COMMERCIAL BREW FE Ia!
FISHERIE SME Y EEE
ii "OCTONER 1952
FISH and WILDLIFE SERVICE
United States Department of the Interior
Washington, D.C.
UNITED STATES
DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR FISH AND WILDLIFE SERVICE
OSCAR L. CHAPMAN, Secretary ALBERT M. DAY, Director
zz, COMMERCIAL
™ FISHERIES
A REVIEW OF DEVELOPMENTS AND NEWS OF THE FISHERY INDUSTRIES
PREPARED IN THE BRANCH OF COMMERCIAL FISHERIES
A. W. Anderson, Editor
R. T. Whiteleather, Associate Editor
J. Pileggi, Assistant Editor
Applications for COMMERCIAL FISHERIES REVIEW, which is mailed free to
members of the fishery industries and allied interests, should be
addressed to the Director, Fish and Wildlife Service,
U. S. Department of the Interior, Washington 25, D.C.
The contents of this publication have not been copyrighted and may be
reprinted freely; however, reference to the source will be appreciated.
The Service assumes no responsibility for the accuracy of material from
outside sources.
The printing of this publication has been approved by the Director
of the Bureau of the Budget, December 15, 1949.
rrr a a
CONTENTS
COVER: ON THE ATLANTIC COAST, MORE HARD CLAMS ARE
TAKEN WITH TONGS THAN ANY OTHER TYPE OF GEAR.
(SEE PAGE 1 OF THIS ISSUE.)
PAGE
HARD-CLAM FISHERY OF THE ATLANTIC COAST, BY R. E. TILLER, J. B. GLUDE, AND L. D. STRINGER 1
PAGE PAGE
RESEARCH IN SERVICE LABORATORIES: .....-. 26 | TRENDS AND DEVELOPMENTS (coNnTD.):
PROGRESS ON PROJECTS, SEPTEMBER 1952 .. 26 UNITED STATES FISHERY PRODUCTS MARKET-
TECHNOLOGICAL PROGRAM CHANGES ..,....+. 27 ING PROSPECTS (OCT.-DEC. 1952 AND OUT-
PROJECT REVIEWS: LTA NESS anvecgbooaoedaadoobcua! SO
FREEZING FISH AT SEA, DEFROSTING, FIL- WHOLESALE AND RETAIL PRICES:
LETING, AND REFREEZING THE FILLETS-- WHOLESALE PRICES, AUGUST 1952 ........ 51
REVIEW FOR THE PERIOD DEC. 1950-SEPT. RETAIL PRICES, AUGUST 1952 .........-. 52
FTES 0 estat le cs ARCA ea a RITE tee vail SDB URORESIGNE oes, csovare Stove ave aie Cloke oamersiete toe eer oe.
TRENDS AND DEVELOPMENTS: ..e-esssoreeeees 40 INTERNATIONAL
ADDITIONS TO THE FLEET OF U.S. FISHING SOUTH PACIFIC FISHERIES CONFERENCE ... 54
VESSELS itaoruaise terse lo mraece a sieruteioislaeceeten: 40 INTER-AMERICAN TROPICAL TUNA COMMISSION:
ATLANTIC STATES MARINE FISHERIES COM- FOURTH SESSION HELD IN SAN JOSE 2.2.2 55
MISSION HOLDS ANNUAL MEETING .e.o+e22. 40 FOOD AND AGRICULTURE ORGANIZATION:
FEDERAL PURCHASES OF FISHERY PRODUCTS: ADMISSION OF MONACO TO MEDITERRANEAN
FRESH AND FROZEN FISH PURCHASES SY FICE COUNCIL Gagocoscasca0c5a00 SS
DEPT. OF THE ARMY, AUGUST 1952 ...... 41 ANGLO-EGYPTIAN SUDAN:
NO CANNED SALMON FROM 1952 PACK RE- RISHERIESH DEVEL OPMENTIS=ieleeleieieisicieteieiciete DD
QUIRED BY ARMED FORCES ...sescresesss 42 BRAZIL:
FISHERY MARKETING SPECIALIST EXAMINA- FISHING BOATS ORDERED FROM DENMARK ... 56
TIGN ANNOUNGED Soncsucovooovacds00dade |) <2 CANADA:
NEW ENGLAND TUNA EXPLORAT!ONS: FISHERIES OUTLOOK FOR 1952 .weeeseeeeee 56
MARJORIE PARKER ENCOUNTERS BEST TUNA FILLETING |S PREFERRED TO DRYING AND
FISHING OFF MASSACHUSETTS ON FISHING SALTING IN NEWFOUNDLAND ..csceecoeeee 57
CRUISER NOS Ontanreeromieieen ehiclelstteiterel doer 43 SHRIMP FOUND 1N NEWFOUNDLAND WATERS .. 57
POOR FISHING PLAGUES MARJORIE PARKER LONG-LiNERS PROVE SUCCESSFUL IN NEW-
ON FISHING {CRUISELNOMG/Sieaiieeciie. 43 FOUNDUAND’ circiarcolois clarecnoke fisiereeseteis ie ievelet sumnDI
NORTH PACIFIC EXPLORATORY FISHERY NEWFOUNDLAND TO BUILD FI SH-OIL HARDEN-
PROGRAM: TNGUPLANTH chassis eieleveeientectelne time
ALBACORE TUNA EXPLORATION BY JOHN N. CEYLON:
Goll) (EWI M512) “soccdocmaesooncg. Zt AIDS TO FISHERIES, 1951 .sse+eveeeeses 59
PACIFIC COAST STATES CONDUCTING EXPERI - COLOMBIA:
MENTAL BOTTOM FISHING AT GREAT DEPTHS 45 PRESERVED OR CANNED FISH IMPORTS REG-
PACIFIC OCEANIC FISHERY INVESTIGATIONS: UATIEDI sie! eubel cain wrevolecheiermele teicher MOS
RESEARCH VESSELS RETURN FROM FISHING SPECIAL IMPORT DUTY EXEMPTION FOR
AND HYDROGRAPHIC SURVEYS -secesseoees 45 EQUIPMENT TO ESTABLISH FISHING IN-
PROPOSALS INVITED FOR LEASE OF A FISH DiciMisseneodoudceeooncsaosodondonos. Se)
CANNERY IN TUTUILA, AMERICAN SAMOA ... 46 FISH CANNERY ESTABLISHED ..see.2en0e00- 59
SHRIMP EXPLORATIONS CONTINUED OFF THE ECUADOR:
CARIBBEAN COASTS OF HONDURAS AND TERRITORIAL WATERS SOVEREIGNTY REAF-
NICARAGUA \iveroraie cle leielcletelsleleleletclele/elels\</s)aisi-1 40 FIRMED creterortcletencievclersleletsitveisieretcictelcfeieietefommlOO
CONTENTS CONTINUED ON PAGE 93
COMMERCIAL
October 1952 Washington 25,D.C. Vol.14 No.10
HARD-CLAM FISHERY OF THE ATLANTIC COAST
By Richard E. Tiller,* John B. Glude,** & Louis D. Stringer**
(Prepared at the request of the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission)
INTRODUCTION
This report supplements biological studies being conducted by the U. S. Fish
and Wildlife Service's Clam Investigations, and deals with the present Statue and
past trends of the fishery for the hard clam or quahaug (Venus mercenaria) ,1 the
types of gear employed, and the particular problems facing the industry in each
of the Atlantic coastal states.
The information on which the study is based was obtained from personal inter-
views during 1949, 1950, and 1951 with clam fishermen, dealers, and state conser-
vation personnel in all of the
Atlantic Coast states; and from
the Service's catch statistics.
The results of these surveys
have been used in planning and
establishing the clam research
program authorized by Congress
in 1948.
MILLIONS OF POUNDS
ry
T
1
c-}
T
|
Members of state conserva-
tion agencies, universities, and
research groups contributed in-
formation used in this report.
Dealers and fishermen have been
thoroughly cooperative in de-
scribing the industry and its li sa Re as ac
problems. The first part of this veans
report is a considerationof the
; FIG. 1 - TOTAL CATCH OF HARD CLAMS FOR ATLANTIC COAST
general aspects of the fishery, STATES, 1931-48, WHEN STATISTICAL SURVEYS WERE INCOM-
including data pertaining to PLETE, THE ANNUAL TOTALS WERE CALCULATED FROM AN AVER-
volume and value of production, AGE OF PRECEDING AND SUCCEEDING YEARS.
location of the fishing grounds, and a description of the types of gear employed.
The second part includes state summaries, and deals more in detail with the produc-
tion and problems of the individual states, Catches statistics have been taken
from the U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service's Administrative Reports or Statistical
Digests.
GENERAL ASPECTS OF THE FISHERY
CATCH AND VALUE: Although Atlantic Coast catch statistics for hard clams from
1931 to 1948 show a steady upward trend in production to a level above previous
peak years (table 1 and figure 1), the total annual production and value are small
#% FORMERLY FISHERY RESEARCH BIOLOGIST, U. S. FISH AND WILDLIFE SERVICE, BOOTHBAY HARBOR, MAINE;
NOW FISHERY BIOLOGIST, MARYLAND DEPARTMENT OF RESEARCH AND EDUCATION, SOLOMONS, MD.
FISHERY RESEARCH BIOLOGISTS, CLAM INVESTIGATIONS, BRANCH OF FISHERY BIOLOGY, U.S. FISH AND
WILDLIFE SERVICE, BOOTHBAY HARBOR, MAINE.
T/THIS DOES NOT INCLUDE THE OCEAN QUAHAUG (ARCTICA 1SLANDICA).
Vol. 14, No. 10
COMMERCIAL FISHERIES REVIEW
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October 1952 COMMERCIAL FISHERIES REVIEW 3
when compared with other shellfish resources of the Atlantic States, In value
per pound of shucked meats, however, hard clams outrank all others except lobsters,
A summary of the production
and value of the shellfish Table 2 -— Shellfish ear of the
Atlantic Coast States
a Avge Price
Species Quantity Value] per Pound
resources based on Fish and
1,000 Lbs.] $1,000
Wildlife Service catchstatis-
tics for 1945 (the most re-
60,258
55,947
cent year for which complete
data are available) is pre-
sented in table 2.
Blue crab (in shell)
hrimp (heads on)
Oyster (meats)
Lobsters (Northern,
LOCATION OF THE FISHERY:
Hard clams occur in nearly
every sheltered bay, cove, or
inlet along the entire Atlantic
Coast, but the fishery is cen-
tered largely in the southern
New England and Middle Atlantic States. New York leads in production, followed
in descending order by New Jersey, Rhode Island, and Massachusetts. On the basis
of a five~year average (1944-48), these four states produced 85 percent of the
hard clams caught on the entire coast (figure 2). Virginia, Florida, and North
Carolina are the ranking southern states and account for an additional 13 percent,
The locations of the commercially-fished areas along the Atlantie Coast are
shown in figures 3, 6, 8, and10Q, The coast has been divided into the four sections
as follows:
New England - Maine, New Hampshire, Massachusetts, Rhode Island,
and Connecticut,
Middle Atlantic - New York, New Jersey, and Delaware.
Chesapeake - Maryland and Vireinia
South Atlantic - North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, and
Florida,
TYPES OF GEAR AND PRODUCTION METHODS: The usual habitat of the hard clam is
in relatively shallow water, and the fish fishery therefore lends itself quite well to
hand-operated gear, Where the beds are exposed at low tide, or covered by only
very shallow water, short-handled hoes or rakes are used almost entirely. Typically
a New England gear, hoes are rarely used south of Rhode Island, The designvaries
somewhat from one locality to another, but the usual style is about two feet in
length and is provided with four or five flattened tines 8 to 10 inches long as
shown in figure 5, Forks and picks replace hoes in the southern states. These
are basically the same in design, but have somewhat longer handles, and picks usu-
ally have only two or three closely spaced short tines.
In deeper water, long-handled rakes and tongs are employed. Rakes are used
in all of the coastal states, and vary in pattern from one area to another, depend-
ing on the depth of water, type of bottom, and preferences of the local fishermen.
Bull rakes, typically used in New England, are provided with detachable heads, 3
to 4 feet in width, fitted with closely~spaced curved teeth which form a horizontal
basket, Spacing of the teeth varies according to the minimum legal size in the
different states (figure7 ).
Long sectional wooden handles or stales are fitted to the rake heads, the
length depending on the depth fished, and the strength and skill of the fishermen,
Occasional reports were obtained of stales over 50 feet long, although 36 feet is
usually the maximum length. In fishing, the rake is shoved out and away from the
Lh COMMERCIAL FISHERIES REVIEW Vol. 14, No. 10
anchored boat, and then worked through the bottom in a series of short tugs to a
vertical position, from which it is hauled up. The long curved teeth force a
roll of bottom soil ahead of
them as the rake is pulled,
and the clams are held, while
the soil is washed through.
Generally, the use of rakes is
restricted to softer bottom
than that which can be fished
with tongs.
Basket rakes, onwhich the
ends are closed by wire mesh
are used in some localities,
particularly where clams are
abundant, They are very popu=
lar in Massachusetts for the
recovery of planted clams from
privately—leased grounds.
Tongs (figure 9) are ex-
tensively used in all states
except Florida, and accounted
for over 60 percent of all the
hard clams caught in thecoastal
states during the period from
DEL. CONN. MD. ‘ME.
0.3% 0.3% 1.0% 1.3% 1944 to 1948, Basically, tongs
FIG. 2 - AVERAGE HARD-CLAM PRODUCTION BY STATES, 1944-48, are a basket formed by two op—
EXPRESSED IN PERCENT. posing sets of teeth, which are
opened and closed by means of
long scissor—like handles. The operating principle of tongs restricts their use
to more shallow water than that which can be fished with rakes. Tong shafts over
28 feet in length are rarely used and in most cases do not exceed 18 to 20 feet.
Dredges are more varied in their design than any ether type of clam gear.
Different types are used in the power-boat fishery of Massachusetts and Rhode Is-
land, as shown in figure 4, than in the sail fishery of New Jerseys Themodified
crab and oyster dredges used in lower Chesapeake Bay are of a still different pat-
tern. Conservation laws in the different states regulate the size, weight, spacing
and length of teeth and other features in the design of dredges.
The five-year (1944-48) average annual production and value by gear and by
state are shown in table 3 and figure 1l.
Table 3 - Five-Year (1944-48) Average Annual Catch of Hard Clams By Gear and State
[TONGS [RAKES [DRED BY HAND eS CRABS [27S TOT AT Saal
| Quantity | Value| Quantity] Value [ Quantity | Value | Quantity | Value [ Quantity [ Value | Quantity | Value
aE: $ 1,000 Lbs.| $1,000
Orrretprerrpree
jof Total
October 1952 COMMERCIAL FISHERIES REVIEW 5
GENERAL REGULATORY MEASURES: It would be impractical to attempt a detailed
discussion of conservation laws dealing with the hard clam in this report. The
Table 4 - Summary of General State or Local Regulations Governing the Hard-Clam
Fishery of Atlantic Coast States
State Minimum Size
: Regulated by each county | Regulated by each
ine 2" longest diameter Gate at a eee
gul db ch
ssachusetts |2" longest diameter [Regulated by each town. nae abeds bye
Nothing that will Power dredges limited to | Power dredges from
Rhode Island pass through a 13" Dec.1 to Mar.31. No
ring. on hand gear. season on hand
Nothing that will No power gear on public
Connecticut pass through a 14" | grounds,
ring
= é No power gear on public S
New Jersey 1s" in length No perated vessel.
Delaware None
No dredge more than 5 ft.
2 in. wide or with rings
less than 2" in diameter.
May be taken by rakes,
tongs, patent tongs,
dredges, or hand scrapes,
as defined, and by no other
means.
Regulated in specific
counties and sections.
Only with clam dredges,
hand rakes
No dredging in less than
South Carolina | None aoe Ae Toe water,
Georgia None
widest part
general regulations regarding size limits, gear limits, and closed seasons now in
effect are summarized in table 4. These vary considerably from one state to an-
other, and even within a single state, where individual townships have jurisdiction
over the clam-producing areas within their boundaries. It should be understood
that this table is simply a summary to aid the reader in understanding the meaning
of sub-legal clams and to present some idea of the conservation measures being em-
ployed. It should not be used as a reference for state regulations.
Maryland None
irginia None
North Carolina pope 1 eH Eee
mouth
TRADE CATEGORIES: Considerable variation in marketing procedures and size
categories is encountered in different areas along the Atlantic Coast. A few gen—
eral rules, however, apply to all areas.
The smallest legal-size hard clams—-termed "necks," "little necks,"or "steamer
necks"--command the highest price in all areas. These small clams are used princi-
pally in restaurants, where they are served freshly opened on the half shell, or
steamed and served with drawn butter.
The term "cherrystone" originated in the Chesapeake area in the vicinity of
Cherrystone Creek, and refers to a clam slightly larger than the "little neck"
classification common in New England, This size, too, is popular in most areas
when served raw or steamed,
6 COMMERCIAL FISHERIES REVIEW Vol. 14, No, 10
Clams larger than the cherrystone size are neariy always used in the prepa-
ration of chowders or in canned whole or minced clams, and are classed as"mediums"
and "chowders."" These larger sizes command a considerably lower price.
The manner in which clams are bought from the fishermen varies also from one
area to another, Throughout New England and part of the Middle Atlantic area,
clams are sold by weight or by bushel measure, although the weight of a bushel
varies slightly from one state to another. This variation is due to the factthat
the yield in shucked meats of clams from upper New England is greater than from
lower New England and the Middle Atlantic. In the Chesapeake and southern states
the small, medium, and large clams are separated and sold according to the number
per bushel,
MAINE
LOCATION OF THE FISHERY: Although small quantities are harvested for home
consumption elsewhere along the coast, commercial fishing for hard clams islimited
to a small area in upper Casco Bay, bounded on the east and west by the Harraseeket
and New Meadows Rivers, respectively. Maquoit Bay leads in production, andsmaller
amounts are taken from Quahaug Bay and sections of the New Meadows River.
GEAR AND METHODS: With the exception of entries for "dredges" in 1940 and
1942, "hoes" are the only gear listed in Fish and Wildlife Service records for the
period 1931-48, Nearly all digging is in the intertidal zone, on beds exposed at
VERMONT
\ Portland
)
Boston
'
I.
Rrovidence
CONN. ees (oe NEW ENGLAND
Miles
atest tk : a
nie ()
FIG. 3 - LOCATION OF HARD=-CLAM FISHERY IN THE NEW ENGLAND STATES SHOWN BY STIPPL=D AREAS.
October 1952 COMMERCIAL FISHERIES REVIEW 4
low tide. Records of the Maine Department of Sea and Shore Fisheries show only
four men fishing with tongs during 1950 in Maquoit Bay. A law passed in 1946
prohibits dredging from the flats or waters of Maquoit Bay.
