. If stale raw ma-
terials are used for these lightly-smoked prod-
ucts, their palatable life seldom exceeds at
ordinary temperatures the two days required
for distribution,

By contrast the principles of freezing and
cold storage, if properly applied, afford prac-
tically perfect preservation of fresh and of light-
ly smoke-cured fish of all kinds for several
months. This leaflet outlines the basic prin-
ciples of proper freezing and cold storage of
fish and then details their application to the prod-
ucts normally marketed in Britain.

Fish stowed with or without ice are attacked
by bacteria, and by the enzymes in the meat of
the fish. Most of the stale and later the putrid
odors and flavors associated with spoiling and
spoiled fish arise from bacterial activity. The
enzymes act much more slowly to digest the
protein of the meat, softening it and altering the
physical characteristics; they attack the fat or
oil to form substances with undesirable odors,
flavors, and appearance, Commonly recognized
examples are a rancid smell and flavor, a
"rusty'' appearance, and a gummy consistency.

The rate of bacterial activity is progressive-
ly slowed by lowering the temperature of fish.
Chilling in ice affords brief protection, Fish
brought to 20° F, are more effectively protected
and bacterial spoilage is actually under control
at 15° F. or lower, Two factors bring about
this result. The fish at 15° F. have about 91
percent of the water in their cells turned into
ice. Into the 9 percent of remaining liquid has
been concentrated the various salts of the meat.
Since bacteria require much fluid water toexert
maximum destructive action, this solid state of
the water slows their activity. The concentrated
salt solution likewise strongly inhibits their
activity.

Once bacterial activity has been checked by
freezing fish to 15° F., the slower but undesir-
able changes attributable to enzymic action be-
come apparent. Another deteriorative type that
occurs in frozen fish includes the oxidation of
oil in fat fish and of some unidentified constitu-
ent of lean fish to produce "'salt-fishy,"' "cold
storage, '' and rancid odors.

During the freezing of fish an important type
of: deterioration (denaturation) can cause changes
in the texture and appearance of even the fresh-
est fish. These changes occur most rapidly at
temperatures just below the freezing point of
fish, 27° F., and continue quite rapidly at 15°F.
A few weeks' storage at such a high tempera-
ture can result in inferior quality. The meat
becomes, on thawing, opaque and white, spongy
and friable, and juice exudes freely. The cooked
meat is "'sloppy'' at first and dry and fibrous on
further chewing.

To minimize these undesirable changes the
recommended procedure is that: (1) the fish be
so frozen that it passes through the ''zone of
maximum crystallization, '' 30° F. to 239 F.,
as rapidly as possible; (2) cold storage is at
temperatures of subzero levels, e.g. -5° F. to
-20° F,

Even under these most favorable conditions
frozen fishery products must be protected from
the relatively slow deterioration from oxidation
and evaporation. The use of a glaze or a mois-
ture-vapor proof wrapping material, if properly
applied and maintained, will accomplish this
protective function,

In the second section dealing with the applica-
tion of the information now known about the basic
principles for the proper freezing and cold stor-
age of fish, several pertinent subjects are cov-
ered,

Raw materials for freezing should be fresh,
Inshore fish, as herring, must be iced aboard
the vessel, and the total elapsed time from cap-
ture to freezing should not exceed 12 to 18hours.
Fish taken at greater distances from port should
be promptly iced (or frozen at sea) and delivered
to the freezer within 1 to 4 days.

Freezing of fish should be done immediately
as they are received. Brining of white-fish fil-
lets for 20 to 60 seconds in 40° to 60° salinity

September 1954

COMMERCIAL FISHERIES REVIEW 87

THESE PUBLICATIONS ARE NOT AVAILABLE FROM THE FISH AND WILDLIFE SERVICE, BUT USUALLY MAY

BE OBTAINED FROM THE ORGANIZATIONS ISSUING THEM.

brine (10 to 15 percent by weight of salt) is rec-
ommended to minimize drip. Freezing rates
suggested as satisfactory are approximately one
inch per hour for blocks of fish of fillets up to
33 inches in thickness. Freezing is considered
completed when the center of the fish or block
is at O° F,

Fish to be glazed should be sufficiently cold
to allow for the rise in temperature during this
process. For example, a d=peund block of fil-
lets 2 inches thick and at -15° F, in the center
may rise to 8° F, in taking on a glaze of 13 to
2 percent by weight. Use of a precooling room
is important to bring glazed fish or any frozen
fish to the actual storage temperature before
they are put into the cold-storage holding room,

Storage-room conditions and temperatures
recommended include: (1) use of airlocks at
entry points; (2) adequate and maintained glaze
or wrapping material; and (3) constantly main-
tained low temperatures (white fish -5° F. for
4 months or -20° F, for 8 months or longer;
herring -5° F, for up to 3 months and -20° F.
for 6 months or longer).