GENERAL CONDITIONS OF THE FISHERY AND PROBLEMS: Sharp fluctuations in the
annual catch have apparently occurred during the period from 1931-50, although
catch records before 1942 are unreliable. According to the Maine Department of
Sea and Shore Fisheries, an all-time peak was reached in 1949 and 1950, when the
catch was nearly twice that of any previous year. This peak is based on a fish-
ery for clams of one- or two-year classes,
The outlet for little necks and cherrystones is principally in the market
areas of Boston, New York, and Philadelphia, and large chowders are sold to can-=
neries in the southern New England and Middle Atlantic States,
Maine hard clams are considered particularly desirable for cannery use by
some New England dealers, because the yield of shucked meats is greater than from
clams in other areas.
During 1950, the Maine Department of Sea and Shore Fisheries undertook exper-
imental transplantings of young quahaugs which had become established in such
heavy concentrations that stunting and excessive mortality were occurring. Local
fishermen volunteered assistance, and funds were made available by local buyers
and dealers. In eighteen days, 3,012 bushels were moved to nearby commercially-
depleted areas. Studies are being conducted by the State of Maine to determine
if productive flats can be developed in other parts of the State.
Considering the relatively small area in which fishing is profitable, and
the high level of production during the past three years, it appears that thehard-
clam resources of Maine are being exploited to nearly their fullest extent. Un-
less successful techniques of restocking or farming are developed it is doubtful
whether the fishery can expand much beyond its present production,
MASSACHUSETTS
LOCATION OF THE FISHERY: The southern shore of Cape Cod, Buzzards Bay, and
the waters surrounding Nantucket, Martha's Vineyard, and the Elizabeth Islands
support nearly the entire hard-clam fishery of Massachusetts. Wellfleet Harbor,
near the northeast tip of the Cape, Barnstable Harbor, and Plymouth Bay also con-
tribute to a lesser extent.
GEAR AND METHODS: Rakes are the most numerous and most productive gear in
Massachusetts, followed in descending order by dredges, tongs, and hoes. Bull
rakes, basket rakes, and tongs are used from small boats in shallow bays and coves
along the entire Cape, on the shores of Buzzards Bay, Nantucket, Martha's Vineyard,
and the Elizabeth Islands.
Dredges are restricted by law to deeper offshore waters, while hoes are used
only on intertidal flats which are exposed at low tide. The Fall River or Nan-
tucket dredge is typically a New England gear, and is rarely found in the Middle
or South Atlantic States. The average dredge weighs about 450 pounds. The width
of the blade, which varies from slightly less than two feet to about four feet, is
usually expressed in terms of the number of teeth. Small dredges carry as few as
9 teeth, while large ones may have up to 24. The length and angle of teeth, as
well as the amount of ballast attached to the dredge frame, depend largely on the
nature of the bottom. The bag of the dredge is composed of iron rings and connect-
ing links, the diameter and length of which are determined by local minimum-size
limits and by the nature of the bottom.
8 COMMERCIAL FISHERIES REVIEW Vol. 14, No. 10
GENERAL CONDITIONS OF THE FISHERY AND PROBLEMS: Individual townships assume
the responsibility for their shellfish resources. The issuance of licenses and
FIG. 4 - "FALL RIVER’ DREDGES OPERATED BY POWER BOATS ARE USED PRINCIPALLY IN MASSACHUSETTS
AND RHODE |1SLAND AND ON LEASED GROUNDS IN NEW YORK.
grants for holding grounds, establishment of closed areas or seasons, and regula-
tions of the daily catch limit for hand or power fishing are all under the control
of the town selectmen or board of aldermen. State health officials work with the
towns in prohibiting fishing in contaminated waters, and State conservation per-—
sonnel assist in transplanting and re-seeding projects.
Nearly all of the dealers and town shellfish warden reported evidence of de—
pletion. In nearly every instance, failure of setting combined with overfishing
were believed the cause. This apparent depletion is noticeable, particularly in
the scarcity of "necks," the highest-priced, and consequently most heavily fished
size. Statistical records for the period from 1931-48 show periodic fluctuations
in the catch, which may indicate alternate periods of successful and unsuccessful
spawning. The reported decline may be, therefore, only a temporary condition,
caused (as suggested by the men interviewed) by heavy cropping of recent year
classes without recruitment. Nearly all of the clam—producing areas in the State
are said to be good natural seeding areas, but none is characterized by successful
sets every year.
October 1952 COMMERCIAL FISHERIES REVIEW 9
With the exception of one or two areas in which pollution has reduced the
size of the grounds, and thereby increased the fishing pressure on other areas,
fishermen and dealers believe that the stocks of clams can still support the same
number of men.
Marketing is no problem in Massachusetts. Demand reportedly exceeds supply,
particularly for little necks, and some dealers have found it necessary to buy
from Rhode Island to fill their orders. Canneries and restaurants provide a good
outlet for chowder clams, and summer residents supplement the already heavy de-
mand for the smaller little necks and cherrystones.
Records of the catch for each town are compiled annually, ard the dailylimits
are adjusted when necessary to prevent overexploitation, Transplanting projects
are considered very important in maintaining the productivity of the clam beds.
Fluctuations in the total catch for the State have been of about the same
amplitude over a period of years. The peaks of 1931, 1938-39, and 1945-6 were
surprisingly similar, and the low years of 1935-37, 1943, and 1948 were alsonearly
equal.
It appears that the fishery in its present condition is limited in potential
production, and is being exploited to about its fullest extent.
RHODE ISLAND
LOCATION OF THE FISHERY: Hard clams are restricted to the upper two-thirds
of Narragansett Bay, and are rarely found in commercial abundance beyond a depth
of 25 feet. The most productive beds occur in the more shallow inshore areas,
GEAR AND METHODS: Bull rakes and tongs, similar to those employed in Massa-
chusetts, are the most productive gears in Rhode Island.
Dredging is restricted to the lower half of theSakonnet River, and is permitted
only from December 1 to March 31, The Fall River dredge, already described for
Massachusetts, is generally used, but in the last few years it has beensupplanted
in some areas by a hydraulic-jet dredge. This gear employs high-pressure streams
of water directed into the bottom just in front of the dredge blade, and greatly
increases the efficiency of dredging in firm, sandy bottom,
GENERAL CONDITION OF THE FISHERY AND PROBLEMS: No serious problems of deple-
tion or marketing were reported by any of the persons interviewed in Rhode Island,
Consistently favorable comments were obtained with respect to the present supply,
the success and frequency of setting in the past several years, and the number of
fishermen who find clam fishing profitable.
The present intensity of the fishery by hand methods and the possible expan-
sion of power dredging have raised the question of the effect of increased fishing
pressure on the clam population. This basic problem faces the conservation depart-
ment of every state having a hard-clam fishery. Each must know how many clams can
be harvested each year without causing depletion. Greenwich Bay, which supports
30 to 50 tongers and rakers, was chosen recently by the Fish and Wildlife Service
for productivity studies to determine the number of bushels of clams which can
safely be removed each year. Records of commercial production are balanced against
information concerning growth rate, setting, predators, and natural mortality.
A clam census is taken once each year to determine what the fishery is doing to
the population level. The results of these studies should help the states todeter-
mine whether their fishery is too intensive or if it can safely be expanded.
10 COMMERCIAL FISHERIES REVIEW Vol. 14, No. 10
Considerable concern was expressed by all dealers interviewed regarding the
capture and out-of-state shipment of sub-legal clams. This business has expanded
greatly during the last several years, and dealers believe that severe depletion
of the clam resources of the State will result unless this practice is curtailed.
Several men interviewed (all of whom are dredge operators or who depend on
the dredge fishery for their supplies of clams) mentioned another problem. Legal
aa 2 . ioe eb : ea ek a
FIG. 5 - THE CLAM HOE IS USED PRINCIPALLY IN NEW ENGLAND.
dredging in Rhode Island is restricted to a comparatively small area. This area
has been open to dredging since 1927, and has been depleted until at present it
supports only 5 boats instead of the former fleet of nearly 40. Even when equipped
with "jet dredges," which can harvest clams from beds which are too hard to be
fished with the regular dredges, the fishermen report that it is almost impossible
for a boat to fish profitably in the dredging area. They believe firmly that un-
less additional grounds are opened to them, it is doubtful whether the dredge fish-
ery can survive another season.
Pollution is a problem in some areas of Narragansett Bay, according todealers,
but is not serious enough to prevent the Rhode Island clam fishery from reaching
high levels of production. Fishermen report no evidence that predators are a ser-
ious threat to any of the Rhode Island clam beds. Unless setting is unsuccessful
for several years, or over-intensive fishing for sub-legal sizes is permitted,
there is apparently little danger of depletion.
October 1952 COMMERCIAL FISHERIES REVIEW 1l
CONNECTICUT
The coast line of Connecticut, slightly over one hundred miles long, has
practically no sheltered water. There are no barrier beaches to break the force
of ocean waves, and practically no bays or coves typical of the productive areas
in Massachusetts, Rhode Island, New York, and New Jersey.
The waters of Fairfield County are sheltered to a limited extent by Long
Island, and together with the few small coves and inlets near New London and
Mystic produce nearly the entire catch of hard clams in the state.
Tongs are the most numerous and most productive gear, and rakes rank second
in catch. Power dredges are illegal on natural beds, but probably account for a
considerable part of the catch of clams taken from privately-leased shellfish
grounds.
Hard—clam fishing is of minor importance in Connecticut. The diggers do not
depend on clams for their entire annual income, and work at this only when other
fishing is unprofitable. Dealers stated there is no apparent depletion and re-
port that hard clams never have been very abundant in this State.
Unpolluted waters are limited, and are occupied largely by privately—leased
oyster grounds. These grounds yield small quantities of hard clams, but not enough
to support a fishery. During World War II, one fisherman located a small bed near
Milford, leased the ground, and dredged it until it became unprofitable, at which
time he dropped his lease.
Commercial oyster growers make no effort to cultivate clams on their grounds,
but do market those taken in their oyster-dredging operations.
Nearby cities provide a ready outlet for Connecticut clams, and marketing is
never a problem. Dealers requiring large quantities for restaurant or hotel con-
tracts often find it necessary to buy from New York or Rhode Island, particularly
during the summer when tourist trade increases the demand. Even the many roadside
stands which open during the summer are dependent almost entirely on out-of-state
clams to supply their needs,
Highly efficient and practical methods of seeding, transplanting, andharvest—
ing oysters have been developed by Connecticut oyster growers, and it is possible
that clam farming may also be attempted if practical techniques are developed.
Some of the dealers who were interviewed expressed interest in clam farming, but
felt that a sufficiently rich source of seed was not available. None of themcould
recall having seen a heavy set of clams in Connecticut waters,
NEW YORK
LOCATION OF THE FISHERY: The hard—clam fishery of New York is concentrated
principally on the southern shore of Long Island in the sheltered bays, protected
by the barrier of beaches extending from the mainland nearly to the eastern tipof
the island,
There is considerable production on the northern shore of Long Island, but the
clam—producing areas are limited to a few relatively small bays and harbors, some
of which are polluted.
Three areas of productivity may be delimited on Long Island. These are, in
descending rank, as follows:
12 COMMERCIAL FISHERIES REVIEW Vol. 14, No. 10
1. Great South Bay--in which the western portion is more pro-
ductive than the eastern portion.
2. Port Jefferson to Cold Spring Harbor on the northern shore.
3. Greenport to Peconic Bay.
GEAR AND METHODS: The following types of gear are employed and have been
arranged in descending order of their production.
1. Tongs are employed on hard bottoms to a depth of about 20 feet.
2. Bull rakes and scratch rakes are used in New York. The former
have already been described in the section dealing with gear
and methods. Scratch rakes are shorthandled, used by fisher-
men who wade in shallow areas and tread for clams with bare
feet or search for siphon holes in shallow water or on exposed
beds.
3. Dredges are essentially the same as those described for New
England, and may be used legally only on privately-leased
grounds.
GENERAL CONDITIONS OF THE FISHERY AND PROBLEMS: The fishery is in excellent
condition at present, production is high, and with the exception of Great South
Bay duck-farm pollution,
few problems were reported
by the dealers and fisher-
men interviewed.
Until about fifteen
years ago Shinnecock and
Great South Bays were the
| most consistent clam-produc-—
ing areas, but in more re-
cent years clams have been
found in nearly every bay
Mites or cove on both north and
§ 102030 40 south shores.
The opening of the in-
tra-coastal waterway around
1930-31 with channels to
harbors for the coastal towns
(Babylon, Bay Shore, Linden-
hurst, etc.) was followed
by greatly increased clam
FIG. 6 - LOCATION OF HARD-CLAM FISHERY IN MIDDLE ATLANTIC : ;
STATES SHOWN BY STIPPL=D AREAS. production. It is the gen—
eral opinion of local dealers
and watermen that increased salinity tripled the clam—producing area of Great South
Bay. Eel grass began to disappear about 1931, and also is believed to have in-
creased the clam—producing bottom by permitting good circulation of previously
choked shallow flats.
Fishermen report sets are not regular, but frequent enough to maintain a good,
constant supply of clams. The most recent heavy set appearing in the fishery oc-
curred in 1941. This set was good along both north and south shores, with the re—
sult that the north shores are at present more productive than ever.
October 1952 COMMERCIAL FISHERIES REVIEW 13
Dealers in the eastern part of Long Island (Orient Harbor, Peconic Bay,
Shinnecock Bay, and Moriches Bay) reported depletion of clam stocks and believed
overfishing and failure of setting to be the principal causes. This apparent de-
pletion is probably not as serious asthe dealers reported. Two influencesare pres-
ent which can produce a reduction in yield without actual depletion. First, fewer
men are employed in the fishery, resulting in lower production. The second in-
fluence is the inability of the individual dealer to compete as effectively as
in the past for the limited supply of clams. The consistently higher prices which
have prevailed for the past several years and the proximity of the New Yorkmarket
have lured many more small buyers into the business. These small buyers can op-—
erate with low overhead, and can therefore pay a slightly higher price than the
established companies.
Further west on Long Island, dealers reported the fishery to be in excellent
condition. They did not recognize any depletion, and although some of them be-
lieved that there are fewer fishermen in the business, they felt this is due to
lack of recruitment rather than a shortage of clams.
Dealers believe pollution is more serious than depletion in New York, State
health authorities have closed a number of productive areas on Long Island because
of sewage pollution. Some of these are closed all year; others are closed only
during the summer months when the influx of tourists increases the sewage problem.
The State conducts extensive transplanting projects to reclaim clams from areas
closed because of pollution. The reclamation is mandatory and consists of super-
vised removal, sale, and replanting of the clams in approved waters. Usually the
clams are sold at about one-half the current market price, but are abundant enough
to make the work profitable to the fishermen.
Another type of pollution is becoming increasingly serious in southern Long
Island, and in time may have very damaging effects. A number of duck farms onthe
shore of Moriches Bay discharge large quantities of duck excreta into the water.
This material is said to increase the phosphate content of the water and when pre-
vailing easterly winds during the summer carry this water into eastern Great South
Bay, blooms of a Chlorella-like organism frequently occur. Unpublished results
of studies conducted by biologists working for shellfish companies have reported
that the organism becomes sufficiently abundant to clog the gills of clams and
inhibit feeding, resulting in "poorness" and a reduced yield in shucking. This
problem has not seriously affected the Great South Bay fishery, althoughcanneries,
buying for the greatest possible yield in shucked meats, will occasionally buy
elsewhere when these clams are in poor condition. The restaurant and raw-bar
trade for the smaller, higher-priced clams is unaffected. A complete biological
and hydrographical survey of this problem was undertaken in 1949 through coopera-
tive efforts of the State of New York, the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution,
and dealers in the affected area. Preliminary reports on this study are being
prepared, and are expected to be released in the near future.
Marketing was not reported as a serious problem by any of the dealers inter-
viewed on Long Island. The proximity of the New York market makes it the best
outlet, and most Long Island clams are shipped there, where they may be sold and
reshipped. Some, however, are shipped directly to western New York State, Connect-
icut, and to more distant markets in Maryland, Pennsylvania, and Ohio,
Tabular and graphic data already presented have shown New York ranks first in
hard clam production, and it appears that the State's clam resources are in no
immediate danger of overexploitation,
1, COMMERCIAL FISHERIES REVIEW Vol. 14, No. 10
NEW JERSEY
LOCATION OF THE FISHERY: Hard clams are caught:along almost the entire coast
from Sandy Hook Bay to Cape May. Barrier beaches and islands shelter nearly all
of the shore line, and clams occur abundantly in the harbors and bays behind these
barriers.
According to some of the dealers interviewed, New Jersey's most productive
clam grounds extend from the southern part of Barnegat Bay to Cape May, and Fish
and Wildlife Service records of the catch by counties for the period 1931-47 sup-
port this idea. The best areas are Little Egg Harbor and Great Bay.
GEAR AND METHODS: With the exception of local modifications of dredges and
rakes, the gear employed is similar to that used in New York, and is listed below
in descending order of production:
1. Tongs.
2. Rakes include bull rakes; jig rakes, which are simply bull
FIG. 7 - BULL RAKES ARE EQUIPPED WITH SECTIONAL STALES OR HANDLES FOR FISHING IN WATER 20 TO
@=) (Fz PEEP s
October 1952 COMMERCIAL FISHERIES REVIEW 15
rakes with sectional handles composed of 5-foot lengths
of steel pipe; and short-handled rakes used in shallow
areas.
3. Dredges of two types are used. One similar to that de-
scribed for the Massachusetts fishery may legally be
employed only on private grounds. The other, a gang-
rig, consisting of three or four short-handled bull
rakes fastened to towing lines, is operated from sail
boats in public waters.
GENERAL CONDITION OF THE FISHERY AND PROBLEMS: Fish and Wildlife Service
sources. In fact, 1948 was considerably above the average annual production for
all years since 1931. Dealers, however, reported a decrease in the supply of
clams, especially those of smaller size, and little evidence of a successful re-
cent set. All of the men interviewed who believed depletion has occurred, felt
that overfishing and failure of setting were the principal causes.
Some of the fishermen were more optimistic about the condition of the indus-
try, and felt that if small clams are somewhat more scarce than in recent years,
it is a temporary problem which has occurred periodically in the past. Success-
ful sets are said to occur only occasionally, but support the fishery for several
years. Temporary scarcity of small sizes may occur between the periods of success-
ful setting, but this condition is not believed to be indicative of a permanent
decline in the fishery.
Marketing presents only a minor problem in New Jersey. There is a constant
demand for small clams to be served as "half-shells" or "steamers," particularly
during the late summer when clambakes are most popular. The demand is so great
for very small "steamers" in some localities that a considerable amount of under-
sized clams are taken, and in some areas this illegal fishing is considered a con-
tributing factor in the apparent depletion. Canneries provide a lower-priced out-
let for medium and large clams which are used in preparing chowder, minced, and
canned clams.
The principal markets for New Jersey clams are in New York, Pennsylvania, and
Ohio. Many dealers maintain leased beds on which they hold clams bought during
periods of depressed prices on glutted summer markets. These men have found that
bedded clams are subject to high mortality if held for more than one season unless
planted more thinly than is desirable for easy recovery. Usually fishing is re-
duced during the winter, and demand exceeds the supply, so the bedded clams may be
probitably sold later in the same year in which they were purchased.
Pollution is a problem in only a small portion of the clam-producing areas of
New Jersey, and most of it occurs in the less productive northern part of thecoast.
With the exception of areas near Atlantic City and Wildwood which are closed dur-
ing the summer when the population is greatly increased by vacationists, the shores
of the most productive bays and harbors are so sparsely populated that sewage pol-
lution is no problem.
Apart from the reports of dealers cited previously, there is little evidence
of depletion of New Jersey clam resources. Production has been at a very high
level for the past several years, and unless increased market demands intensify
the fishing effort, it seems unlikely that depletion from overdigging will occur.
16 COMMERCIAL FISHERIES REVIEW Vol. 14, No. 10
DELAWARE
The clam-fishing grounds of Delaware are very limited, and the production,
when compared to New York and New Jersey, is so small as tobe almost insignifi-
cant. The western shore of Delaware Bay in the vicinity of Little Creek supports
a dredge fishery which accounts for the major part of the production, and the
sheltered waters of Rehoboth Bay and Indian River Bay maintain a very small tong-
ing fishery.
Dredges are the only gear used in the Delaware Bay fishery, since the water
is too rough for the small boats used by tong-and-rake fishermen. The dredgesare
simply modified oyster dredges equipped with teeth from 6 to 9 inches in length.
The clam-dredging fishery, which accounts for almost the entire catch in Del-
aware, developed as a sideline of the oyster business of Delaware Bay. Boats op-
erated in the Little Creek area dredge small quantities of clams from privately-
leased oyster beds, but their largest catches are taken from adjacent natural
grounds. Ordinarily, clam fishing stops at the end of the oyster season because
the price of clams is lowest during the summer, and they must be sold promptly to
avoid loss by spoilage. Good market conditions in 1949 and 1950, however, have
encouraged some of the dredgers to continue operations during the summer. No ef-
fort has been made to maintain holding beds, since dredging is typically a winter
fishery, and mortality is high in winter plantings, according to dealers.
Almost all of the dredged clams are large enough to be used by canneries,
since the 24-inch rings used in the dredge pockets allow most small clams toescape.
Clam production in Delaware Bay has been increasing steadily for about three
years. Dealers interviewed reported 1950 catches at an all-time high level, and
believed the last similar peak of production occurred in about 1932.
The Indian River and Rehoboth Bay areas were described by local shellfish
dealers as unproductive when compared with Chincoteague Bay, which lies a fewmiles
south, Only about seven men in the vicinity of Oak Orchard dig clams commercially,
and the largest individual shipper in the area handles only about 2,500-5,000 clams
per week, A State law limits a fisherman's daily catch in the Indian River to
1,000 clams, but the scarcity of clams makes it difficult to reach this limit.
There seems to be no problem of marketing the available supply, and no evi-
dence of depletion, The supply is limited to a small area, and is simply not great
enough to maintain a large fishery.
Pollution is not serious with respect to the Delaware clam fishery, since the
limited areas in which fishing is profitable are free from pollution,
It appears that the fishery of Delaware is being exploited to nearly its full-
est extent. Continuation of dredging through the summer may increase production,
but if the clams are cyclic in abundance, the particular size groups in which the
dredges are most effective will probably be diminished until another successful
period of recruitment occurs.
MARYLAND
LOCATION OF THE FISHERY: Although Pocomoke Sound, located in the southeastern
part of Chesapeake Bay yields small quantities of clams, nearly the entire catch
comes from the protected bays on what is locally called the sea side of Maryland.
Chincoteague, Sinepuxent, Assawoman, and Isle of Wight Bays form a continuous body
October 1952 COMMERCIAL FISHERIES REVIEW 17
of water along the entire east coast. The whole area is very shallow, rarely ex-
ceeding 12 feet in depth at high water, and the bottomis largely composed of soft,
sandy mud, with scattered areas of shell formed by natural oyster beds.
GEAR AND METHODS: With the exception of small quantities taken by dredges
working on the lower Chesapeake oyster beds, tongs and rakes account for the en-
tire catchof clams inMaryland wa-
ters. Rakes are used principally
in the summer when fishermen can
wade and tread clams, or locate
them by"signing" at low tideswhen
the bottom conditions are right.
This method is used by skilled
fisnermen who can recognize the
"sign," which may be a mound, de-
pression, or any hole in the bot-
tom indicating the position of the
clam. Tongs, which produce about
the same as rakes, are usedin both
summer and winterin deeper water,
and are particularly effective on
the naturaloyster beds whereclams
are abundant.
GENERAL CONDITIONOF THE FISH-
ERY AND PROBLEMS: Catch records
for the period from 1931-48 show
a steady increase in production,
with only occasionalminor regres-
sions. Although somewhat less
than 1947, the catch for 1948 is
still wellabove any other preced-
ing year.
Depletion was considered a
major problem only in the Chesa
peake Bay clam fishery. Dealers
in Crisfieldreported that former-
ly productive beds in Pocomoke
Sound have becomeso depleted dur-
= : FIG. 8 - LOCATION OF HARD-CLAM FISHERY IN CHESA-
ing the last fifteen years that PEAKE BAY STATES--STIPPLED AREAS.
they now produce virtually noclams.
Members of the Maryland shellfish industry who were interviewed almost univer-
sally agreed that marketing is the major barrier confronting the Maryland clam
fishery. The greater volume of production in New England offers serious competi-
tion to a year-round market. Nearly all Maryland dealers depend largely on "bed-
ding"--clams bought at low prices during the summer and on the re-sale of theclams
during the winter. In normally severe winters, the New England fishery is consid-
erably restricted, and "bedding" is quite profitable. A number of dealers stated
that they have bought and held clams from New York, New Jersey, Rhode Island, and
North Carolina to augment their local supply. Mild winters during the last few
years have made this practice risky, and several dealers reported that the poor win-
ter market had forced them to reduce or abandon "bedding" operations.
The outlet for Maryland clams is almost entirely out-of-state. Regular markets
are found in New York, Pennsylvania, Ohio, Florida, and even Texas. The peaks of
18 COMMERCIAL FISHERIES REVIEW Vol. 14, No. 10
demand occur during late summer for small clams used in clambakes, and during the
winter for large chowder clams.
Two firms within the State produce canned chowder, and very recently another
company has begun freezing clams with satisfactory results.
Pollution presents no problem to the Maryland clam fishery since most of the
clam-producing area of the Eastern shore is sparsely populated.
The steady increase in production, despite a reported reduction in fishing
effort, indicates that the industry is growing even though marketing problems are
severe. These problems may be overcome with the development of efficient techni-
ques of freezing and processing. Long-distéence shipment at minimum cost could
provide new outlets, and offer better competition to the New England clam fisher-
ies.
VIRGINIA
LOCATION OF THE FISHERY: Virginia's hard-clam fishery is centered along the
eastern peninsula. The sheltered bays from Cape Charles to Chincoteague Bay are
most productive, but considerable quantities are also taken from the lower Chesa—
peake Bay.
The western shore of Chesapeake Bay from Mobjack Bay to Cape Henry is also
quite productive. Broad shallow flats cover much of the area, and small coves
and creeks provide excellent holding grounds.
GEAR AND METHODS: Tongs and rakes are the most productive gears, anddredges
account for only a small part of the catch. Hand tongs are most numerous, but in
some areas in Chesapeake Bay the use of power-cperated patent tongs is permitted,
and in those areas, this gear is very important. Patent tongs are exactly the
same in design as hand tongs, except that the shafts are shorter, and made of iron
instead of wood, and that the head or basket is much larger. Wire ropes replace
the shafts, but the tongs are worked into the bottom by the same scissor-—like
action. This gear was originally developed for use in oyster fishing, but has
proved very efficient in catching hard clams.
The type of hand-operated gear varies with the season. In winter, tongs are
used almost exclusively, while in the summer rakes are used very extensively by
fishermen who take clams by treading and "signing."
No dredges are licensed for clam fishing in Virginia, and the catches listed
are taken incidentally in dredging for oysters and crabs. Clams are seldomdredged
from privately-leased holding grounds, principally because these grounds are often
in very shallow areas.
GENERAL CONDITION OF THE FISHERY AND PROBLEMS: Although the annual catch
during the period from 1944-48 was not as high as in previous years since 1931,
the lower production should not be interpreted as evidence of a serious declineor
depletion, Only one of the many dealers interviewed believed that the stocks of
clams were reduced. In all other instances, overproduction and marketing were con-
sidered the most serious problems.
The planting of clams on privately—leased grounds is one of the most important
parts of the industry. It is very difficult for Virginia dealers to compete prof-
itably with the great production from the New England and Middle Atlantic States.
There is a steady year-round demand, but prices are depressed during the summer
October 1952 COMMERCIAL FISHERIES REVIEW Ug)
when clams are plentiful and Virginia dealers consider winter trade most profit-
able. In severe winters when New England clam fishing is restricted, Virginia
FIG. 9 - TONGS ACCOUNT FOR OVER 60 PERCENT OF THE ANNUAL HARD-CLAM CATCH.
dealers can profitably sell clams bought during the previous summer and held on
leased beds. Unusually mild winters during the past few years have made holding
clams unprofitable, A number of men reported serious losses from holding clams
for two years, The heavy losses from holding beds reported by some dealers may
have been due to overcrowding, and the development of better farming techniques
might be of great value during periods when depressed prices necessitate long hold-
ing periods.
Local markets consume some of the catch, but Pennsylvania, New York, and Ohio,
and even Florida, provide the principal outlets. There is at present no large-
scale effort being made to process clams, and practically all are sold in theshell.
There is only a very limited local market for shucked clams, principally for res-
taurant and retail trade.
Pollution occurs only in a comparatively small area around Norfolk and is not
a serious problem. State health laws permit the sale of clams from contaminated
water, if they are transplanted to a pure area and held for one month,
20 COMMERCIAL FISHERIES REVIEW Vol. 14, No. 10
Predation is usually not a serious problem, but occasionally skates invade
the holding beds in the Chincoteague Bay area. One man reported the loss of 600
bushels of small clams in two nights during 1948, and said it was necessary to
fence his holding beds to exclude these predators, Fortunately, skates do not
come into the Bay every year, and the 1948 invasion was the first serious attack
to occur in five years.
NORTH CAROLINA
Hard clams are found in nearly all of the sheltered coastal waters of North
Carolina, but the commercial fishery is centered principally in Carteret and New
Hanover counties. Statistics of the Service reveal that smaller quantities are
also caught in Brunswick, Dare, Hyde, Onslow, and Pender counties.
Rakes, used by fishermen wading in shallow water or on beds exposed at low
tide, account for almost the entire hard-clam catch. Tongs are used, but except
in Carteret County, these are so few that their contribution to the catch is neg-
ligible. Dredging began about December 1949 in Carteret County and now accounts
for almost the entire catch of this county.
The opinion of dealers and biologists interviewed in North Carolina was that
the principal problem facing the hard-clam fishery is market development, although
some concern was expressed over the effect of the new dredge fishery.
Clams are abundant, but the distance to markets makes transportation very
costly. Most of the clam diggers work only part time, and turn to other fisheries
whenever it appears more profitable.
It is possible for southern clam diggers to work during winter months when
weather curtails the New England fishery, and North Carolina men find the winter
season profitable. Maryland and Virginia have similar advantages of weather, how-
ever, with a further advantage of being closer to the northern markets.
"Bedding" of clams bought cheaply during the summer is a common practice, but
is considered risky, particularly during the mild winters of the past severalyears,.
In "bedding!" as in the fishery for native clams, Virginia and Maryland offersharp
competition.
Contracts with northern canneries for large chowder clams provide one good
outlet, and the technique of freezing shucked meats and liquor separately had re-
duced transportation costs by increasing the pay load. Only a few dealers ship
directly to northern markets. Most clams are sold in the shell through dealersin
Virginia and Maryland. ;
Pollution and predation are of no importance to the North Carolina fishery.
Fishermen and dealers believe the supply of clams greatly exceeds the demand at
present. It seems improbable that the resource will be fully exploited unless the
market is expanded to offer profitable full-time employment to fishermen or unless
a more intensive dredge fishery develops.
SOUTH CAROLINA
Catch statistics indicate that the hard—clam fishery is concentrated in Horry
and Georgetown Counties, but fishermen insist that Charleston and Beaufort Counties
also have extensive clam beds. A sea-food producer of Beaufort revorted that the
hurricane of August 1940 exposed a three-quarter mile bed at Trenchard's Inlet "on
which clams were so thick that there was not a hand's breadth between them."
October 1952 COMMERCIAL FISHERIES REVIEW 21
Rakes account for most of the catch, a considerable part of which is dug on
exposed flats at low tide. Although dredges used in the oyster fishery alsocatch
a few clams, the catch is insignificantly small. Dredge production is limited
further by a State law which prohibits dredging for clams in less than 12 feet
of water.
Marketing is apparently the greatest problem in the hard-clam fishery of
South Carolina. All of the dealers and conservationists interviewed agreed that
hard clams offer an almost unexploited source of wealth, but the problem of find-
ing a profitable outlet has retarded the development of the fishery. Only during
GEORGIA
‘
on = Fh
\ \
5 Pegsecole
SOUTH ATLANTIC
Mins
— os
o 20 4 60 8
FIG. 10 - LOCATION OF HARD-CLAM FISHERY IN THE SOUTH ATLANTIC STATES SHOWN BY ST!PPLED AREAS.
22 COMMERCIAL FISHERIES REVIEW Vol. 14, No. 10
severe winters, when New England waters are inaccessible, can the Southern clams
be dug and marketed at a price high enough to defray the expenses of packing and
shipping to northern markets.
The oyster business is of much more importance, and extensive individually-
leasedareas are devoted to oyster farming. Holders of theseleases are not greatly
concerned with the development of a clam fishery, and at present there is little
interest in clam farming. Clams occur on the leased oyster beds but are more a-
bundant on public grounds.
South Carolina has 11 laws relative to clams some of which inhibit thedevel-
opment of an industry. One law specifies a closed season between May lst and Au-
gust lst, which prevents marketing of clams during the period of peak demand from
the raw-bar and clam-bake trade. Another law prohibits the out-of-state shipment
of clams in the shell. This second law prevents shell-stock shipments to North-
ern canneries which use large quantities of clams for chowder or minced clampvrod-
ucts. Local consumption is small, and unless an out-of-state outlet is found and
a profitable method of shipping developed (perhaps as a frozen product), the in-
dustry shows little promise of developing.
GEORGIA
There is no commercial clam fishery in Georgia. Clams are found in most of
the intra-coastal waters, but they are reported taken only for home consumption,
and are believed not to be sufficiently abundant to support a fishery. The Serv-
ice's records show no clam catch since 1932, when a total of 600 pounds was taken
commercially.
There is virtually no local demand, and the distance from northern markets
presents a serious barrier to the development of a fishery.
The introduction of efficient freezing techniques might be of value in de-
veloping a market, but at present there is little evidence that a fishery forhard
clams can be built up in Georgia.
FLORIDA
LOCATION OF THE FISHERY: Clams are found along both coasts of Florida, but
the greatest concentrations are on the west coast from Ten Thousand Islands to
Tampa Bay. The beds in this area are reported to extend from Shark Point to Coon
Key Light, a distance of about thirty-five miles. The inner edge is about one-
eighth mile from shore; the outer edge about five miles, The total area of the
beds is at least 150 square miles. The shore line slopes very gradually, and the
depth 4 to 5 miles offshore is less than 12 feet in many places.
GEAR AND METHODS: Rakes, hoes, and grabs are the only types of hand-operated
gear, and are few in number. Reliable records of the number of units of these
gear are not available, but on the basis of interviews it may be stated that the
number of men is small, compared to the numbers employed in other fisheries. Clam
digging is usually a part-time occupation pursued when other fishing is unprofit-
able.
A conveyor-belt dredge was introduced into the Ten Thousand Islands clam fish-
ery about 1913, and this type of dredge was used, with some modification and im-
provement, until 1947 when operations became unprofitable. All clams taken by the
dredge were shucked and used for canned chowder, minced clams, and clam juice.
The dredge was essentially a large wooden scow, about 30 by 80 feet, with a
rectangular opening in the bottom through which the dredge belt operated. Clams
October 1952 COMMERCIAL FISHERIES REVIEW 23
were washed from the bottom by high pressure jets of water, and brought to the
surface by a conveyor belt. The earlier models of this dredge were self-propelled,
An anchor was set and the dredge was allowed to drift or was towed to the end of
the cable--a distance of about 1,COO feet. The dredge then hauled itself back to
the anchor by means of awinch, The scoop of the dredge was about 34 feet in
width, and a single set could therefore cover about 3,500 square feet. It was
reported that the dredge operated 24 hours per day and could make about eight sets.
The most recent modification of this device is smaller in size, measuring
16 by 4O feet, and can operate in shallow water. It dredges a 24-inch swath, and
may either be operated on an anchor cable, or towed by a power boat. Facilities
are also provided for shucking and refrigeration, thereby minimizing the expense
for shore installations needed to pack the clams.
The regular Fall River dredge used in the New England fishery has been tried
in Florida, but although good catches were reported, it has never been used com-
mercially.
GENERAL CONDITION OF THE FISHERY AND PROBLEMS: The status and potential pro-
duction of the Ten Thousand Islands clam beds were reported in 1920, 1938, and
1943.
The first report, prepared by w. C. Schroeder of the U. S. Bureau of Fisher-
ies, emphasized the great abundance of clams. The second report was by J.R. Kelly
of the Florida State Board of
Conservation who attempted to
determine whether dredging op-
erations were damaging or de-
stroying the clam beds. This
report contained affidavits ob-
tained from a number of local
watermen who claimed that ser-
ious, depletion had occurred in
the years the dredge has been
operating. Overfishing, break-
ing of shells, smothering, re- Tongs (65-0%)
moval of grass, and destruction
of the habitat were cited as
the principal damaging effects
of the dredge.