Thawing should be carried out at tempera-
tures below 60° F. The rate depends on the
thickness of the fish, the temperature of the
thawing agent, and the rate of movement of this
agent. For example, fish 2 inches thick thaw
in still air at 60° F. in 6 hours; in running tap
water at 60° F, in 14 hours; and in running tap
water at 459 F, in3 hours. The hazard of loss
in flavor from prolonged water thawing is
stressed, especially for fillets. Small fish or
fillets may be cooked without thawing, and even
a "batter'' can be added for deep fat frying. The
cooking time for frozen fish must be longer than
for thawed fish, but there is less loss of juici-
ness and full flavor using frozen fish.

The temperature of frozen fish in transport
should never be allowed to rise above 0° F. If
limited storage of not over a few weeks is con-
templated at the retailer's or consumer's prem-
ises, a holding temperature of 5° F. or lower
is satisfactory. The guiding principle through-
out the distribution chain must be to insure that
the initial quality of the fish at the time of freez-
ing is not thrown away by carelessness in the
final stages of distribution.

--Charles Butler

Indo-Pacific Fisheries Council--List of Scientific

‘cific Area (2nd Edition, Revised), 51 pp.
printed. Food and Agriculture Organization of
the United Nations, Regional Office for Asiaand
the Far East, Bangkok, 1953.

Broadhead, Technical Series No. 7, 34pp..,.illus.,
printed. Marine Laboratory, University of
Miami, Coral Gables 34, Florida, 1953. This
bulletin reports results of the mullet investiga-
tion in northwest Florida undertaken by the Ma-
rine Laboratory of the University of Miami in

1948 at the request of the Florida State Board
of Conservation. According to the author,
"Northwest Florida produces about one-sixth

of Florida's supply of mullet, with an average
annual value of about $450,000. Since 1941 there
has been a drop inthe mullet catch in northwest
Florida to 40 percent of the former level and
this is thought to reflect a corresponding drop
in the abundance of the fish.'' More details are
given in the section on production trends in the
fishery. The author also discusses the mullet
fishery in northwest Florida in general, the
general biology of the black mullet, sampling
the commercial fishery, weight-length relation-
ship, time of maturity, size at maturity, spawn-
ing, migrations, and growth of the mullet. Nets
used in the commercial fishery are selective as
to the size of fish taken. Gill nets are themost
selective, followed by trammel nets, with
seines the least selective of the three types of
gear. There are discussions of net selectivity
in the mullet fishery and management of the
fishery.

"Lamprey Control," article, Trade News, May

1954, vol. 6, no. 11, pp. 6-7, illus., printed.
Department of Fisheries, Ottawa, Canada.
This article describes a Federal-provincial re-
search program aimed at further developing
the fisheries of the Canadian side of the Great
Lakes. A Great Lakes Fisheries Research
Committee, established by the Canadian Govern-
ment and the Ontario provincial government,
will coordinate all phases of Great Lakes fish-
ery research, but lamprey control in Lake Su-
perior has been designated as the priority proj-
ect. Twenty major lamprey-control installa-
tions are expected to be completed during 1954.
Field headquarters for lamprey control have
been set up; electrical barriers and a physical
barrier are now in operation and their effici-
ency in controlling lamprey will be studied. A
search is being carried out to find a suitable
poison and a method for its application to elim-
inate young lamprey and ammocoetes inthe
rivers. A survey to determine the size of the
lamprey runs and the use made of the streams
for spawning is to be made. Three millionlake
trout eggs from Great Slave Lake in the North-
west Territories will be obtained to insure the
continued planting of lake trout in Lake Superior
and these will be hatched and planted in the
upper Great Lakes. Scientists will collect sta-
tistics of the existing lake trout fishery of Lake
Superior. Continuation of the experimental
commercial fishery operation, and other oper-
ations like the planting of fish, census of sport
fishing, examination of the experimental catch,
and release of marked fish will be carried out,
Similar work being carried out in Lake Erie
will also include a tagging program and analysis
of commercial catches to provide data for popu-
lation estimates and movements of fish in that
lake. The Lake Ontario part of the program
will have three chief projects: (1) continuation
of the whitefish study, (2) lamprey observations,
and (3) preliminary observations directed to
eventual better fish processing.

Marine Laws--Navigation and Safety, 1954 Supple-
ment, by Frederick K, Arzt, 40 pp., printed,

COMMERCIAL FISHERIES REVIEW

Vol. 16, No. 9

BE OBTAINED FROM THE ORGANIZATIONS |[SSUING THEM.

$1.50, Equity House, Equity Publishing Cor-
poration, Stony Brook, New York, 1954, This
is a supplement to the more comprehensive vol-
ume published in April 1953 and reviewed in
Commercial Fisheries Review, July 1953. It
brings up to date (May 6, 1954) all amendments
by Congress affecting marine matters within
the scope of its chapter headings. Nineteen
chapters are affected by the revisions, cover-
ing such items as inspection of vessels, docu-
mentation, federal ship mortgage insurance,
radio, pilotage, rules to prevent collisions,
etc. Two comprehensive notes on''Development
of the International Ice Patrol'’ and ''History and
Court Constructions of Light Money" are in-
cluded, Author's comments on many of the re-
cent administrative and court decisions should
be helpful to the reader. Also included are a
table of contents, distribution tables, and index
by means of which the reader may quickly find
the latest information in the various sections.

--D. E. Powell

"Maritime Oyster Research, "' article, Trade News

May 1954, vol. 6, no. 11, pp. 4-5, illus.,
printed, Department of Fisheries, Ottawa,
Canada, This article describes a Joint program
of the Fisheries Research Board of Canada and
the Federal Department of Fisheries to develop
oyster farming in Canada's Maritime provinces.
This program was carefully reviewed in an at-
tempt to assure that policies and experimental
farming were both planned in the best interests
of the industry. Attempts were made to find
cheaper production methods and to develop
cheaper and more effective means of collecting
spat and rearing small oysters, Describes the
construction of a tidal pool for oyster studies.
Experiments are also being conducted to find
the best methods for the control of eel grass,
which interferes with oyster growth.

Maryland's Sunken Treasure, Conservation Series

Book Two, 52 pp., illus., printed. Maryland
State Department of Education, Baltimore, Md.,
1953. This publication, the second of the Mary-
land Conservation Series, deals with the life
story, the uses, and misuses of the Maryland
oyster. It describes oyster farming, types of
boats and gear used in catching oysters, methods
of preparing oysters for market, and how to
increase the oyster supply. It is presented ina
graphic and readable style in response to a need
for authentic, interesting, and nontechnical in-
structional materials on conservation in Mary-
land, It is intended to give a broader under-
standing of the problems in oyster conservation,

The New England Fishing Industry (A Study in

Price and Wage Setting), by Donald J. White,
222 pp., printed, $4.00. Harvard University
Press, Cambridge, Mass., 1954, The prob-
lems of the New England fishing industry are
comprehensively treated in this book. Policy
makers in business, unions, state and Federal
government agencies, and other individuals in-
terested in the fishing and allied industries will
find the contents of inestimable value. This is
a study in the interrelations of wages and prices
and factor and product markets as the subtitle

indicates. Specific proposals for the New Eng-
land fishing industry are presented, as well as
a theoretical analysis and a report on the oper-
ation of collective bargaining. A reappraisal

of its techniques, methods, and organization
are essential if the historic New England fish-
ing industry is to survive, the author points out.
The four major economic problems of the indus-
try in recent years are discussed in detail:

(1) "profit-sharing" controversies between the
fishermen and the fish dealers, and the attempt
of the fishermen's union to influence production,
prices, and wages which have developed out of
these controversies; (2) the effect of the decline
of key species of fish, and possibilities for cor-
rectives; (3) marketing difficulties, particularly
the severe competition with meat and meat
products; and (4) foreign competition, particu-
larly from the Canadian Maritime Provinces,
but also on a growing scale from Iceland and
other northern nations. The historical devel-
opment of present-day fishing operations in the
leading ports of Boston, Gloucester, New Bed-
ford, Portland, and Rockland is adequately re-
viewed. The pricing mechanisms and the unique
arrangement by which the fishermen share di-
rectly in both the revenues and expenses of op-
erations under a historic pay arrangement
called the "lay" are clearly analyzed. The
growth of organized groups are traced and col-
lective bargaining experience and unionpolicies
are described. Concrete recommendations are
given by the author for bettering collective bar-
gaining, union policies, production and market-
ing, and wage-price determination, In his pref-
ace the author points out that his study is con-
cerned with but one of the industry's major
divisions--the fresh and frozen finny fish phase
concentrated in Boston, Gloucester, and New
Bedford, Mass.; and in Portland and Rockland,
Maine. In focusing the spotlight on operations
in these ports, continues the author, we are
purposely excluding from coverage such other
prominent branches of the trade as sardine can-
ning in Maine, shellfish and lobster fishing in
all the coastal states (particularly in Maine and
Massachusetts), and brokerage in all kinds of
fish specialties, which is centered in Boston,
The analysis focuses upon the union, relations
between the union and vessel owners and fish
buyers, and the policies these groups have devel-
ped and carried forward. The discussion is de-
veloped in the light of the basic economic char-
acteristics and problems of the industry. In-
cluded in the study is an examination of the key
problems of fish scarcity, fish marketing, and
foreign competition which harass fishermen,
vessel owners, and fish buyers alike. Some
suggestions are offered by the author with the
hope that they might help the parties minimize
their internal differences and overcome their
common problems. Prospects for progress are
also reviewed. The material in this study runs
for the most part up to 1952 when the study was
finished. However, the author has added apost-
script to bring the story more nearly up to date.
An important part of the book is the ''Theoreti-
cal Supplement'' which will be of interest to
economists as it constitutes a contribution in
the application of theory to interrelated labor
and product markets. Interesting is the author's

September 1954

COMMERCIAL FISHERIES REVIEW 89

THESE PUBLICATIONS ARE NOT AVAILABLE FROM THE FISH AND WILOLIFE SERVICE, BUT USUALLY MAY

BE OBTAINED FROM THE ORGANIZATIONS ISSUING THEM,

finding that coordinated systematic research,
market development, and improved industrial
practices are the steps which should provide an
answer to the industry's fish scarcity, market-
ing, and foreign competition problems.