In 1943, C. H. Chilton, a
fishery marketing specialist
for the U. S. Fish and Wildlife
Service, visited the area and
estimated the potential produc-
tion of the fishery to be al-
most unlimited. He reportedan
estimated abundance of onebush-
el of clams per six squareyards ° >
dredged. FIG. 11 - GEAR USED IN HARD-CLAM FISHERY MAINE TO FLORIDA
SHOWN IN PERCENTAGE OF AVERAGE CATCH 1944-48.
The contradictory nature of these reports makes analysis of the available
catch records for the area somewhat difficult. Service statistics are available
by county and gear for only seven years between 1931 and 1947, but they do show a
somewhat smaller catch for the Ten Thousand Islands area in 1947 than in any pre-
ceding year except 1934.
2h COMMERCIAL FISHERIES REVIEW Vol. 14, No. 10
The men interviewed during the 1950 survey (upon which this report is large-
ly based) felt that serious depletion had occurred, but that it was the result
of an unusual natural mortality, and not the result of dredging.
One fisherman sampled the aréa with a Fall River dredge during 1948 and
found clams sufficiently abundant to build another conveyor-belt dredge. In No-
vember 1949, he found that almost the entire population of clams had died. In
eight days of dredging from Coon Key to Wood River, he found only eight live clams;
the remainder of his catch consisted of empty shells. Areas untouched by previous
dredging yielded only dead clams,
The annual catch of the dredge from 1943 to 1946 was 30,000, 50,000, 78,000,
‘and 25,000 bushels. In the year 1947, clams were so scarce that operations were
halted. It is very difficult to trace and evaluate the trends of the TenThousand
Islands fishery. Although intensive dredging may have contributed to a reduction
in the stocks of clams, the fishermen we interviewed believed that a destructive
natural phenomenon also contributed to the depletion.
At present there is no fishery reported in the area,and unless natural res-—
toration rebuilds the population to its former abundance, it is doubtful whether
any further effort will be made to develop a clam industry in the Ten Thousand
Islands.
Interviews with dealers and conservation research personnel indicated that
only limited stocks of clams have ever been found outside of the Ten Thousand Is-
lands. Sufficient numbers for home consumption occur in many areas along both
coasts, but commercial fisheries have been attempted in only a few places,
A small fishery existed at one time near Matanzas Inlet, and although a small
stock of clams is still present, no effort is made toward commercial harvesting.
Limited quantities occur in the inland waters from Edgewater through the Indian
River, but there is no fishery. Clams are reportedly less abundant than before
the opening of the intra-coastal waterway.
Charlotte Harbor and adjacent inshore waters near Englewood supported asmall
fishery, but during the last few years heavy mortalities have so depleted the
stocks that fishing is no longer profitable.
Lower Tampa Bay provides a limited supply for local use, and a few largeclams
are taken near Clearwater. The upper limit of clam production is in the area of
Cedar Key, where clams were reported to be fairly plentiful, but no attempt has
been made to develop a fishery.
Florida dealers are faced with serious problems of marketing. With the ex-—
ception of Miami, there is little or no demand except in the tourist season, and
even then northern clams present a barrier to local marketing. Florida clamswere
reported by some dealers as being too large, too full of sand, and too difficult
to ship without heavy mortality. These dealers find a more dependable supply and
a better product from northern markets, One dealer reported buying 2 to 3 tons
per week from northern markets during the November-March tourist season.
At present there is practically no hard-clam fishery in Florida. Restoration
of the Ten Thousand Islands stocks might offer an opportunity for the development
of a market for shucked frozen clam meats to be used by northern canneries, or
perhaps for locally-canned clam products. It is doubtful, however, whether the
industry could ever be developed sufficiently to offer effective competition to
the big northern clam resources.
October 1952 COMMERCIAL FISHERIES REVIEW 25
CONCLUSIONS
The hard-clam fishery of the Atlantic Coast presents no picture of general
depletion such as that observed in the soft-clam fishery. Stocks of hard clams
in most areas are adequate and fishermen and dealers are often worried more about
demand than supply. Local exceptions to this statement are found--the most not-
able being the disappearance of the hard clams in the Ten Thousand Islands area
in Florida. This area, once described as the greatest bed of hard clams in the
country, now supports no commercial fishery. The cause of the disappearance of
hard clams in Florida is a worthy subject for biological research,
The intensive tong-and-rake fishery in Rhode Island, together with the possi-
bility of using more efficient power dredges, causes concern over the ability of
the clam population to withstand increased fishing pressure. The Service's in-
vestigations in this State are designed to determine the productivity of Green-
wich Bay in terms of the number of quahuags which can safely be removed eachyear.
These studies present a unique opportunity to observe a commercial fishery before
it has been dangerously depleted.
Pollution is a serious problem only in Massachusetts, Rhode Island, and New
York. Both Massachusetts and New York salvage their clams from polluted waters
by transplanting them to clean beds for a specified time before marketing. Ef-
fective disposal systems would reduce sewage pollution, enlarge the fishing area,
and increase clam production,
Marketing was reported to be an important problem by all states from Maryland
to Florida. These states must compete with the Middle Atlantic and New England
States, but are handicapped by their distance from the centers of population,
Severe winter weather restricts the northern diggers, but southern fishermen
seldom face this problem and usually find winter fishing profitable. Mild winters
during recent years have permitted digging most of the year in New England and
have thereby reduced sales from the South.
Another factor reducing the market for southern clams is the latter's lower
yield of meats per bushel as compared with northern clams. Catch statistics in-
dicate that hard clams from the New York-Maine area average about 11.5 pounds of
meats per bushel; New Jersey and Delaware about 9.0 pounds; whereas Maryland-
Florida clams averaged only 7.5 pounds per bushel. It is apparent from these fig-
ures that southern clams must be obtainable at a lower price to compete with those
from northern waters.
26 COMMERCIAL FISHERIES REVIEW Vol. 14, No. 10
= l at E Z tjtz Pe:
OTMEy RESEARCH
YIN SERVICE LABORATORIES
Progress on Projects, September 1952.
REFRIGERATION: Freezing Fish at Sea, Defrosting, Filleting, and Refreezing
the Fillets: The research trawler Delaware completed test cruises 14 and 15.
Approximately 21,000 pounds of scrod haddock were caught on Georges Bank and were
brine-frozen aboard the vessel. These fish were placed in commercial cold stor-
age and will be used for further testing by the laboratory. (Boston)
kKKRKE HK
Freezing and Storing Alaska Shrimp and Dungeness Crab: Organoleptic tests
were made on seven experimental packs of frozen Alaska shrimp after 31 weeks of
storage at 0° F. One lot of commercially-packed frozen shrimp was included for
comparison, The purpose of the project is to determine the effect of processing
and packaging methods on the flavor, texture, shrinkage, and keeping quality of
the shrimp meats. The 3l-week examination was made during the month and the ex=—
perimental work on this.phase of the project was concluded. Some of the tentative
conclusions were:
1. The texture of cooked Alaska pink-shrimp (Pandalus borealis) meats varied
widely within any given lot.
2. The toughening of cooked pink-shrimp meats occurred during the initial
processing and did not increase materially during frozen storage at O° F.
3. Flooding the cooked shrimp meats with brine (2-percent salt solution) prior
to freezing and storage produced a product more tender than the shrimp meats packed
dry in the usual commercial manner.
4. Pink-shrimp meats cooked from 1 to 4 minutes in 10-percent brine prior to
packaging and freezing apparently had absorbed an excessive amount of salt as
judged by taste testing. The flavor, from the standpoint of salt content, of
shrimp meats cooked 1 minute in 10-percent brine and then flooded with 2-percent
brine prior to freezing was satisfactory, as was the flavor of the shrimp meats
cooked 1 minute in 5—percent brine.
5. Use of monosodium glutamate (3 percent by weight) in the frozen dry—packed
shrimp did not improve the flavor or keeping quality of the product.
6. The storage life of frozen, dry-packed Alaska pink shrimp meats packed in
moisture-vaporproof containers is from 6 to 8 months at 0° F. The storage life
of frozen shrimp meats packed in dilute brine is greater than 8 months. (Ketchikan)
HHH EE
BYPRODUCTS: Vitamin Content and Nutritive Value of Fishery Byproducts: Nia-
cin and vitamin Bj assays of samples of 23 lots of pilchard meal and 1 lot of
tuna meal were completed. The niacin content of the lots of pilchard meal ranged
October 1952 COMMERCIAL FISHERIES REVIEW 27
from 61 to 125 micrograms per gram of meal on the moisture-—and-oil-free basis,
and the vitamin Bj2 content from 0,20 to 0.38 micrograms. The niacin content of
the lot of tuna meal was 174 micrograms per gram of moisture~and-oil-free meal;
the vitamin Bj2 content was 0.26 micrograms, (Seattle)
KH KR KEE
ANALYSIS AND COMPOSITION: Composition and Cold-Storage Life of Fresh-Water
Fish: The proximate composition was determined for four additional samples of
Lake Michigan chub and of 16 samples of sheepshead from the upper Mississippi
River. The results are presented in the following table:
_Composition of Edible Portion of Lake Michigan Chub and Sheepshead eh!
iceeee| oor i Proximate Composition i
Species No. g gp Moisture Ash
LakeMichigan | 13
chub 14
(Leucichthys | 15
sp.)L 16
at
2
3
5
6
Sheepshead 4
(Aplodinotus] 8
grunniens) 9
10
lL
12
13
14
5
16
1/CAUGHT IN JULY 1952. EVISCERATED WITH HEADS ON (DRAWN).
2/CAUGHT IN MAY 1952. ROUND (WHOLE) FISH.
(Seattle)
Technological Program Changes
Three new projects were initiated at the Seattle Fishery Technological Labora-
tory: (1) the cold-storage life of Pacific Coast halibut and (2) salmon, and
(3) freezing, thawing, and glazing salmon for canning. This information is needed
to provide the technical data to substantiate the changes recommended by the fish-
ing industry in the Federal specifications for fresh and frozen fish and for canned
salmon.
REFRIGERATION: (1) Cold-Storage Life of Halibut: The objective is to deter-
mine the length of time frozen halibut (Hippoglossus stenolepis) will remain in
good condition in commercial cold-storage warehouses. Frozen and ice-glazeddressed
whole halibut were obtained at three commercial fish-packing plants. The samples
28 COMMERCIAL FISHERIES REVIEW Vol, 14, No. 10
were handled in the usual commercial manner by placing the fish in paper—lined
boxes and storing at O° F. or below. At intervals of storage, steaks will be cut
from the dressed fish and the steak samples glazed, packaged, and further stored
at O° F, These whole dressed fish and steak samples will be examined organolep-—
tically by a qualified taste panel’at periodic intervals to determine their keep-
ing quality.
(2) Cold-Storage Life of King and Silver Salmon: The objective is to deter—
mine the length of time frozen king (Oncorhynchus tshawytscha) and silver (0.
kisutch) salmon will remain in good condition in commercial cold storage. Drawn
(heads on) king and silver salmon were plate-frozen, ice-glazed, and stored in
paper-lined boxes at about 0° F. At periodic intervais steaks will be cut and
the steak samples will be glazed, packaged, and stored. The dressed fish and
steak samples will be examined organoleptically to determine the cold-storage
keeping quality.
(3) Freezing, Glazing, and Thawing Salmon for Canning: At the present time
a substantial portion of the salmon caught in certain areas of Alaska are frozen
in brine aboard the vessel, and transported to the State of Washington where the
frozen fish are thawed and canned. Technological problems on handling the frozen
fish have arisen. These affect the quality of the final canned product. The pur-—
pose of this investigation is to determine the effect of methods of freezing, hold—
ing in refrigerated brine, glazing, and thawing of the salmon upon the quality of
the subsequently canned product.
Since this project was initiated after the season for sockeye salmon (0. nerka)
had closed, the tests for the year will be carried out on sockeye salmon frozen
aboard commercial freezer ships. Consequently, no tests during this year are con-
templated on methods of brine freezing. Representative samples of brine-frozen
sockeye salmon were obtained from a commercial packer. Tests are currently being
carried out to (1) determine feasibility of glazing the brine-frozen fish to pre-
vent possible changes during storage, and (2) to determine the effect of various
thawing methods on the salt content of the subsequently canned fish.
aS aaa
Project Reviews
FREEZING FISH AT SEA, DEFROSTING, FILLETING, AND REFREEZING THE FILLETS--
Review for Period December 1950-September 1952
The following is a summary of the over-all status of the project for the peri-
od from December 1950 to September 1952, presenting an inventory of the accom—
plishments, an evaluation of the original objectives in light of more recent and
actual operating experiences, and plans for the continuation of research.
RESEARCH TRAWLER OPERATIONS: Vessel: The M. V. Delaware was in a run-down
condition when received by the Service in December 1950. Repairs and alterations
to the vessel, over and above normal maintenance, during the past 21 months in-
cluded:
(a) Complete rebuilding of the main propulsion engine;
(b) Replacement of the trawl-winch Diesel engine;
(c) Enlargement and improvement of the galley, and of the forecastle
and cabin quarters;
(d) Replacement of the air-compressor unit.
October 1952 COMMERCIAL FISHERIES REVIEW 29
The vessel's basic fishing equipment was restored to the current New England
trawler style by the alteration or replacement of non-standard equipment, includ-
ing the echo sounder, compass, loran, radar, and heating and lighting system. The
deck gear likewise was re-
stored and most of the ex-
pendable items replaced, in-
cluding trawl-winch brake
system, trawl warps, trawls,
and fish-hoist equipment.
The crew (7 fishermen, 1
cook, and 4 officers) were
indoctrinated both for gov-
ernment employment condi-
tions and the project's
scientific researchapproach,
each a significant depar-
ture from their customary
commercial fishing-vessel
routine.
THE DELAWARE EN ROUTE TO FISHING GROUNDS.
Fishing operations are carried out at approximately half-scale as compared
to commercial practice, to allow for proper testing of the refrigeration equipment
during the developmental stages. Georges Bank has been the locale for all thetest
cruises, which average about six days each. The catch landed consisted of iced,
gutted fish for control purposes; and the round brine-frozen fish as material for
experimental work, quality-control tests, and for sale to commercial firms inter-
ested in testing the brine-frozen round fish, Sufficient sales have now beenmade
to demonstrate an active interest in the product and to indicate the handling
techniques that may be necessary for a larger-scale freezing-at-sea operation.
Refrigeration Equipment: A total of 15 test cruises have been undertaken,
with catches up to 25,000 pounds of whole round fish per cruise. These fish, pre-
dominantly scrod haddock, were frozen at sea in sodium-chloride brine and stored
in the refrigerated hold of the Delaware. The purposes of the cruises were:
(a) To obtain a supply of fish frozen at sea for use in the laboratory and
pilot plant, and to provide frozen fish to interested commercial processors;
(b) To study the operation of the experimental refrigeration equipment under
working conditions with a view to developing it to the point where similar equip-
ment could be recommended to the industry.
Of special interest has been the operation of the absorption-refrigeration
machine, Relatively new to this type of application, the absorption machine is
claimed to have certain inherent advantages over the compressor system. Tests of
the plant's efficiency, operating costs, and characteristics under full-rated load
have been delayed, however, by the low capacity of the brine-cooling evaporator,
and we are, therefore, not yet in a position to attest to the plant's performance
under full load.
RECENT CHANGES AND ADDITIONS: Since the publication of the report "Freezing
Fish at Sea--New England: Part 3 - The Experimental Trawler Delaware and Shore
Facilities " (Commercial Fisheries Review, vol. 14, no. 2, February 1952, pp. 16-25),
in which the vessel installation was described, a number of changes and additions
have been made, These are:
(a) Additional cold-storage space for frozen fish has been provided by con-
struction of an insulated bulkhead located two pen sections forward of the existing
30 COMMERCIAL FISHERIES REVIEW Vol. 14, No. 10
cold-storage room. This new room also is equipped with cooling coils designed
to keep the room temperature at 0° F,
(b) A brine make-up and storage tank of 50 cubic feet capacity has been in-
stalled next to the brine-freezer tank.
(c) The brine and storage-room coolant (or "antifreeze") circulating pumps
were moved from the freezing-tank room to the refrigeration-machinery room to pro-
vide more storage space in the former, and to facilitate better maintenance of
pumps and motors. The hold cooling coils were split into four parallel banks,
one on each side of the center line of the two storage rooms. The flow of "anti-
freeze" to each bank is controlled by conveniently located valves, providing flex-
ible control of the storage-room temperatures.
(d) Additional refrigeration controls and temperature-recording instruments
were installed.
Operating Data and Observations: FREEZER PERFORMANCE: It was found that by
loading the freezing tank approximately every 105 minutes with about 960 pounds
of scrod haddock, the brine temperature rose about 4° F, and was then pulled down
close to its original temperature in time for the next loading. Thus, the aver-
age freezing rate was about 550 pounds an hour.
STORAGE-ROOM TEMPERATURE: All-night operation of the room cooling system
usually lowered the temperature to about 5° F, Opening of the bulkhead door dur-
ing the storage of frozen fish caused the room temperature to rise five or more
degrees, depending on the period the door was open.
HANDLING OF FISH: It has been found convenient to fill nylon mesh bags (flat
dimensions 40 x 20 inches) with about 40 pounds of fish on deck, and to slide
these bags down a chute rigged from the after hatch to the freezer rotor. In un-
loading the freezer, the bags are lifted out by hand and passed forward into the
storage room where the
frozen fish are emptied
from the bags into the
pens. The bags are then
re-used.
FROZEN-FISH STORAGE:
Measurements were madeof
the available space for
storing frozen fish in
the two refrigeratedholds.
After deducting working
space, machinery (and
access) space, and an 18-
inch loading space be-
tween the ceiling andtop
of the fish, the net vol-
ume of. the forward and
after holds were foundto
be 985 cubic feet and
1,705 cubic feet, respec-
tively. Using a factor
of 33 pounds per cubic
foot for loose-frozenfish,
REMOVING FROZEN FISH FROM THE BRINE FREEZER ABOARD THE DELAWARE. found to apply inloading
October 1952 COMMERCIAL FISHERIES REVIEW ght
large boxes, the carrying capacities of these two rooms are 32,500 and 56,500
pounds, respectively.
Comments on Results: The freezing rate of 550 pounds an hour, about 55 per-
cent of the anticipated rate, can be increased by raising the brine-cooler capa-
city and by reducing the loss of refrigeration in the freezing room. The first
of these measures will also be necessary in order to apply a full load to the ab-
sorption machine.
Failure to maintain at 0° F, the storage-room temperature, as originally
planned, is attributed to frequent door openings and to the manner in which the
ammonia-vapor lines from the two evaporators (i. e., coolers) are connected. Im-
proved fish-handling procedures and a change in piping design, incorporated into
the brine-cooler modifications, can be expected to improve the storage-room tem-
perature.