--Joseph Pileggi

Oceanography--Science of the Sea, by John P.

Tully, 19 pp., illus., ‘printed. (Reprintedfrom
the Canadian Geographical Journal.) Depart-
ment of Fisheries of Canada, Ottawa, Canada,
1953. A description of oceanographic research
in Canada. Briefly discussed are processes in
the sea; ocean currents; coastal currents; tides;
climate and temperature of the sea; taking water
samples; food in the sea; salt and other chemi-
cals in the sea; and the development of oceano-

graphy.

Our Underwater Farm, Conservation Series Book

Three, 52 pp., illus., printed. MarylandState
Department of Education, Baltimore, Maryland,
1953. This publication, the third of the Mary-
land Conservation Series, discusses fish, crabs,
and oysters--three main "crops" of our "farm,"
the Chesapeake Bay. It describes the habits of
these three ''crops, '' their economic importance,
and the conservation practices employed in
Maryland and Virginia to maintain the rich re-
sources of the Chesapeake Bay. As with the
other booklets in this Series, it is written in
response to a need for authentic, interesting,
and nontechnical instructional materials oncon-
servation in Maryland.

"The Preservation of 'Wet' Fish--Part I,"' article,

FAO Fisheries Bulletin, vol. VII, no. 2, April-
June 1954, pp. 49-65, printed, single copy 30
cents. Food and Agriculture Organization of the
United Nations, Rome, Italy. (For sale by In-
ternational Documents Service, Columbia Uni-
versity Press, New York 27, N. Y.) This is
the first report of Working Group 3 of the FAO
Interim Committee on Fish Handling and Proc-
essing (in two parts). Reviews experiments on
cooling and handling of wet fish and on the use
of preservatives and disinfectants. Stress has
been laid on the principles of the methods of
fish handling and chilling, and not on the techni-
cal details. Effects on spoilage of chilling,
handling, and preservatives are discussed. The
physiology of spoilage bacteria and the physi-
ology of the fish are also mentioned. Part 2
of the Group's report will deal with the con-
struction of fish holds.

to the Secretary of State for the Colonies), by
C. F. Hickling, Colonial No. 300, 22 pp.,
printed, 9d. net (10 U.S. cents net). Her Maj-
esty's Stationery Office, London, England, 1954,
A brief account of the fishery development and
research in each territory of the Colonial Em-
pire.

Research in Salmon Migration Over High Dams--

The Nature of the Biological Problem, by J. R.
Brett, FRB No. 356, 6 pp., printed. (Reprinted

from the Sixth British Columbia Natural Re-
sources Conference Transactions, 1953.) Pa-
cific Biological Station, Fisheries Research
Board of Canada, Nanaimo, B. C., Canada.
Discusses the nature of migrating salmon, their
particular responses and capabilities, and the
work being done relative to safeguarding down-
stream migrants.

Review of Kenya Fisheries, 1952, by HughCopley,

117 pp., illus., printed. The Government
Printer, Nairobi, Kenya, 1953. Reviews the
Kenya fisheries for 1952, with special reference
to the river fisheries, hatchery work, a fish-
culture farm, and the marine fisheries. The re-
port on the marine fisheries discusses produc-
tion, prices, distribution and marketing, and
exploratory and experimental work. It describes
a study of markets; the storing and sale of fresh
fish; the processing and sale of dried salted fish,
the collection and disposal of shell in various
forms; and the catching, preparation, and sale
of turtles, crustacea, and beche-de-mer. Also
includes statistical data on the yield of trout by
river and area for the period 1938-52, and fish
trap results,

(Scotland) Industry and Employment in Scotland,
1953, Cmd. 9102, 74 pp., printed, 2s. 6d. (35

U. S. cents). Scottish Home Department,
(Available from Her Majesty's Stationery Office,
Edinburgh, Scotland), 1954. Contains, among
others, a chapter on the fisheries of Scotland
in general, It also discusses the whitefish,
shellfish, herring, salmon, and fresh-water
fisheries, fishery harbors, exports, and fish-
eries research.

Shrimp Prospecting in Regions of the British Co-

lumbia Coast, November 1953 to March 1954,
by T. H. Butler and H. E. J. Legare, Circular
No. 31, 42 pp., illus., processed. Fisheries
Research Board of Canada, Pacific Biological
Station, Nanaimo, B. C., April 1954. A pro-
gram to locate new shrimp grounds and tostudy
effectiveness of shrimp gear was conducted by
the Pacific Biological Station from November 10,
1953, to March 10, 1954, Favorable marketing
conditions have occasioned an increased inter-
est in British Columbia's unexplored shrimp
resources during the past year. The Station's
trawler Investigator No. 1, and a chartered ves-
sel, the Yuri M, were employed in this survey.
To increase the range of shrimp vessels, ex-
periments were also conducted on holding
shrimp in refrigerated sea water (a separate
report on this phase has been released). A total
of 114 exploratory tows were completed using a
small otter trawl (diagram given). Tows gener-
ally lasted 15 to 20 minutes, and the shrimp
catch was coverted to a pounds-per-hour basis.
A catch of 25 pounds of shrimp or more was
considered to be of commercial fishing value.
Fishing depths ranged from 14 to 115 fathoms,
with commercial quantities found between 29 and
75 fathoms. Results of the tows are listed in
tables, and the locations are shown on maps of
the areas covered. In the Strait of Georgia six
localities yielded catches considered of commer-
cial significance, ‘Smooth pink'' shrimp, anew
type found over a year ago, made up most of the