Operation of the present brine freezer, while very effective in transferring
heat from fish to brine, is rather inefficient in its man-power requirements.
The lack of standing space and headroom over the tank makes handling the fishbags
an arduous task. Also, if sufficient fish were caught and frozen to warrant the
use of the after-storage room, wherein the freezer is located, the men would be
alternately working in the low temperature room and the relatively warm outside
air, Their necessarily frequent passage from deck to freezing room and return
would throw an excessive load on the room cooling system. These points have been
amply demonstrated during the early cruises,
The data given for the present carrying capacity clearly show the need for
the utmost efficiency in use of available storage space. Efficient construction
of insulated linings and bulkheads is essential, along with the elimination of
any equipment in the hold that could be installed elsewhere.
Under the "Pilot Plant and Shore-Processing" section of this report, observa-
tions of vessel unloading are noted. The desirability for development of an im-
proved unloading method is indicated by the comparison with fresh-fish unloading
rates, The rapid transfer of frozen fish from vessel to cold storage ashore is
obviously desirable in maintaining high quality.
Outline of Future Vessel Work: BRINE COOLER: By modification or replacement
of existing unit, increase cooler capacity to 20 standard refrigeration tons,
ABSORPTION MACHINE: Run tests to determine the machine's ability to handle
rated freezing load, its efficiency, and cost of operation, This will require in-
stallation of metering equipment in steam-condensate and boiler-fuel lines,
BRINE FREEZER: Develop brine~freezing mechanism which can be loaded and un-
loaded at deck level.
STORAGE SPACE: Study the construction of refrigerated holds with a view to
improving on the capacity of the existing installation. Considered in the study
would be the insulating materials, construction details and materials, and cooling
methods.
VESSEL UNLOADING: Develop improved methods and equipment to facilitate rapid
unloading and transfer of frozen fish to cold storage,
PILOT—PLANT AND SHORE PROCESSING: The objectives of the Pilot Plant and
Shore Processing section of this project as outlined in the original proposals have
32 COMMERCIAL FISHERIES REVIEW Vol. 14, No. 10
been modified and elaborated as the investigations have progressed. Therefore,
it might be well first, to summarize the major objectives and then, evaluate the
progress made on each. In this portion of the report these objectives primarily
within the scope of the laboratory or vessel-operations sections are not consid-
ered, Also, several minor incidental objectives are not mentioned.
Outline of Objectives—Original and Supplemental Combined:
A. Pilot-Plant Freezing Studies
1. Variety of freezing methods, possibly suitable for vesseloperation.
2. Freezing rates of fish in brine.
3, Ratio of brine to fish necessary for optimum freezing.
. Effect of different methods of dispersal (agitation) of fish in
brine-freezing tank.
B. Pilot-Plant Thawing Studies
1. Factors affecting rate of thawing fish, especially in fresh water.
2. Commercial thawing methods and equipment.
C. Shore-Processing Studies
1. Problems of unloading and storing frozen fish.
2. Problems of handling, scaling, and filleting thawed fish.
3. Effect of prolonged storage of round-frozen fish prior to defrost-
ing and filleting.
4, Fillet and viscera yields from round fish.
5. Changes in weight of fish during thawing.
6. Preparation of steaks from round-frozen fish.
A. Tentatively, at least, the four investigations under "Pilot-Plant Freezing
Studies," are considered completed. Final reports on the bulk of the results have
been prepared and accepted. One report has already been published ("FreezingFish
at Sea--New England: Part 2 - Experimental Procedures and Equipment," Commercial
Fisheries Review, vol. 14, no. 2, February 1952, pp. 8-15), and the second has
been accepted for publication ("Part 5 - Freezing and Thawing Studies and Sugges-
tions for Commercial Equipment"--in press.)
The few pilot-plant trials conducted since the submission of these papers
have simply confirmed the data and conclusions already reported.
On the basis of the pilot-—plant studies, several recommendations were made
for the design and operation of a freezing mechanism for the Delaware. In general,
these recommendations were followed in the designing and construction of the equip-
ment first installed on the vessel. When the equipment was operated, and as the
mechanical details were modified, the pilot-plant staff was frequently calledupon
to supply data and advice on the effect of various factors on the rates of freez—
ing of fish.
It is now apparent from actual operation of the equipment that major modifi-
cations are desirable to cut down on the labor below decks. The proposed changes,
which would permit the bulk of the operations to be conducted on deck, are still
in accordance with the initial recommendations. However, if possible, this time
the moderate-size pilot-plant scale models of the freezing equipment should be
given thorough trial before the final equipment is constructed and installed on
the vessel.
B. The original objectives under the "Pilot-Plant Thawing Studies" have been
considered from most of the major angles. A moderate amount of data has been ac-
cumulated on the factors affecting the thawing of fish in fresh water. Satisfactory
October 1952 COMMERCIAL FISHERIES REVIEW 33
methods and equipment for commercial use have been devised. The data and recom-
mendations are in the two reports already cited. Some of the practical informa-
tion on equipment and methods was included in a short report, "Technical Note No.
21--Equipment and Procedure for Thawing Fish Frozen at Sea" (Commercial Fisheries
Review, vol. 14, no. 5 (May 1952), pp. 18-19), which was based largely on the
second of the larger reports.
Since submission of the above reports, the experimental work has simply
tended to substantiate the conclusions and recommendations already made.
There are certain factors that have not been adequately considered and fur-
ther experiments are planned for study:
1. Methods of thawing frozen fish other than in water.
2. The effect of very rapid thawing of frozen fishin water at high tem-
peratures, for example, near 100° F,
3. The effect of very slow thawing of frozen fish in water of near-
freezing temperatures,
4. The effect of holding the fish in water for long periods, even after
thawing is complete.
5. The effect of icing the fish after thawing.
6. The effect of using sea water in place of fresh water for thawing
the fish.
As the determination of the exact effect on the fish of most of these factors
will be difficult, some time has been devoted to assisting the laboratory in the
development of taste-panel testing methods. It is not possible to detect some of
these effects without more refined testing procedures.
C. The classification "Shore Processing Studies" covers a variety of investi-
gations, some more or less overlapping into the first two classifications. None
of the six studies listed in this group has been pursued far enough to warrant a
full-scale final report. The results of the first experiments on commercial proc-
essing of fish which had been frozen in brine at sea were reported in "Freezing
Fish at Sea--New England: Part 4 - Commercial Processing of Brine-Frozen Fish"
(Commercial Fisheries Review, vol. ly, no. 2, February 1952, pp. 26-29). After
over 10 months of storage, the fillets prepared from the brine-frozen haddock com~
pare favorably with fillets from iced haddock from the same trip.
1. The study of methods of unloading and storing fish frozen at sea has
been limited to the use of available handling equipment. Improvements have been
made each time the Delaware has been unloaded. However, the law of diminishing
returns is evident. It is unlikely that any further marked improvement in unload-
ing rate or conditions is possible until brine~frozen fish are delivered inlarger
quantities. The loads delivered by a single vessel are not large enough to war-
rant the installation of expensive new handling equipment by cold-storage companies
or by anyone else. The latest system followed in unloading the Delaware employed
a vessel crew of 8 men--4 in the hold, 2 on deck, and 2 on the dock. A sustained
unloading rate of about 25,000 to 30,000 pounds per half day is the most that can
be expected. This is about 50 to 60 percent of the rate normal to unloading of
iced fish. The handling of the frozen fish by the cold-storage crew is still
highly inefficient, but as this operation is not under our control, it is not a
simple matter to experiment. No unusual ideas have been developed on the storage
of the fish. The cold-storage operators consider the handling of the fish in very
large boxes more or less impractical, Therefore, the frozen fish are simply
stacked in piles,
3h COMMERCIAL FISHERIES REVIEW Vol. 14, No. 10
2. The handling, scaling, and filleting of the thawed round haddock has
so far offered no special problem. Therefore, after making further observations
on these operations,
the information willbe
included in reports on
another subject. So
far, in all commercial
trials in standard com—
mercial processing
plants, the thawed fish
have been reported to
handle, scale, and fil-
let at least as easily
as iced, gutted fish.
The presence of the vis-
cera appears to simplify
scaling with mechanical
hand scalers. Also, with
round fish it should be
practical to scale the
fish well with a rota-
ting drum scaler. The
filleters noted that
there was less slime on
the fish; this is anad-
vantage to some and a
disadvantage to others,
apparently depending on
their filleting styles. The filleters were all pleased with the "fresh," firm
feel of the meat.
REMOVING FROZEN FISH FROM DELAWARE'S COLD-STORAGE HOLD.
3. The first study of the effect of prolonged storage of round brine-frozen
fish was begun in May 1952. The best controlled series were begun in August and
September 1952. No con=
clusions can yétbe drawn
on any of these experi-
ments. Brine-frozen had-
dock held for up to 33
months by private con-
cerns have looked as
though moderate drying
had occurred during the
storage period. However,
after the fish were thaw-
ed, they were found
to look good and to han-
dle well. The fillets
prepared from this had-
dock in storage a few
months compared wellwith
fillets prepared from
iced haddock currently
being delivered.
4. The datathus
far accumulated on yields
of fillets havebeen high- Uwnioapina FROZEN FISH FROM THE DELAWARE INTO BOXES ON TEMPORARY
ly encouraging--35 to 44 LOADING PLATFORM.
October 1952 COMMERCIAL FISHERIES REVIEW a5
percent on the basis of skin-on fillets from round fish. The variation is partly
due to differences in the condition of the fish (which vary somewhat according
to the season), Another reason for variation is the disparity in the skills of
different filleters. In order to compare fillet yields from round fish with fil-
let yields from iced, gutted fish, the weight of the viscera must be known. Only
twice has it been possible to secure this data. In each case, on scrod haddock
caught in October, the viscera recovered amounted to 10 percent of the total round
weight. The contents of viscera appears to be higher in spring and summer-caught
fish. Arrangements are being made to secure more complete data as often as pos-
sible,
5. In most thawing trials, the weights before and after thawing have been
noted. When the fish had been in storage for less than a week and the storage
temperatures and conditions had been "good," there was no significant change in
weight. Brine-frozen round scrod haddock stored for one to two weeks gained ap-
proximately one percent during water-thawing at 60° F, These data must bechecked
in additional trials, especially after several months of storage.
6. The preparation of steaks directly from frozen round fish has been tried
in an incidental way. A thorough study of this possibility is contemplated. It
is also planned to investigate the possibility of preparing wrapped dressed fish
or chunks.
LABORATORY: The work in the testing laboratory has been confined largely to
the application of various methods that might be of value in determining and com-
paring the quality of frozen haddock fillets that have been prepared from brine-
frozen and thawed fish in the round, and from iced, gutted fish. Test procedures
have involved the use of organoleptic examinations as well as physical and chemi-
cal methods such as press drip, free drip, dry-matter content of press drip, tex-
ture, salt content, and trimethylamine content of the fillets. A somewhat detail-
ed description of the testing procedures hasbeen reported previously ("Freezing
Fish at Sea--New England: Part 2 - Experimental Procedures and Equipment," Com-
mercial Fisheries Review, vol. 14, no. 2, February 1952, pp. 8-15). The results
of some of the preliminary laboratory tests, obtained prior to actual semi-commer-
cial production of fillets from brine-frozen fish, have also been reported ("Tech-
nical Note No. 22--Fish Frozen in Brine at Sea: Preliminary Laboratory and Taste-
Panel Tests," Commercial Fisheries Review, vol. 14, no. 7, July 1952, pp. 20-23).
In addition to various routine tests that, in the aggregate, consume an ap-
preciable amount of time but which nevertheless are necessary in the over-all con-
duct of the project, considerable time has been spent in examining the possibili-
ties of using freezing media containing certain organic compounds and salts, other
than sodium chloride, for freezing fish. Some work has been done on the histology
of haddock flesh in relation to changes in cellular structure that might occur as
a result of freezing once, and of thawing and refreezing. Effect of freezing on
the formation of trimethylamine in fish after thawing has been given some atten-
tion. These side projects will be discussed in more detail later in this report.
Quality Evaluation of Stored Samples: Some long-range studies on quality
evaluation of haddock fillets prepared from brine-frozen fish and iced fish, and
held in commercial storage at -10° to 0° F, have now been under way for over 10
months. Three lots of fillets are being examined, namely those prepared from:
(1) iced, gutted fish; (2) fish frozen in the round in brine, followed by thawing
in water at 53° F. for 3-3/4 hours; and (3) fish frozen in the round in brine,
followed by thawing in water at 729 F. for 1-3/4 hours. Examinations of the fil-
lets have been made at intervals of 3 to 4 weeks over this storage period. Palat-
ability tests have been made by a panel of laboratory personnel, with test samples
36 COMMERCIAL FISHERIES REVIEW Vol. 14, No. 10
prepared mostly by steaming. Other tests have been made on the uncooked fillets.
A random selection of three 5—pound cartons of fillets from each lot are used as
the source of samples for each test in order to obtain reasonably representative
results.
The results to date have indicated some changes in the quality of the three
lots over the period during which they have been in storage. The changes, how-
ever, have veen practically the same for each lot--a slight decrease in palatabil-
ity scores, a rather definite increase in press drip, and an increase in tendero-
meter readings (indicating decreased tenderness). Very little over-all change
has occurred in free drip, total solids in press drip, and trimethylamine content
for the three lots. At this time, the fillets are considered to be of nearly
equal quality in all three lots and show no adverse effects due to refreezing.
Freezing Media Studies: During the past year, compounds to be used as sub-
stitutes for or additives to sodium-chloride brines, to enable freezing operations
: - to be carried out ata
lower temperature, have
been tested. A large
number of compounds were
investigated. For rea-
sons of toxicity, vis-
cosity, hydrolysis ef-
fects, etc., the number
of possibilities was re-
duced to a relative few.
These compounds areboth
inorganic, such as var-
ious salts, and organic,
such as carbohydrates,
alcohol, and glycerol.
They may be used alone
or in combination with
sodium chloride.
PREPARING BRINE-FROZEN FISH FOR SALT ANALYSIS.
In addition to possible toxic properties of the additives, factors which de-
termine the cost of the brine must be considered. To be efficient as a freezing
medium, a brine must afford maximum depression of the freezing-point for minimum
quantities of solid substance added. Such a requirement implies that the freezing
curve for the resulting medium should exhibit little or no horizontal portion or
“plateau effect" with increasing concentration. Ionization or splitting of a dis-—
solved substance into two or more charged particles, tends to increase the effec-—
tiveness of the substance. Ionization is a characteristic of inorganic, but does
not occur in organic compounds (other than salts of organic acids), so that the
freezing point is reduced more, per molecular weight, by inorganic than by organic
additives.
The "plateau effect" is most characteristic of carbonhydrate syrups and is
noticeably present in other organic media. Highly concentrated solutions are re-
quired for effective reduction of freezing points. For example, various sugar
syrups require concentrations in water in the range of 50 to 60 percent (by weight)
to permit low freezing temperatures to be attained.
Inorganic brines, to be commercially practical, appear to be limited to sodium
chloride, magnesium chloride, or calcium chloride. The last, due to its deteriora-
tive effect upon the meat of fish, would require some modification. These brines
are characterized by efficient and relatively great reduction in freezing points,
as shown in the table on page 37.
October 1952 COMMERCIAL FISHERIES REVIEW 37
The feasibility of using calcium chloride or magnesium chloride is still be-
ing investigated. Of the two, magnesium chloride appears the most promising.
Fish frozen in a eutectic (22
percent by weight) magnesium- Percentage Eutectic freez-
chloride brine at temperatures present in ing temperature
of -10° F, and -20° F, are in- Compound ater solution} of solution
distinguishable visually from Sodium chloride
the normal iced product. The Calcium chloride
few organoleptic tests perform- (73 percent)
ed thus far have evidenced no Magnesium chloride
taste differences fromcontrol
samples frozen in sodium-chloride brine. A sample of approximately 5,000 pounds
of haddock frozen in magnesium-chloride solution is to be placed in commercial
cold storage (-10° F. to 0° F,). This sample will be regularly tested chemically
and organoleptically during a period of approximately one year in storage for
changes in flavor, appearance, and texture.
The solubilities of other chlorides, when added to eutectic sodium-chloride
brines, are greatly reduced, and any further depression in freezing point caused
by the addition of the other chlorides is negligible. It is possible, however,
to bring about a more substantial decrease in freezing point by decreasing the
concentration of sodium chloride and thereby permitting increased quantities of
the more efficient magnesium chloride to be added. Mixtures of this type are
under investigation. Fish frozen in a mixture (15 percent by weight each of so-
dium and magnesium chlorides) at -109 F. have been tested organoleptically and
chemically. No differences in flavor,texture, or appearance could be noted. Chem-
ically, the penetration of salt into the meat of the fish as indicated by an in-
crease in the chloride concentration when using the mixture was markedly reduced
as compared to that for fish frosen in sodium-chloride brine. Storage of large
quantities of fish frozen in these mixtures is not at present contemplated. It
is felt that the results to be obtained from storage tests of fish frozen in mag-
nesium-chloride brines will indicate whether magnesium chloride, as a substitute
for or an additive to sodium-chloride brine, is usable.
Organic compounds, due to the "plateau effects" found in the freezing curves,
due to their lack of ionization, and also because of relatively high costs, have
not been extensively studied in this project. Much higher concentrations of or-
ganic compounds in water are required to attain a given reduction in freezing
point than is the case with the more efficient inorganic salts. For example, while
a 20-percent solution of sodium chloride will reach a temperature of approximately
0° F. before freezing, a 64-percent solution of sucrose is required to reach the
same temperature. Not only is cost a factor in this case, but asolution of a much
higher viscosity results, which retards heat transfer.
It is possible to add alcohol or glycerine to eutectic sodium-chloride brines
without having the sodium chloride precipitate. Here again, however, the "plateau
effect" of the freezing curve is observed. While reasonably low temperature—freez-
ing solutions may be obtained from these mixtures, the temperatures reached arenot
sufficiently low, as compared to some other substances, to justify the additional
cost unless found to be the only usable methods,
The addition of glucose to inorganic-salt brines has given promise of usable
brines. A mixture of 12,.5-percent sodium chloride and 34-percent glucose in water
freezes at -10° F, Calcium chloride (25 percent) when mixed with glucose (25 per-
cent) in water will freeze at -25° F, This solution does not cause the usual de-
teriorative effect upon the meat of fish found in solutions in which calcium chlo-
ride is the single dissolved component. No eutectic points have yet been found in
38 COMMERCIAL FISHERIES REVIEW Vol. 14, No. 10
these calcium chloride-glucose solutions. The degree to which the temperature
may be lowered is limited only by viscosity effects.
In summary, the following general statements may be made regarding immersion
freezing media, The costs of sodium-chloride brine substitutes cannot possibly
compete with the costs of sodium chloride. It is probable, however, that such
low-temperature brines will be usable for longer periods since, for several rea—
sons, contamination of the brine will be reduced. The possibility of the brine
freezing in the heat-exchanger tubes will be minimized since the freezing point
of the brine approaches the minimum temperature of the vaporizing ammonia sur-
rounding the tubes. Lower brine temperatures will lower the degree of penetration
of fish by the brine. Freezing-rates at -10° F. are approximately twice those at
410° F. Immersion periods will be proportionately shortened. Since penetration
occurs, to a limited extent, even after freezing of the surface has taken place,
the shortened immersion period will operate to reduce penetration of the brine
into the fish.
Trimethylamine in Frozen and Thawed Fish: In developing the technique for
determining the content of trimethylamine nitrogen in haddock, some results were
obtained which indicated that fillets which had been previously frozen and then
thawed produced trimethylamineat a much lower rate than did previously unfrozen
fillets (both samples were held at above-freezing temperatures). Since the tri-
methylamine test is being used in this project in making quality—evaluation com—
parisons, it was thought advisable to conduct a side project of short duration to
go further into these findings. Some samples of fresh haddock fillets and gutted
haddock were held in crushed ice and removed at intervals as freshness decreased
for plate-freezing and storage at 0° F. Other samples were plate-frozen immedi-
ately, without any holding period in crushed ice, and stored at 0° F., while a
third series was brine-frozen and placed in 0° F, storage. After freezing and at
different intervals of frozen storage, samples were placed in a household refrig-
erator at a temperature of about 40° F. for holding until spoilage of the samples
occurred, as judged organoleptically. Trimethylamine-nitrogen determinations were
made initially and at appropriate intervals during the test.
The samples held in crushed ice showed a progressive increase in trimethyla-
mine nitrogen during the holding period, reaching a value of about 27 mg. per 100
gm. of the meat of the fish for the last of the fish that were removed from the
ice to be frozen. Immediately after freezing, the values dropped to about 10 mg.
Upon removal of the samples after various periods of storage up to three weeks at
0° F. and placing in the household refrigerator, no appreciable rise in trimethyla-
mine nitrogen occurred even though the fish became badly spoiled, Similar results
were obtained during spoilage of the samples that had been frozen immediately and
then placed in the household refrigerator. The results indicate that trimethyla-
mine nitrogen values used as an index of spoilage for unfrozen haddock do not ap-
pear to be valid when the fish have been previously frozen, then thawed and allow-
ed to spoil at above freezing temperature. Under these conditions values did not
rise much above 10 mg. per 100 gm. of the meat of the fish even when the fish had
reached an advanced spoiled stage. A detailed report of this side project is be-
ing prepared.
Histology: Another side project which ha: been under way for some time is
the preparation and study of sections of the meat from fish frozen once and twice.
These histological studies were to be made originally to supplement the findings
of other tests in evaluating the quality of the fish prepared and stored in the
course of this project. At first we thought that as a result of refreezing some
quality differences would occur, but none showed up. Therefore, the histological
studies will be terminated shortly. Considerable difficulty has been encountered
October 1952 COMMERCIAL FISHERIES REVIEW 39
in preparing satisfactory sections and the results obtained thus far have not
been sufficiently encouraging to warrant further action at this time.
Actomyosin: Some preliminary results, at least insofar as developing the
technique is concerned, have been obtained on the determination of extractable
actomyosin in fish muscle. It is thought that by following changes in solubility
of this substance, an indication of the degree of denaturation of the fish protein
due to freezing may be obtained and these indices may, in turn, be of some value
in showing possible effects of refreezing on protein breakdown, Because of the
press of other work and the delay in delivery of essential laboratory equipment,
very little progress has been made in conducting accurate determinations of acto-
myosin until quite recently. These determinations are now under way and should
progress more smoothly than in the past.
Consumer Acceptance Tests: To supplement the findings in the quality-evalu-
ation tests made in the laboratory and, more particularly, to obtain the reactions
and opinions of consumers regarding the quality of fillets prepared from brine-
frozen fish and from iced fish, large-scale consumer acceptance tests have been
planned. Approximately 200 letters were sent out through the Massachusetts Divi-
sionof Marine Fisheries, explaining the purpose of the tests and asking whether
the recipients would be interested in cooperating in such tests. Although the re-
sponse was less than anticipated, a sufficient number expressed a desire to par-
ticipate in these tests. A number of the potential participants were visited and
arrangements made to start the tests. The tests will be made in the participants'
homes on samples delivered by us; the samples to be prepared for the table by the
participants in any desired manner. Generally, fillets from brine-frozen fish
and fillets from iced fish will be tested and compared simultaneously. A simple
questionnaire signifying the preference, if any, will then be filled out andmailed
to the laboratory. Plans are being discussed to expand the consumer tests to
neighbors of the laboratory personnel, and to organized groups that might serve
to give a representative cross-section of the consumer public.
Future Laboratory Studies: Among some problems planned for future study are
organoleptic tests for seasonal effect on quality of fish frozen at sea, and of
commercially-iced fish. While this, in effect, has been and is being done in con-
nection with the various cruises made by the Delaware, the scope will of necessity
be limited due to the laying-up of the boat at certain times during the year.
Another problem is to investigate procedures to reduce drip in fillets when
they are thawed. It is planned, at first, to determine the effect of dipping the
fillets in sodium-chloride brines of various strengths, holding the time constant.
Variations of this procedure may then be tried.
Although some data have been collected on relative tenderness of the meat
of brine-frozen and air-—frozen fish, it is planned to supplement these findings
with further data of this type.
Considerably more work should be done in developing recommended procedures
for reducing brine penetration into the fish during the brine-freezing process.
Factors such as temperatures of the brine, length of time the fish are held in the
brine both prior to and after freezing, and possible effect of freezing before
rigor and during rigor are to be considered.
Further work may possibly be done on developing freezing media that permit
lower temperatures to be used in immersion freezing of the fish.
Sle
(Boston)
40 COMMERCIAL FISHERIES REVIEW Vol. 14, No. 10
= IRENDS s===
AND =
ps DEVELO PMENTS | =<
Additions to the Fleet of U. S. Fishing Vessels
A total of 41 vessels of 5 net tons and over received their first documents
as fishing craft during August 1952--11 less than in August 1951. California led
with 6 vessels, followed by Louisiana witn 5 vessels, and Alaska and Texas with)
vessels each, the Bureau of Customs of the Treasury Department announced.
Vessels Obtaining Their First Documents as Fishing Craft, August 1952
Eight mos.
ending
Section 1952 1951
Number | Number
New England .....cecse- 3 aL
Meld diliergAtalian talcersreietererere iL all
Chesapeake .....eeceeee 3 -
Sowa kodleiangal© Socacooc 6 sy
Gulssee ie cat voretebeuenerte OO:010.O0 ALS) 15
Peyealiin@ GOASIE oosc00000 9 ill
Grdsene ILEKAS coccooo0c000 Ss 2
Alaska. 5.0 0.07 o0000000000 Ie 3
ene SoooocccGGGDO0G ° - AL
Tova aan secre Al 52
NOTE: VESSELS HAVE BEEN ASS|IGNED TO THE VARIOUS SECTIONS ON THE BASIS OF THEIR HOME PORT.
Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission
Holds Annual Meeting
The llth Annual Meeting of the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission
concluded a three-day session at Boston on September 5. Ninety-four Commissioners,
Federal and state fishery administrators, scientists, and staff members attended
the general session on September 4. The U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service reported
on research undertaken in a variety of fields for the Commission.
The Commission discussed ways of defining “inland" marine waters to facili-
tate the regulation of out-of-state boats and the need for better state catch sta-
tistics to aid both research and administration.
The Commission adopted the recommendations of its striped bass committee for
the establishment of a cooperative Federal-state research program relating to
striped bass and immediate opposition to the Clemente Bill, H. R. 8067, which would
transfer the regulation of striped bass to the Federal Government, and would make
it a Federal offense to catch striped bass anywhere in the marine waters of the
U. S. except by hook and line. The Committee found and the Commission agreed that
there was no evidence of over-all striped bass depletion, that the states were a-
ble and ready to enact any measures needed, that the Clemente Bill is contrary to
precedent and without justification, and that its penalties are preposterous.
October 1952 COMMERCIAL FISHERIES REVIEW 41
After the general sessions on September 4, the Chesapeake Bay and South At-
lantic Sections met, and September 5 was devoted to meetings of the North and
Middle Atlantic Sections of the Commission.
The four Sections reported to the Sep-
tember 5 afternoon closing session at which
the Commission approved three recommenda-
tions from the North Atlantic Section, to
request continuation by the U. S. Fish and
Wildlife Service of the clam study and of
the yellowtail study, andto urge the recon-
struction of the obsolete Fish and Wildlife
Service Laboratory at Woods Hole, Mass.
The various Section meetings received
detailed reports on many special problems sBRINE-FROZEN FISH BEING INSPECTED ABOARD
relating to their particular areas. THE RESEARCH TRAWLER DELAWARE BY MEMBERS
OF THE ATLANTIC STATES MARINE FISHERIES
COMMISSION AND VISITING SCIENTISTS. THE
On September 6 members of the Commis- ONE-DAY CRUISE WAS TO DEMONSTRATE THE
sion and visiting scientists participated PASH AND WUTDL IGE Genwi Ge SEX eer ENTS
in demonstrations staged by the U. S. Fish
and Wildlife Service of freezing fishin the round at sea on board the motor trawl-
er Delaware and of Japanese long-line fishing methods for catching tuna on the
Marjorie Parker, both of which sailed from the Service's East Boston docks fora
full day's cruise.
Federal Purchases of Fishery Products
the military feeding of the U. S. Army, Navy, Marine Corps, and Air Force, the
Army Quartermaster Corps this August purchased 3,999,589 pounds (valued at
$1,676,942) of fresh and frozen fishery products (see table). This was an in-
crease of 75.4 percent in quantity and 52.8 percent in value as compared with
the previous month, and 33.5 percent in quantity and 50.2 percent in value over
August 1951.
Purchases of Fresh and Frozen Fishery Products by Department of the Army
st and the First Hi
Gigs) Nivka Dol CAE U
E
January-August p
1952 1951 1952 1951 1952 1952 1951
Lbs. Lbs. $ Fy
1,676,942) 1,116,245/10,245,608 |8,335,084
January-August purchases this year rose 11.0 percent in quantity and 22.9 per-
cent in value, compared with the corresponding period in 1951, The average cost
per pound was 45.5 cents for the first eight months this year as compared with41l.1
cents for the same period a year earlier.
In addition to the purchases of fresh and frozen fishery products indicated
above, the Armed Forces generally make some local purchases which are not included
in the above figures. Therefore, actual purchases are somewhat higher than indicat-
42 COMMERCIAL FISHERIES REVIEW Vol. 14, No. 10
ed, but it is not possible to obtain data on the local purchases made by military
installations throughout the country.
HH HR HR
NO CANNED SALMON FROM 1952 PACK REQUIRED BY ARMED FORCES: "Due to condi-
tions prevailing in the Far East Command and because stocks on hand are suffi-
cient to meet the needs of the Armed Forces during the next 12 months, the Army
Quartermaster Corps does not plan to purchase any canned salmon from the 1952
pack," states a September 8 Department of Defense news release.
The announcement was made to inform industry of the Armed Forces! position
in reference to its needs for canned salmon so that industry may plan according—
ly. For the past several months, according to the release, troops in Korea have
been supplied mostly with fresh foods. This reduced the requirement for canned
foods--one of the chief components of operation rations which are served when
fresh foods are not available.
Although the Department announced that canned salmon is occasionally served
with the fresh-food rations supplied to troops both overseas and in the Continen-
tal United States, it is expected that requirements through calendar year 1953
can be met from stocks on hand.
g
Fishery Marketing Specialist Examination Announced
FISHERY MARKETING SPECIALIST EXAMINATION ANNOUNCED: An examination for Fish-=
ery Marketing Specialist (GS-5, $3 , 410 a year) was announced by the U. S. Civil
Service Commission on September 16, 1952 (Announcement No. 336). The register es-
tablished from this examination will be used to fill positions in the Fish and
Wildlife Service of the Department of the Interior in Washington, D.C., and
throughout the United States. However, this same examination may be used to fill
positions in other Federal agencies in Washington, D. C., and vicinity. The clos—
ing date for this examination is November 18, 1952.
Except for the substitution of education for experience as provided, appli-
cants must have had 3yearsof responsible experience in any position involving (a)
the collection and compilation of market information and statistics on fishery
products and the preparation from such data of analytical articles or bulletins
for publication; or (b) marketing research requiring an intimate knowledge of com-
mercialmethods and practices in producing, processing, transporting, or marketing
of fishery products. Study successfully completed at an accredited college or
university with specialization in fisheries may be substituted for experience at
the rate of one (1) academic year of education for 9 months of experience, up to
a maximum of 3 years of the required experience; study successfully completed at
a college or university with specialization in economics or marketing may be sub-
stituted for experience at the rate of one academic year of education for 6 months
of experience, up to a maximum of 2 years of the required experience.
All competitors will be required to take a written test consisting of ques-
tions on paragraph reading, meaning of words, English usage, graph and table in-
terpretation, and arithmetic reasoning. Examinations will be held at the places
listed on the examination announcement.
October 1952 COMMERCIAL FISHERIES REVIEW 43
Announcement No. 336 (dated September 16, 1952) which gives full details
and information, and application blanks are obtainable from the U. S. Civil
Service Commission, Washington 25, D. C., from any of the Commission's regional
offices, or from any first-or second-class post office.
CRUISE NO. 6: A catch of approximately 2,000 pounds of bluefin tuna was made by
the schooner Marjorie Parker on the sixth cruise of this year's New England blue—
fin tuna exploration. This vessel, which has been chartered by the U. S. Fish
and Wildlife Service, for this cruise left Portland, Maine, on August 14 and re-
turned to the same port on August 29. Adverse weather and a breakdown of the
Japanese line hauler resulted in the loss of six fishing days during the cruise.
A total of 28 long-line sets was made during the trip and resulted in a
catch of 56 tuna, averaging 35 pounds (round weight) each. Three tuna were
caught with surface trolling lines, and two were captured on hand lines. Catches
of blue sharks greatly outnumbered the tuna catch. Considerable time was lost
in repairing the damage to the main and branch lines caused by the sharks.
Operations were conducted in four general areas: west southwest of Mt.
Desert Light, Maine; east southeast of Cape Ann, Massachusetts; southeast of
Cape Cod Light, Massachusetts; and southeast of Pollock Rip Lightship. The best
results were obtained in the latter area where a set of 10 baskets (70 hooks)
produced 13 tuna on the afternoon of August 25. Schools of tuna were sighted on
four separate occasions in the waters southeast of Cape Cod Light, and another
school was observed on Stellwagen Bank, about 10 miles northeast of Race Point
on August 27. One small school of tuna was chummed alongside the vessel, using
alewives for bait, but only two fish were taken with hand lines.
Landings were made at Gloucester and Provincetown, Massachusetts, and the
catch was sold to commercial fish companies for $240 and $220 per ton.
HHH KEK
Cruise No. 7 the schooner Marjorie Parker encountered and caught only a fewtuna.
Long lines and trammel nets were used. The vessel left Portland, Maine, on Sep-
tember 3 and completed the trip at Boston on September 23. Some fishing time
was lost due to unfavorable weather. Fishing was conducted in five generalareas:
southeast of Portland Lightship, Maine; Boon Island, Maine; southeast of Cape Ann,
Massaschusetts; southeast of Cape Cod Light, Massachusetts; and southeast of No
Mans Land, Massachusetts. Results were poor in all areas fished.
A total of 198 baskets of long-line gear was set, which resulted in a catch
of approximately 850 pounds of bluefin tuna. A set of three trammel nets was
unsuccessful. One bluefin tuna was captured with surface-trolling gear. Over
180 sharks (mostly blue sharks) were caught on the long—line gear.
Most sets produced sharks but no tuna. No surface schools were observed,
although small scattered tuna were seen jumping south of No Mans Land. On Septem
Lk COMMERCIAL FISHERIES REVIEW Vol. 14, No. 10
ber 21, a few unusually small tuna were taken on the long line about 50 miles
south of Block Island. They ranged in size from about 7 to 12 pounds and were
the smallest tuna yet taken in the Service's two years of tuna explorations in
these waters.
The tuna catch was sold to commercial fish firms for $240 per ton.
The vessel left Boston, Massachusetts on September 26 on Fishing Cruise No.
8 and was scheduled to return about October 4. Using long lines, gill nets,
trammel nets, surface-troll. lines, and hand lines, the vessel expected to fish
on Cashes Ledge, Tobins (southeast of Cape Cod Light), and on the northern edge
of Georges Bank.
ALBACORE TUNA EXPLORATION BY "JOHN N. COBB" (CRUISE NO. 12): An eight-
week albacore tuna exploration off the coasts of Washington, Oregon, and the
northern part of California was conducted by the John N. Cobb in June and July.
This exploratory fishing vessel is operated by the Service's Branch of Commer-
cial Fisheries in the North Pacific.
To secure information concerning surface ocean currents in waters off Wash-
ington, Oregon, and northern California, a total of 5,000 drift cards were re-
leased on a course commencing 50 miles west of Cape Flattery, Washington, and
terminating 500 miles west of Cape Blanco, Oregon, on June 19.
After release of the cards, trolling for tuna commenced and the first alba-
core of the trip was caught on June 24, approximately 525 miles west of Trinidad
Head, California. Scattered tuna were taken in the same general area until
June 28. Although trolling was carried on continuously, no more albacore were
taken until July 11 and 12 when several were caught from 180 to 250 miles off
the coast of southern Oregon. Small scattered schools were encountered between
July 24 and July 28 between Cape Meares and Cape Falcon, Oregon, about 45 miles
offshore, during which time the best single day's catch (89 fish) was made.
Fishing results for the remainder of the cruise were poor, with only a few scat-—
tered fish being found.
Surface water temperatures from June 20 to July 1 varied from 56° F. to
58° F, in the area from Trinidad Head to Cape Blanco at distances from 235 to
600 miles offshore. A surface water temperature of 60° F. was encountered for
the first time on the trip about 110 miles west of Heceta Head, Oregon, on
July 2. The best fishing of the trip occurred in surface water temperatures of
59° F. to 60° F. about 45 miles offshore between Cape Meares and Cape Falcon
from July 24 to July 28.
Experimental gill nets were fished twice, catching only 2 tuna. A total of
147 albacore were tagged with streamer-type tags. During most of the cruise the
prevailing winds were north and northwest, frequently strong, with choppy to
rough seas.