90 COMMERCIAL FISHERIES REVIEW

Viola Ga iNorg

THESE PUBLICATIONS ARE NOT AVAILABLE FROM THE FISH AND WILDLIFE SERVICE, BUT USUALLY MAY

BE OBTAINED FROM THE ORGANIZATIONS ISSUING THEM,

catch in this region, Of 23 tows made in Chat-
ham Sound near Prince Rupert, 16 contained
commercial quantities, indicating the region
will support a moderate shrimp fishery. In
Queen Charlotte Strait and inlets near Johnstone
Strait, the trawling area was found to be quite
limited and only five tows yielded commercial
quantities of shrimp. Food fish (lemon sole,
starry flounder, and grey cod) were caught in
commercial quantities in this area. An experi-
ment to compare the efficiency of otter trawls
and beam trawls in shrimp fishing indicated an
advantage for the otter trawl in total catch, both
for shrimp and fish. The beam trawl apparently
fished better with increasing depth, but addition-
al work is necessary in the comparison of the
two types of gear. The cost for materials and
operations is greater for the otter trawl.

--D. E. Powell

Some Aspects of the Dynamics of Pepsin Im-
portant to the Management of the Commerci

Marine Fisheries, by Milner B. Schaefer, Bul-
letin, vol. 1, no. 2, 32 p., illus., printed. In-
ter-American Tropical Tuna Commission, La
Jolla, Calif., 1954. Presents the results of in-
vestigations by the Inter-American Tropical
Tuna Commission, which has the task of gather-
ing and interpreting factual information to facil-
itate maintaining the populations of the tropical
tunas and of the tuna-bait fishes at levels which
permit maximum sustained catches year after
year. Attention is directed to the collection

and compilation of reliable data on the total
catch and catch per unit of fishing effort of each
tuna species over the period of growth and de-
velopment of the fishery in the Eastern Tropical
Pacific. The next step in the investigation is to
employ these data together with such ancillary
vital statistics as may be required and may be
obtainable, to the estimation of the level of max-
imum sustained yield of each tuna stock and the
determination of the present condition of the
fishery with relation thereto. This requires the
employment of a suitable mathematical model,
describing the effect of fishing on tuna stocks,
This paper reports the investigations undertaken
to develop a suitable model, and of methods of
its application to fisheries data, which can be
applied to the data of the tuna fishery. This in-
vestigation attempts to indicate the manner in
which the fundamental laws of population growth
operate in the case of a commercial fishery and
to clarify some of the important considerations
basic to the management of the oceanic fisheries,
This is shown by means of mathematical models.
The subjects discussed in this paper are as fol-
lows: the law of population growth in populations
which tend to stability; effects of fishing; catch
per unit of effort; maximum equilibrium catch;
determination of the status of the fish population
and estimation of equilibrium yields; an applica-
tion to the halibut fishery of the North Pacific;
the nature of the growth of the amount of fishing;
stabilization of an unregulated fishery; the
course of development of an unregulated fishery
and the manner of approach to stable equilibri-
um; examples from the commercial fisheries;
Pacific halibut; California sardine (Pacific pil-
chard).

The South African Fishing Industry Handbook and
Buyers' Guide, 1954, 244 pp., illus., printed,

£2 2s. (US$6.00). South African Shipping News
and Fishing Industry Review, Box 2598, Cape
Town, South Africa, 1954. This is the second
edition of a handbook originally issued in 1951
and designed to acquaint readers with the vari-
ous aspects of the South African fishing indus-
try. The book is divided into several sections,
"Marine Resources of South Africa’ discusses
South Africa's fishing industry and its relation
to world fisheries; the pilchard industry; the
trawling industry; the rock lobster industry;
snoeking; fishing in South-West Africa; and
South African fish species. The list of species
in this section gives the English, Afrikaans,
and scientific name for each species caught in
South Africa. In the section Organizations
Serving the Industry," the following are de-
scribed: the Division of Fisheries, the Fishing
Industry Research Institute, the Fisheries De-
velopment Corporation, the South African Food
Canners' Council, the South African Bureau of
Standards, and the Food and Agriculture Organ-
ization, as well as a description of the control
of fisheries in South-West Africa and fishing
harbors in South Africa. Brief biographical
notes on the leading personalities professionally
connected with the industry are to be found in
the section ''Who's Who in the Fishing Industry
of South and South-West Africa."' "Guide toCom-
panies in the Fishing Industry" is a section
which lists the names, functions, addresses,
factories, capital, directors, and affiliations
of companies operating in South and South-West
Africa. A classified list of fish products with
brand and producers! names is contained in the
section "Products of the Fishing Industry."
"Suppliers to the Fishing Industry and Buyers'
Guide" is a classified list of products offered
to the fishing industry. Details on South Afri-
can motor fishing boats, motor trawlers, steam
trawlers, and South-West African fishing boats,
and other miscellaneous craft are given in the
section ''Fishing Craft Operating in South and
South-West Africa.'' The last section--''Ma-
rine Engines''--is a detailed list of engines of-
fered for installation in South and South-West
African fishing boats.

--J. Pileggi

"Studies on the Manufacture of Canned Crab," arti-

cle, Bulletin of the Faculty of Fisheries, Hok-
kaido University, vol. 4, no. 2, pp. 123-131,
illus., printed in Japanese with summaries in
English. Hakodate, Japan, August 1953, In-
cludes the following reports under Part I--On
the Manufacture of Canned Crab from Erimacrus
isenbeckii (Brandt): Report 2--The Difference
of Quality of Canned Crab Made From Different
Parts of Crab Body; Report 3--Studies on the
Influences upon the Quality of Canned Crab of
the Kinds of Water used and Number of Times
of Change of Water for Boiling Crab Removed
from Carapace; and Report 4--Studies on B.
coli in Canning Water. This Bulletin contains
these articles: "Studies of Shark Muscle: Part
4--On Histamine in Shark Meat;" "'On the Bio-
chemical Changes of Fish Muscle after Death
(1);" "Studies on the Manufacture of Conserva-

September 1954

COMMERCIAL FISHING REVIEW 91

THESE PUBLICATIONS ARE NOT AVAILABLE FROM THE FISH AND WILDLIFE SERVICE, BUT USUALLY MAY

BE OBTAINED FROM THE ORGANIZATIONS ISSUING THEM.

tive Marine Food Products: XII--Preservation
of Marine Food Products in Dupont Paper Sac;"
"Studies on Coli Group Distributed in Marine
Foods: I--Coli Score in Squid (OQmmastrephes
sloani Pacificus) Caught in the Sea near Hako-
date; and other articles.

A Survey of the Tampa Bay Area, by Charles E.

Dawson, Jr., Technical Series No. 8, 40 pp.,
illus., printed. Board of Conservation, Divi-
sion ofOyster Culture, Tallahassee, Florida,

June 1953,

(Washington) State of Washington Commercial Fish-

ing Statistics--1953, 47 pp., printed. Washing-
ton State Department of Fisheries, 4015 20th
Ave. W., Fishermen's Terminal at Salmon Bay,
Seattle 4, Wash. Consists almost entirely of
tables showing landings of fish and shellfish in
the State of Washington by districts, species,
and gear, Comparative data on the catch of
most items are shown for the years 1935 through
1953. The report also contains information on
the value of landings, vessels, and plants; and
the operating expenses of processors, boatyards,
and related information. Data are shown on the
Washington salmon pack from 1900 to 1953, as
is information on the United States and British
Columbia Fraser River sockeye pack arranged
by cycle years from 1900 to 1953. Data on the
canned pack of other fish and shellfish and the
production of oil and meal are also shown. In
addition, the report contains data on the monthly
salmon escapement over Bonneville Dam during
the years from 1938 to 1953; the number of com-
mercial fishing licenses issued by districts
from 1938 to 1953; and a comparative statement
of receipts from licenses, taxes, fines, and
other sources.

--E. A. Power

Western North Atlantic Bluefin Tuna Cooperative

Research Program, (Final Report, the Charles
F. Johnson Foundation), by Luis Rene Rivas,

5 pp., processed. The Marine Laboratory,
University of Miami, Coral Gables, Florida,
January 1953. The report summarizes results

of the western North Atlantic bluefin tuna inves-
tigation for the two-year period 1952-53, Var-
ious phases of the life history are covered in-
cluding systematics, anatomy and physiology,
distribution, migrations, spawning grounds and
season, development, behavior, and air and
surface explorations for tuna. Taxonomic stud-
ies and discovery of separate breeding grounds
show that bluefin tuna from the western North
Atlantic are of the same species as those from
the eastern North Atlantic, but that they are
distinct breeding populations and there is no
wholesale exchange of individuals through trans-
oceanic migrations, Study of the stomach con-
tents from tuna taken in the Bahamas during
May and June showed that the fish feed very
little if at all during spawning. New records of
occurrence have extended the known range of
bluefin to the north (Caribbean) coast of South
America, A northward migration in summer
and return to southern waters in winter is
strongly indicated. Water temperatures, ocean
currents, and configuration of the coastline
probably affect migration habits. Tagging in
the Bahamas in May and June was begun in
order to definitely confirm that the tuna migrate
to New England after leaving the Straits of
Florida, but no tag recoveries have been made
to date. Spawning tuna and eggs and larvae
were found during May and June along the east-
ern edge of the Florida current from Cuba to
the Bahamas. Age studies indicate that blue-
fin tuna reach a weight of about seven pounds
in the first year of life. Observations on
schooling behavior indicate that the schools
each have a "leader," which is usually the fish
taking the bait first. Two large tuna were kept
alive in pens at the Lerner Marine Laboratory
for about 10 days, during which time much was
learned of their swimming habits. A total of
13,522 nautical miles were flown in aerial ob-
servations for tuna schools off Bermuda and
over virtually the entire Bahama and Caribbean
areas. Six other publications on the tuna study
are listed.