October 1952 COMMERCIAL FISHERIES REVIEW 45
Pacific Coast States Conducting Experimental
Bottom Fishing at Great Depths
The deepest experimental bottom fishing ever conducted on the Pacific Coast
is now under way as a joint project of the three coastal states, according to an
August 27 news release from the California Department of Fish and Game.
California, Oregon, and Washington fish and game agencies each assigned
marine biologists to participate in the bottom-fish research cruise of the Cali-
formia Department of Fish and Game vessel, N. B. Scofield, which started August
12 and was expected to end September 12.
The tri-state cruise which began at Eureka and was scheduled to wind up at
Cape Flattery or Tatoosh Island off the Washington coast, is the first made by
the N. B. Scofield since installation of new deep-sea exploratory gear. New,
remote-controlled winches will pay out 1,600 fathoms of cable, and allow mile-
deep drags of heretofore unknown ocean bottoms.
The cruise objectives were to test fishing nets to determine the "escape
sizes" for various deep-sea species.
NC 3 ae
Pacific Oceanic Fishery Investigations
RESEARCH VESSELS RETURN FROM FISHING AND HYDROGRAPHIC SURVEYS: "John R.
Manning": The return on September 15 of the Service's Pacific Oceanic Fishery
Investigations (POFI) vessel John R. Manning from an exploratory and experimental
fishing cruise in equatorial waters has added further to the Service's knowledge
of tuna resources and habits in that vast ocean region. The best fishing along
the 150th meridian occurred, as usual, north of the equator, but the tuna yield
was low. The vessel started on the cruise August 6.
The catching rate dropped to 5 tunas per hundred hooks as compared to over
10 tunas per hundred hooks for the last year's cruise of the Hugh M. Smith (anoth-
er POFI vessel) to the same locality. Biological and hydrographic data which
were collected simultaneously may, upon study, uncover reasons for the poor fish-
ing which plagued the chartered vessel Cavalieri early in September when it at-
tempted to catch a load of tuna in the same equatorial region.
A special experiment of 24 hours' fishing by setting and hauling long-line
gear every 4 hours produced catches composed entirely of yellowfin tuna during
the day and entirely of big-eyed tuna at night. Further similar experiments must
be carried out to check this striking difference indicated by one full day's fish-
ing.
"Cavalieri": After undergoing considerable repair, the Cavalieri departed
Honolulu on August 13 for its second attempt to obtain a commercial load of tuna
by means of long-line gear. August radio reports indicated that fishing was ex-
cellent. The catch rate in the "rich zone" was 9 to 12 tuna per hundred hooks
with 70 baskets of gear set. This amounts to 2 or 2% tons of tuna per day. How-
ever, early September reports stated that fishing felloff considerably,
"Hugh M. Smith": The vessel Hugh M. Smith returned to Honolulu on August 29,
after completing a 38-day hydrographic cruise (No. 16) for the purpose of making
special observations on surface and subsurface currents in the region of the equa-
L6 COMMERCIAL FISHERIES REVIEW Vol. 14, No. 10
tor and on the vertical distribution of zooplankton in respect to the thermocline.
At the equator the water was moving strongly to the northwest at the surface and
strong to the east at depths of about 200 to 300 feet. While a northerly compon-
ent at the surface was expected on the basis of earlier indirect evidence, it was
not expected to be as strongly toward the north as observed on this occasion.
Drifts at several levels in the countercurrent confirmed the earlier indirect
evidence on the lack of transverse circulation.
The Hugh M. Smith on September 15 returned to Honolulu from a 10-day hydro-
graphic cruise (No. 17) in island waters. The trip was occasioned by recent poor
skipjack catches by the local sampan fleet. Physical, chemical, and biological
data obtained on this cruise will be compared to similar data collected during
the exceptionally good skipjack season of last summer in the hope of revealing a
casual change in the environment. Only 8 schools of tuna were sighted in the 10
days of observation; 7 of these were identified as skipjack tuna. Trollinglines
only yielded 4 dolphin.
Proposals Invited for Lease of a Fish Cannery
in Tutuila, American Samoa
The Government of American Samoa will entertain proposals for the lease of a
fish cannery which it owns, together with the equipment and facilities, located
at Tutuila, American Samoa. Bidders must be citizens or nationals of the United
States, or if the bidder is a corporation or company, at least 75 percent of the
stock of or interest therein must be heldJby citizens or nationals of the United
States.
American Samoa is a territory of the United States and under existing laws
its products may enter the United States duty free. It is located 2,276 miles
south of Hawaii and, according to the results of recent studies by the Pacific
Oceanic Fisheries Investigations of the United States Fish and Wildlife Service,
is within less than a thousand miles from one of the richest sources of tuna in
the Pacific.
The Tutuila cannery is a well-planned, modern installation consisting of 4
buildings with 2 roofed-over areas between the buildings. Each building is about
200 feet long and 50 feet wide. The buildings are designed to promote an orderly
and efficient flow of materials from the fresh or frozen tuna receiving room to
the canned tuna storage space. They contain the newer devices and material for
hand packing tuna. The plant is also equipped with asteam-jacketed rotary drier
in which waste products of a solid nature, such as heads, bones, viscera, and
skin, may be processed into fish meal. Combustible gases from this drier are
burned in the boiler fire boxes to minimize the odors discharged into the outside
air. The plant is capeble of handling 21 tons of tuna and of producing 1,000
cases of canned tuna each eight-hour day. The cold-storage area, with a Freon
refrigeration system, is capable of freezing and/or storing approximately 240tons
of tuna. The cannery also contains several items of equipment under lease from
the American Can Company at an aggregate annual rental of $892.40. A lease of
the cannery will not include this equipment. The successful bidder will probably
have to make his own arrangements with the American Can Company if he wishes to
use this equipment.
October 1952 COMMERCIAL FISHERIES REVIEW 47
Dock facilities at the plant are adequate for use of the fishing vessels in
unloading their catch and in outfitting for the next trip. Highway facilities
from points around the bay to these docks are adequate for transport of supplies
and materials by truck. The standard utilities of electric power, potable water,
and telephone services areavailable. Although the water supply may not now be
adequate for year-round operation of the cannery, the Government of American
Samoa is presently taking steps to increase the local water-storage capacity.
The supply of local workers for the cannery crew is said to be satisfactory
on the basis of the short trial runs made to date.
Transportation facilities are available for ocean shipments to and from the
mainland of the United States and Tutuila via Matson Lines freighters and via
Union Steamship Lines. Scheduled trips to Samoa are made monthly. Vessels stop
at Tutuila en route to the mainland about seven times a year, i.e., whenever a
minimum of 350 tons of cargo is available for shipment to the mainland.
No airplane service is in operation in American Samoa at the present time.
The New Zealand National Airlines now make flights about once weekly between
British Samoa and Fiji where airlines stop en route to and from Hawaii and New
Zealand or Australia. There is a good possibility that an air link between A-
merican Samoa, Western Samoa, and Canton Island (which is a regular stop for air-
lines traveling between Hawaii and Fiji) will soon be established.
The chief concern of the Government of American Samoa is that the facilities
of the fish cannery be operated successfully in order to improve the civilian
economy of American Samoa by developing technical skills among the Samoans, and
providing local income through wages and through ancillary enterprises. Accord-
ingly, in evaluating the proposals submitted, primary consideration will be given
to that part of the proposal which outlines a plan and contains detailed infor-
mation upon which the Government can determine that the prospective lessee has
the necessary financial resources, experience, and the qualifications that would
ensure a continuance and successful operation of the cannery. Proposals submitted
should contain an offer of the annual rental fee which the bidder would be willing
to pay.
Each proposal must be accompanied by a certified or cashier's check in the
sum of $1,000 drawn to the order of the Treasurer of American Samoa, Thesechecks
will be returned to the unsuccessful bidders. The check of the successful bidder
will be forfeited if he refuses or fails to execute the lease of the cannery but
will be returned if he accepts an award and executes the lease. The Government
of American Samoa reserves the right to reject any and all proposals.
The proposed lease will be for a period of three years and the lessee shall
have an option to renew for an additional three-year term on the same terms and
conditions as the original lease. The lessee will be required to provide all
maintenance, repairs, and replacements, to carry insurance covering loss by fire
and other loss included under extended coverage policies (but not including loss
by act of God, hurricane, flood, war, or other cause beyond the lessee's control
as may be specified in the lease). The lessee will be required to pay all valid
taxes, assessments, license fees, or other levies imposed by the Government of A-
merican Samoa or by the Government of the United States.
Proposals must be submitted to the Governor of American Samoa at Tutuila, A-
merican Samoa, with a copy to the Director, Office of Territories, Department of
the Interior, Washington 25, D. C., not later than January 15, 1953, and should
state clearly and in detail:
Lg COMMERCIAL FISHERIES REVIEW Vol. 14, No. 10
1. Identity of the bidder, including citzenship and previous ex-
perience and that of any associates in the proposed venture.
2. Plans for operation of the cannery, including number of Samoans
to be employed and number and nationality of non-Samoans tobe employed.
3. Plans for obtaining sufficient fish to keep the cannery in op-
eration.
4. Plans for transporting and marketing the product of the cannery.
5. Financial resources and ability to maintain a continuing and
successful cannery operation.
Further inquiry regarding American Samoa and the leasing of the fish cannery
in Tutuila should be directed to the Director, Office of Territories, Department
of the Interior, Washington 25, D. C. The award of the lease to the successful
bidder will be made by the Governor of American Samoa, after consultation with
the Director, Office of Territories, Department of the Interior, no later than
60 days after the closing date for receipt of proposals.
Shrimp Explorations Continued off the
Caribbean Coasts of Honduras and Nicaragua
Exploration of new shrimp grounds off the Caribbean coasts of Honduras and
Nicaragua was continued by the M/V Antillas, an experimental shrimp trawler.
Owned and operated by the Gibbs Corporations, this trawler was used for the ex-—
ploration under a cooperative agreement with the U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service.
The vessel left late in June and returned late in July from a second exploratory
trip in search of commercial quantities of shrimp in international waters off
Central America.
Grooved shrimp of mixed sizes from about 25 to 60 count per pound (headsoff)
were found to be widely distributed from Cabo Honduras, Honduras, to Wana Lagoon,
Nicaragua, at distances of from 5 to 20 miles offshore. Some indications of white
shrimp were found off Wana Lagoon as far as 8 miles offshore. These signs improv-
ed as the 3-mile limit was approached, but it appeared that there would be little
chance to make commercial-scale catches of white shrimp at distances in excess of
4 miles offshore at this season.
Upon arrival at Belize, British Honduras, the Colonial Fishery Officer advis—
ed that the Colony was anxious to develop new industries and that concessions
might well be made to outside interests provided some local employment was in-
volved. The coastal mainland of British Honduras is relatively low and numerous
lagoons and rivers discharge a substantial flow of fresh water to the sea. The
color of the water to the landward of the barrier reef changes from light blue,
through turbid blue, to turbid green, and is quite muddy near the flats of the
rivers and lagoons. An extensive flat, about 80 miles in length, lies to the
northward of Belize and several large rivers empty into the area. This flat is
thought to be predominantly mud bottom, but many sections are too shallow for free
navigation of medium-sized shrimp trawlars. A streak of mud bottom varying from
about 2 to more than 10 miles in width extends for a distance of about 60 miles
south of Belize. Below this mud streak coral heads are quite common and the area
October 1952 COMMERCIAL FISHERIES REVIEW 49
is generally unsuited for shrimp trawling. Another area of relatively smooth
bottom lies below the coral head area and somewhat south of the Snake Island
group.
Upon departure from the Gulf of Honduras, the Antillas proceeded along the
Coast of Honduras and the automatic depth recorder was kept in constant opera—
tion. The major portion of the course was over depths between 5 and 100 fathoms
and the sounding pattern was very irregular, indicating unsuitable bottom for
trawling, until Cabo Honduras was reached. From there to Wana Lagoon, south of
Cape Gracias A Dios, as was the case during the trip in May, relatively smooth
bottom was found between depths of 5 and 20 fathoms over a distance of about 200
miles. The coast of Honduras, Cabo Honduras to the vicinity of Cabo Camaron,
is relatively mountainous with a few lagoons and rivers discharging into thesea.
Southeastward from Cabo Camaron along the coast of Honduras and south along the
coast of Nicaragua, the land is low and large rivers and lagoons are common.
These geographical conditions, together with the presence of mud bottom and tur-
bid water, should be conducive to populations of shrimp.
A total of 39 drags with a standard try net and 2 with a large shrimptrawl
were made at distances from 4 to about 60 miles offshore, but chiefly between
distances of 5 and 15 miles offshore. Shrimp were taken in small quantities in
25 of the drags, but none of the locations that were prospected offered suffi-
cient returns in the try net to warrant setting a large trawl. Grooved shrimp,
pink in color, were encountered between depths of 6 and 25 fathoms with the best
catches being made at depths between 14 and 19 fathoms. During May no white
shrimp were found at depths in excess of 4 fathoms, but during the latter part
of July they were found in small quantities in depths between 6 and 8 fathoms.
It is possible that white shrimp would have been found in greater quantity had
drags been made within 4 miles of shore. Two try—net tows were made about 70
miles north-northeast of False Cape, Honduras, in depths of 28 and 30 fathoms
on mud bottom in the hope of finding an offshore schooling ground for grooved
shrimp, but no signs of shrimp were encountered. The try-net drags were made
throughout a 24-hour day, but there seemed to be little difference in thecatches
during darkness or daylight.
The fishing results were much the same in July as they were in May in that
grooved shrimp were found over a large area, but they appeared to be thinly
scattered or else the schooling areas were missed during the exploratory work.
There was some evidence that the white shrimp were moving farther offshore. How-
ever, the results of the two trips tend to indicate that the schooling of grooved
shrimp, if such occurs, is a seasonal condition. Circumstances prevented any
search to the southward of Wana Lagoon during the trip in July and it is regret-
ted that the extensive area shown to have mud bottom to the south of Bluefield,
Nicaragua, could not have been investigated. While the bottom as shown on the
existing charts between Wana Lagoon and Bluefield is largely coral and sand, it
is quite possible that mud patches can be found in the area, for several substan-
tial rivers and lagoons discharge there. It is planned to explore these more
southerly areas, in addition to a resurvey of the areas already covered, during
September, October, or November.
A variable pitch propellor of British design was installed in the Antillas
and has been under test for more than six months. During this time it has per-
formed very well and has been quite valuable for exploratory work wherein a wide
range of power has been required. During the past voyage the lubrication seals
on the thrust bearing failed and caused a loss of the lubricant. Seals of differ-
ent materials are now being tested. The reversible pitch propellor could be used
to advantage in shrimp trawling and should be particularly valuable on oceanograph-
50 COMMERCIAL FISHERIES REVIEW Vol. 14, No. 10
ic vessels where wide variations in power are required for certain phases of
the work, particularly when towing plankton-collecting devices.
NOTE: SEE COMMERCIAL FISHERIES REVIEW, JULY 1952, PP. 31-2.
--BY C. B. CARLSON, FISHERY ENGINEER,
EXPLORATORY FISHING AND GEAR DEVELOPMENT SECTION,
BRANCH OF COMMERCIAL FISHERIES, U. S. FISH AND
WILDLIFE SERVICE, CORAL GABLES, FLORIDA.
wwe
seh
United States Fishery Products Marketing Prospects
(October-December 1952 and Outlook for 1953)
Consumption: Civilian consumption of fishery products in the U. S. during
the last quarter of 1952 probably will be slightly larger than a year earlier.
Supplies, especially of frozen fish, are likely to be somewhat greater than last
year, and retail prices may not average quite as high as in the last quarter of
1951.
Freezings and Cold-Storage Holdings: Commercial fishing and fish-freezing
operations will decline seasonally as the year comes to a close. On September1l,
stocks of frozen fishery products in the continental United States were substan-
tially above those of a year earlier. Cold-storage holdings will continue to
rise until November or December and probably will set a new record high for each
of the remaining months.
Canned Fish: Canned fish supplies will be seasonally large during the last
quarter of the year as the 1952 packs of salmon and Maine sardines move intodis—
tribution channels in large volume. This year's pack of canned salmon is approx-
imately the same as last year's, and that of Maine sardines is larger than the
unusually small output in 1951. The production of canned tuna may not exceed the
corresponding 1951 total, but supplies both at the packer level and in distribu-
tion channels are substantial. Processors have recently reduced the price of
the lower grades of canned light-meat tuna in an attempt to encourage increased
sales of this product.
Outlook for 1953: Supplies of fishery products in 1953 are expected to be
plentiful. Probably as much fresh and frozen fishery products will be available
as this year and, with a decline in military procurement from the 1952 packs in
prospect, the civilian market most likely will have about as much canned fish.
Through mid-1953, when the current marketing period ends, the supply of canned
salmon and Maine sardines will be larger and that of canned tuna about equal to
a year earlier. The per-capita civilian consumption of all fishery products
(fresh and processed combined) in 1953 is expected to be a little higher than
this year, reflecting in part the continued expansion of the domestic market for
frozen fish and shellfish. With meat and poultry products likely to be in slight-
ly larger supply and prices slightly lower than in 1952, retail prices of fishery
products for 1953 as a whole may be somewhat lower than in 1952.
The pattern of foreign trade of the United States in fishery products in 1953
is expected to follow that of this year. Imports, especially of frozen fillets,
probably will be above the record level reached in 1952 and will continue to fur-
nish an important part of our total supply of frozen fishery products. Exports
from the United States are likely to continue close to this year's relatively low
level. The export market for our fishery products probably will continue to be
limited by restrictions which were established by some countries in order to con-
October 1952 COMMERCIAL FISHERIES REVIEW pl
serve their relatively small dollar resources. In addition, our exportable sup-
ply of pilchards (California sardines)--a popular commodity abroad--may not be
as large as in 1952.
This analysis appeared in a report prepared by the Bureau of Agricultural
Economics, U. S. Department of Agriculture, in cooperation with the U. S. Fish
and Wildlife Service, and published in the former agency's October-December 1952
issue of the National Food Situation.
Wholesale and Retail Prices
WHOLESALE PRICES, AUGUST 1952: From July to August there was a downward
trend in the wholesale prices of fishery products. The wholesale over-all index
for edible fish and shellfish (fresh, frozen, and canned) for August was 99.8
_Table 1 - Wholesil2 Averuge Prices and! Re Revised Indexes for Edible Fish und Shellfish, August 1952, pwith Comparative | Data
Group, Subgroup, Point of Average Prices Indexes
Aunexpemvopactfication 5 Pricing | Unit (OL (1947-49 = 100)
= an 4 Aug. 1952) July E. June 1952] Aug. 1951)
FISH AND SHELLFISH (Fresh Frozen, and Canned) . 99.8 mnLOS om 102.8 101.4
Fresh and Frozen Fishery Products: ........ 102.2 107. - 105.1
Drawn, Dressed, or Whole Finfish: ........