--D. E. Powell

Cd
dap

36

Editorial Assistants--Ruth V. Keefe; Miss S. Boediningsih, Indonesian trainee, also
assisted in the preparation of thisissue as part of her training in the United States.

Illustrator--Gustaf T. Sundstrom
Compositors--Jean Zalevsky, Betty Coakley, and Kathlyn Brophy
2 ok oR OK Ok
Photograph Credits: Page by page, the following list gives the source or pho-

tographer for each photograph in this issue, Photographs on pages not mentioned
were obtained from the Service's file and the photographers are unknown.

Pp. 2 and 13--Staff of the Pacific Oceanic Fishery Investigations;
p. 21--N. B. Wigutoff; p. 46--J. Pileggi; p. 73--Wm. Schmidtman.

92 COMMERCIAL FISHERIES REVIEW Vol. 16, No. 9

GIANT SQUIDS, AMBERGRIS, AND SEA SERPENTS

In the waters of the North Pacific Ocean is found the largest octopus in the
world--a creature that may attain a spread of 25 feet from arm tip to arm tip.
Much less well known isthe giant squid, a true monster of the deep that reaches
a total length of 50 or 60 feet.

Very few giant squids have ever been seen, They are known mostly from
the occasional dead ones that are castashore, For some reason more have been
found on the beaches of Newfoundland than any other place in the world.

The giant squidis preyed upon by the sperm whale, andsome titanic struggles
must occur deep below the surface when these huge animals meet. Suction cup
scars asbig as dinner plates have beenfound on the bodies of sperm whales, and
the large, horny beaks of these squids have been taken from the stomachs of the
whales,

Ambergris, the precious waxy substance usedas afixative in expensive per-
fumes, is formed inthe stomach or intestines of sperm whales apparently as the
result of a digestive disorder caused by these indigestible bodies, At any rate,
squid beaks are sometimes found imbedded in masses of ambergris.

Deep-Sea Squid

(Lycoteuthis diadema)

Most squids andoctopuses are, of course, very much smaller than these
giant forms, The smallest ones measure less than two inches when they are full
grown,

Many people do not have a clear idea of the difference between the octopus
and the squid. Both are cephalopods (the word means "head-foot" and refers to
the fact that the arms ortentacles are actually part of the head), and both belong
to the group that includes clams, oysters, and snails, But octopuses have eight
arms and lack any sort of internal skeleton, whereas squids have eight arms plus
two longer tentacles, and possess a celluloid-like "pen" that acts as a stiffening
rod in the elongate body. Octopuses are solitary bottom-living forms, but the
squids are swift and active swimmers that often go in schools,

The giant squid has probably been responsible for many of the sea-serpent
reports that appear in newspapers from time to time. Certainly the appearance
of 35-foot tentacles writhing at the surface would be an awesome sight. It is even
possible that old-time whalers may occasionally have been plucked from their
small boats by long snake-like arms that rose suddenly out of the sea alongside.

--The Mariner, June 1954

September 1954

COMMERCIAL FISHERIES REVIEW

CONTENTS CONTINUED

Page
FOREIGN((Contd.):
International (Contd.):
Trade Agreements (Contd.):
South Korean-Philippine Agreement Includes
FshenyjProductsr ner eet cease eicae eras 55
U, S,-Philippine Negotiations Planned ....... 55
Australia:
Shore-Based Whaling Season Opens.......... 55
Barbados Island:
Flying Fish to be Canned. ..... SoD OdDDOGaG 56
Bermuda:

Electrical Fishing Items Exempt From Duty.... 56
British Guiana:

Fisheries Expansion Encouraged
British West Indies:

Certain Fishery Products Imports Placed Under

Open License

Canada;

Italy to Buy Salted Cod and Canned Salmon ..... 57

New Saskatchewan Fisheries Regulations for Im-

proved Quality: xis lees. clever winks chu wiles ccrtle 58

Ceylon:

News risheryglarboraierdalnelcercickenioiietereloiene 58
Chile:

New Species of Shrimp Discovered .......... 58
Cuba;

Shrimp Beds Discovered ..... b00000000000 59
French Morocco:

Sardine Industry Outlook Good ........ joo bo oe)
Greenland:

Denmark Builds Fishing Vessels ........... 60
Iceland: f
Territorial Limits Regulations to be Discussed by

Council of Europe .........cceccceceee 61
Trawler Owners Make New Plans to Process and
Market Their Catch in Britain ......... , 61
Japan:

Trawlers to Fish for Cod and Sole in BeringSea, 61
Canned Salmon Exports to Britain........... 62

Malaya;
New Fisheries Laboratory.............-+.. 62
Norway:
1954 Herring Meal and Oil ProductionSold..... 62
Freezing Herring in Alginate Jelly .......... 63
FRISHERICS! Rallye -peayerercnereerenctersleusicueveevedeisre 64

Whale-Oil Production, 1953/54--(with correction) 64
Panama:

Shrimp Exports Increase in 1953 ........... 65
Peru:

Status of the Fisheries, 1953 ........ o00008 65
Portugal:

New Cold-Storage Warehouses forCod ....... 65
Spain:
Review of the Fisheries,1953 ......... 0

93
Page
FOREIGN (Contd.):
Spain (Contd.):
Vigo Fish Canning Trends, April 1954 ...... -. 66
Thailand:
Japanese-Type Fish Trap Tests Successful 66
Union of South Africa:
Whole Fish-Meal Exports to United States Planned 67
Fisheries Survey by Minister of Economic Affairs 67
United Kingdom:
Grimsby Plant Supplies Fish to U, S, and British
ArmedtRorcesiieyicerenhoisiee ieee 68
Fishing Privileges Off Russian Coast Again Ex-
PENS ee eM torelerebete seer eR Rae g)) BY
Minimum Ex-vessel Prices Raised as Operating
Costs Increase. .......... sooo dgooao oo 69
Trawler Lay-up Reduced................. 69
Venezuela:
Canadian Firm to Build Fish Cannery ...... oo)
Marine Biological Laboratory Proposed....... 70
IMMDIASV NEG SHON Goscooapooobodsouunoog Tb
Civil Service Commission:
Fishery Methods and Equipment Specialist Exam-
ination Announced ..........+.20.- eaenere 71
Department of Defense:
Army Quartermaster Corps:
Surplus Trawlers Offered for Sale ....... . 712
Foreign Operations Administration:
Indo-China Authorized to Buy Fishing Net Material 72
Indonesia Authorized to Buy Fishing Gear ..... 72
Department of Health, Education, and Welfare:
Food and Drug Administration:
Procedure for Establishing Food Standards 72
Department of the Interior:
Fish and Wildlife Service:
Dr. O, Lloyd Meehean Appointed Assistant to the
Directo nyencsiacs crciuelaoree vee on 73
Dr. Cottam Resigns as Assistant to the Director 73
Eighty-Third Congress (Second Session), August
Ee UR dio 0 UoIae DOD OOO a uO obo Goins 73
FISHERY INDICATORS: GooegoOOOD DODO DDOODO MO 17
Chart 1 - Fishery Landings for Selected States ... 77
Chart 2 - Landings for Selected Fisheries ...... 178
Chart 3 - Cold-Storage Holdings and Freezings of
FuisheryzProductspjererienoiieneien reine ace 79
Chart 4 - Receipts and Cold-Storage Holdings of
Fishery Products at Principal DistributionCenters 80
Chart 5 - Fish Meal and Oil Production - U. S,
andyAlaskayersrerstclersieticiaioe siicloneheveiemeietone 80
Chart 6 - Canned Packs of Selected eee
Productsigey irons CO CoDooOuOMOO. Gl
Chart 7 - U.S. Fishery Products: Imports | saan. GP
RECENT FISHERY PUBLICATIONS: ......... ooo. eB
Fish and Wildlife Service Publications......... 83
Miscellaneous Publications .......... 9106.00 84

INT.—DUP. SEC., WASH.,

D.C. 67573

“WCULN

3 9088

IMPORTS AND EXPORTS OF FISHERY PROQUCTS, 1949-1953

Imports and Exports of Fishery Products, 1949-1953, C.F.S. No. 1003, is
a bulletin containing annual summaries of the United States foreign trade in ed-
ible and nonedible fishery products. It contains tables summarizing the imports
and exports by species for each of the years in both quantity and value; anda
table listing the duty collectedon U. S. imports of fishery products for the years
1936 to 1952, inclusive.

IMPORTS AND EXPORTS OF FISHERY PRODUCTS, 1925-1953 Imports of edible fishery
MILLION j

DOLLARS || products into the United States
art in 1953 amounted to 726 mil-
IMPORTS lion pounds, valued at $195 mil-
EXPORTS lion--both new records. A-
mong the important items re-
ceivedin much greater volume
than in1952 were fresh or fro-
zen smelt, tuna, spiny lobster,
and shrimp; canned salmon,
sardines, and tuna in brine.

Imports of inedible prod-
ucts in 1953 totaled 49.6 million pounds--13 percent less than the record re-
ceipts of these products during the previous year.

Exports of edible fishery products in1953 amounted to 69.3 million pounds,
valued at $17.1 million. With the exception of 1952, when exports of these prod-
ucts amounted to 62 million dollars, shipments of fishery products to foreign
countries from the United States were the smallest since 1924, the first year
data on these exports were compiled by the U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service.

Exports of inedible fishery products in 1953 were valued at $10.8 million--
an increase of 68 percent as compared with the previous year. This is a new
record, The increase was due largely to greater shipments of fish oils to for-
eign countries. These shipments amounted to 108.7 million pounds, valued at
$7.8 million.

Copies of C. F. S. No. 1003 are available free from the Division of Infor-
mation, U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Washington 25, D. C.