Haddock, large, offshore, drawn, fresh ......
Halibut, Western, 20/80 lbs., dressed, fresh
or frOZeN .esseeeee Occ e ewer n rece ressseeeee
Salmon, king, fee & med., Feeeeee, fresh or
TIOZED oececccccvevescccsscssecccseccssscces
Whitefish, mostly Lake Superior, drawn
Raressed) Get reah! ccaswscdcneeeverevesccocnes
Whitefish, mostly Lake Erie pound or gill
net, round, fresh ....cecesss
Lake trout, domestic, mostly
(dressed))) fresh’ cosccccccacccccececscccccce
Yellow pike, mostly Michigan (Lakes Michigan
New York City
Chicago
& Huron), round, fresh ...++..+-++---: eeeeeee [New York Cit;
Processed, Fresh (Fish and Shellfish): ........-..- naiaistotaioniainitets
Fillets, haddock, small, skins on, 20-1b, tins /Boston 1b 226 93.6
Shrimp, lge. (26-30 count), headless, fresh
OF PLOZEN sececesseceeees ease eeceeeccsscceee pNew York City] " +56 93.3
Oysters, shucked, Standards .sssesssseseeeees [NOrfOlk area 5.00 111.3
Processed, Frozen (Fish and Shellfish): ............ see
Fillets: Flounder (yellowtail), skinless,
LO=1b. package seccocsccceeccces oe
Haddock, small, 10-lb. cello-pack .
Ocean perch (rosefish), 10-1b.
Cello-pack we.cccccccce seen esenee .
Shrimp, lge. (26-39 count S-lb. package ...6
Canned Fishery Products: ssssesseeecee-seeessseessees
Salmon, pink, No. 1 tall (16 22), “48 cans
POF CASO ws eeeereseeee Belsieine
Tuna, light meat, poidas mackie No. a ee
(7 oz.) 48 cans Per CASE weeseseesecescesoss
Sardines (pilchards), California, tomato pack,
No. 1 oval (15 oz.), 48 cans per case ....e0e
Sardines, Maine, keyless oil, No. +} drawn
(3 ozs), 100 cans per CcaS© ssecesseseeeeees
|1/ REPRESENT AVERAGE PRICES FOR ONE DAY (MONDAY OR TUESDAY, IF AVAILABLE) DURING WEEK BEGINNING AUG. 10. PRICES ARE NOT THE ACTUAL ONES USED TO COMPUTE THE
INDEXES SINCE THE PRICES USED FOR THAT PURPOSE ARE CARRIED OUT TO TWO DECIMAL PLACES.
percent of the 1947-49 average (see table )--3.0 percent below the previous month
and 1.6 percent lower than in August 1951, the Bureau of Labor Statistics of the
Department of Labor reports.
Landings throughout the country were liberal in August and demand fell off
due to hot weather. Basically due to lower prices for fresh haddock, halibut,
and salmon, the drawn, dressed, or whole finfish subgroup index this August was
8.8 percent lower than the previous month and 7.1 percent below the same month
last year. From July to August, prices dropped 15.8 percent for fresh offshore
drawn haddock, ]1.4 percent for fresh or frozen dressed halibut, and 1.5 percent
for fresh or frozen dressed king salmon. All of these items were quoted consider-
ably below the same period last year. In August most fresh-water fish prices rose,
except for yellow pike prices at New York City which dropped substantially.
52 COMMERCIAL FISHERIES REVIEW Vol. 14, No. 10
Fresh processed fish and shellfish prices from July to August rose 1.9 per=
cent and were 2.8 percent above August 1951. Fresh haddock fillet prices in
August rose 1.9 percent above July, but were 7.1 percent lower than in the same
month in 1951. Because of greater production along the South Atlantic Coast,
fresh headless shrimp prices dropped 6.7 percent from July to August, but were
still 5.6 percent higher than in August a year ago.
Frozen processed fish and shellfish prices this August dropped 0.4 percent
below July, but were 0.4 percent above August 1951. From July to August lower
prices were quoted for most varieties of frozen fillets, but frozen shrimp was
quoted 0.8 percent higher. Compared with August 1951, prices were lower for
frozen flounder fillets by 15.5 percent, for haddock fillets by 4.2 percent, and
for ocean perch fillets by 13.2 percent, but frozen shrimp prices were 13.2 per-
cent higher.
Canned fishery products prices in August continued to drop due to a decline
(7.7 percent) in Maine sardine prices. The month's index for this subgroup was
O.5 percent lower than in July, but 1.0 percent above August 1951. Compared with
August last year, prices for canned salmon were 4.7 percent lower and for Maine
sardines 20.3 percent lower, while prices were higher for canned tuna (13.7 per-
cent) and for canned California sardines (38.8 percent).
RETAIL PRICES, AUGUST 1952: Retail prices of all foods purchased bymoderate-
income families Continued to climb (0.3 percent) from July 15 to August 15 and
were considerably higher (3.7 percent) than during the same period a year earlier.
On the other hand, all finfish (fresh, frozen, and canned) prices during this same
period continued to drop (0.7 percent), and compared with the same period in 1951
were 4.7 percent lower (see table). There has been a steady decline in all fin-
fish prices since March this year.
Table 2 - peter ee Retail Price Indexes for Foods and Finfish,
1952, with Comparative Data
frozen and canned) ..
Fresh and frozen
aaa ‘GaouboooK
Fresh and frozen fishfish prices from July 15 to August 15 dropped 0.4 per-
‘cent and were 0.6 percent lower than in mid-August 1951. Canned pink salmon
prices, which have been steadily dropping since June 1951, went even lower and in
mid-August this year were 1.2 percent below the previous month and 11.7 percent
below mid-August 1951.
Table 3 - Average Retail Prices and Price Ranges of Individual Finfish Products,
August 15, 1952
Wo Ie oe 1s) Di Soe Aes
Range Bones AveragePrices
Product Unit Aug. 1952 |Aug. 15, 1952] July 15, 1952
Frozen Finfish Fillets:
Ocean perchl/ ........ as 1b. 30-69 45.9
Haddock) We mts ercisens lb. 33-75 50.1
Canned Finfish:
Salmon, pink ...........{ l6-0Z. can 39-79 6.2
ITZ PRICED IN 46 CITIES OUT OF 56.
“ PRICED IN 47 CITIES OUT OF 55.
October 1952 COMMERCIAL FISHERIES REVIEW 53
The average retail price for frozen ocean perch fillets in mid-August this
year was 45.7 cents and for frozen haddock fillets, 50.3 cents per pound. A year
earlier the average retail price for frozen ocean perch fillets was 46.1 cents
and for frozen haddock fillets, 50.5 cents per pound. Canned pink salmon in mid-
August this year retailed at an average of 55.5 cents per 16-o0z. can, compared
with 62.9 cents per can in mid-August 1951.
©
NEW ENGLAND SINK GILL NET
The gill net is a type of gear for catching fish which can be traced
back to prehistoric times and yet still maintain a place of importance in
world fisheries today.
The sink gill net is used in New England to catch groundfish (cod,
haddock, and pollock). These fish are caught near the floor of the ocean
on the New England fishing banks at a depth of 20-40 fathoms and up to
10-35 miles offshore. ;
BTRINO- Bo 2,
EMROUTE ABOARD
THE Boat
», ABHOREB VOR REPAIRG
A FEW BWOLAND SINK-GILL-NET
OPBRATION CORSISTING or
THREE STRINGS TO A&A SET
ROTATION OF NETS IS SHOWN.
Gill-net operations are carried out during periods of fair weather.
The season starts in early April and continues until late June. It is
again resumed in September and generally lasts through December.
Gill-netting on the northeastern seacoast of New England had its in-
ception back in the late 1870's. In the years 1908 and 1910 gill-netting
formally got under way. At one time Gloucester operated over 54 gill-
netters. Today only six remain in operation.
--Fishery Leaflet 379
5h COMMERCIAL FISHERIES REVIEW
Woals Wh, Moo IO)
International
SOUTH PACIFIC FISHERIES CONFERENCE
A conference called by the Chilean Government to discuss conservation and
preservation of natural resources in the South Pacific Ocean was held at Santiago,
Chile, August 11-19.
Chile, Ecuador, and Peru participated with official delega-
tions, and an observer was present representing the Colombian Government.
Although no official reports have been issued as yet on the results of the
conference, El Telegrafo of Guayaquil, Ecuador, published the following report:
CHILE, ECUADOR, AND PERU RESOLVE TO PROCLAIM SOVEREIGNTY OVER THEIR JURISDICTIONAL WATERS
They adopt various measures for the preserva—
tion of the riches they have and they will study
means to increase them,
Sovereignty proclaimed over maritime lands in
territorial waters and a fishing commission of per-
manent character will be created to watch over the
riches of the sea.
A regulation will be drawn up for whale fish-
ing based on the agreements of the Whaling Confer—
ence held in the U. S. A.
Santiago de Chile, August 19, (AP):
Chile, Ecuador, and Pert resolved to proclaim
the sovereignty over their jurisdictional seas and
adopted different measures for the conservation of
the riches they contain as well as studies as to
how they can be increased.
The said agreements were made in a closed ses-
sion of the Conference on conservation and exploi-
tation of the maritime riches of the South Pacific.
Delegates from the three countries were present,
and an observer from Colombia.
The agreements adopted must be ratified bythe
parliaments of the respective countries:
The conference approved:
1. The creation of a permanent fishing commis-
sion for the South Pacific which will be charged
with watching over the maritime riches andcomplet-
ing a study on fishing in general.
2. The proclamation of sovereignty over mari-
time lands and submerged lands in territorialwaters.
3. The creation of technical offices, with ro-
tating chairmanship for whale fishing and fishing
in general. These offices will gather industrial,
scientific, and governmental data concerning the
riches of the seas, and will submit a report at a
time yet to be determined.
4. Regulation of species protected in open and
closed areas, fishing seasons, etc.
5. Agreeing to draw up a regulation regarding
whaling.
Juan Ruiz of Chile, who presided over the con-
ference, declared that the resolutions adopted have
as their object the protection of the flora and
fauna of the seas of the respective countries, and
systematic exploitation of these riches.
Ruiz said that the measures approved by the
Conference were based on the agreements passed at
the whaling conference held in Washington in 1946,
but added that they eliminate the articles that
prejudice the countries with a scarcity of ships,
factories, and other resources to take full advan-
tage of maritime exploitation.
Referring to the jurisdictional waters, Ruiz
indicated that the proclamation of sovereignty is
adapted to the new norms already accepted by the
American republics and rejects the archaic concept
of three miles from the coast which dates from the
17th century.
He added that the new precept was established
by the President of the United States in 1945 and
later by the governments of Mexico, Argentina, Peru,
Chile, and others.
He added that the new doctrine was adopted by
the Privy Council of Great Britain in 1950 with re-
gard to the Falkland Islands,
Ruiz pointed out that the objective of the con-
ference has been to avoid incursions of modern fac-
toryships of foreign enterprises which "only hoist
the flag of profit notwithstanding the good faith
of their governments. The intervention of Ecuador
and Peru has proved the brotherhood of our nation."
"These countries"=-he added--"have not a na-
tionalistic criteria, but have as a goal the right
October 1952 COMMERCIAL FISHERIES REVIEW 55
of our countries to live and grow. We are disposed The delegate from Feuador, Charge d'Affaires
to accept maritime exploitation by those who have Jorg Fernandez Salazar, speaking on behalf of the
legitimate intentions." foreign delegations, acknowledged the hospitality
of Chile and said that the conference signaled new
norms of American cooperation.
INTER-AMERICAN TROPICAL TUNA COMMISSION
FOURTH SESSION HELD IN SAN JOSE: Members of the Inter-American Tropical
Tuna Commission met in San Jose, Costa Rica, August 13, 1952, for the Fourth Ses-
sion of the Inter-American Tropical Tuna Commission, an American Embassy dispatch
dated August 14 from that city reports.
There were, in addition to the opening ceremonies, a morning session devoted
primarily to administrative matters and an evening session devoted largely to a
review of the scientific investigations of the tuna population in the eastern Pa-
cific. No major problems presented themselves for discussion, and no new policy
decisions were made, The Commission adjourned the same day.
FOOD AND AGRICULTURF. ORGANIZATION
ADMISSION OF MONACO TO MEDITERRANEAN FISHERIES COUNCIL: Provisional arrange-
ments for Monaco to attend the meetings of the Mediterranean Fisheries Council
will be considered at the Sixteenth Session of the Council of FAO, which will con-
vene on November 17, 1952. A formal decision on Monaco's application as a non-
member of FAO to join the Mediterranean Fisheries Council will be rendered by the
FAO Conference in November 1953. The Mediterranean Fisheries Council has already
unanimously voted to accept Monaco's application,
Anglo-Egyptian Sudan
FISHERIES DEVELOPMENTS: The successful introduction of rainbow trout in the
forest reserve in the Imatongs was reported in the July 28, 1952, issue of Sudan
Press Agency, an American consular dispatch from Cairo states. In 1949, finger-
ling trout were supplied by the Kenya Game Department and put out in the upper
Kinyeti River. Catches this year have proven that the trout have established
themselves and are breeding. Future plans call for additional stocking of other
streams by the Forestry Department utilizing trout caught from the Kenyeti River.
Concerning fishing developments in the Red Sea, analysis of samples of fish
meal and shark oil have given promising results, and it is planned to conduct full-
scale shark-fishing activities in the Mohammed Gul area. Shark liver oil is re-
ported to bring about US$360 per metric ton and fish meal about US$130 per ton.
It is also proposed to declare a closed area on the Dongonab Bay—Mohammed Gul
coast and that a Beja cooperative society will develop this area in the future.
The Marine Fisheries Ordinance is to be enforced in the future and all foreign
vessels which have been fishing these waters without permission using illegal-sized
nets are to be stopped.
ee
56 COMMERCIAL FISHERIES REVIEW Vol. Uh No. 10
Brazil
FISHING BOATS ORDERED FROM DENMARK: A Danish shipyard has received an order
eritidende (July 18, 1952), a Danish trade paper. The boats are to be 22 feet
long with a pilothouse, engines, and electrical equipment.
Ae
Canada
FISHERIES OUTLOOK FOR 1952: World economic conditions seem to be growing
more stable andsudden changes are less to be expected than in the recent past.
Easing of inflationary pressure in North America, together with the growth
of trade restrictions in the sterling area and other "soft" currency countries,
is making 1952 less of a seller's year than 1951. On the other hand, maintenance
of high levels of economic activity points to a continuation of generally pros-—
perous conditions.
Against this generally favorable background, the various branches of the Ca-
nadian fishery industry will view their prospects in the light of the particular
factors of demand and supply, competition, restrictions, etc., that are revelant
to their markets.
The market for fresh and frozen fish and shellfish lies almost entirely in
Canada and the United States. Here consumer spending at high, perhaps record,
levels will provide a great oppor-
tunity for increased sales, but
these will have to be made inthe
face of increased competition from
other suppliers, more ample sup-
plies of other foods, opposition
to some fishery imports bycertain
groups in the United States, and
a somewhat anomalous food market-
ing situation in Canada due tothe
embargo on cattle imports intothe
United States. These difficulties must, however, be seen against the fact that
very large groups of the population in both Canada and the United States are po-—
tential, but not yet actual, consumers of fish and that the market for Canadian
fresh and frozen fish and shellfish therefore can yet be substantially expanded.
It is the canned fish trade which will feel most keenly the newly imposed im-—
port restrictions in overseas markets; and a considerable readjustment of its
market pattern will be necessary. Here again the domestic and some important for-
eign markets are by no means saturated, but canned fish is in close competition
with other foods and success will depend on the ability of the industry to meet
competition in both price and promotion.
For salted dried groundfish, which constitutes the bulk of the cured types,
the prospects are good. World supply is likely to be somewhat short and demand
is strong. The dollar shortage is not expected to affect Canadian salt-fish ex-
ports to the British West Indies, While the special arrangement under which New-
foundland fish has been sold for sterling in certain Mediterranean markets has
come to an end this year, Portugal, Spain, and Italy are believed to be in a posi-
tion to make sufficient dollars available to allow the movement of normal quantities
October 1952 COMMERCIAL FISHERIES REVIEW 57
into these areas, No significant change is forseen in other cured fish markets,
but the prospects for dried salted herring are still obscure because of the sit-
uation in the Far East.
In the byproducts market, meals will be strengthened by the high consumption
of feeds in the United States; but the oil market may be kept depressed by heavy
production of vegetable and animal fats without a corresponding increase in ef-
fective demand.
NOTE: THIS 1S AN EXTRACT FROM THE PUBLICATION: CANADIAN FISHERY MARKETS ( OUTLOOK FOR 1952:
REVIEW OF 1951), MARKET BULLETIN NO. 6, !SSUED IN uULY 1952 BY THE CANADIAN DEPARTMENT OF
FISHERIES, OTTAWA, CANADA.
tay Wa “tae Gish ip
FILLETING IS PREFERRED TO DRYING AND SALTING IN NEWFOUNDLAND: The uncertain-
ty of drying and salting fish in Newfoundland, particularly in hot humid weather,
consumes more of the fishermen's time than supplying fish for filleting plants.
The latter allows fishermen more time for fishing or other occupations, states an
August 28 American consular report from St. John's. A fairly strong market for
fillets is reported, and the tendency toward a gradual but sure transformationin
fishing methods continues, since more fish at less cost and work with greater
financial returns to fishermen is bound to be the goal. On the other hand, only
those Newfoundlanders who feel that their destinies are tied to the sea are going
to stick to their nets in the face of more remunerative employment ashore, now
that the industrialization of the island is relatively under way.
HER HH
SHRIMP FOUND IN NEWFOUNDLAND WATERS: Shrimp have been found recently in New-
foundland waters, an August 28 American consular report from St. John's states.
It is reported that shrimp have also been found near the northern edge of the
Grand Banks, in the Gulf of St. Lawrence, and off the coast of Labrador,
It is rumored that certain United States and Canadian mainland interests are
looking into the matter of shrimp fishing off the east and west coast of Newfound-
land, where shrimp of marketable size were discovered about a year ago by a gov-
ernment exploratory vessel.
Shrimp sell in Montreal for C$2.50 per pound and in St. John's, whenavailable
from the Mainland, for C$0.75 per quarter pound. (Editors' note: It is believed
that shrimp referred to are cooked and peeled and that quotations are at retail.)
The local Press has recently declared that two United States fish-packing
firms are now engaged in investigating the possibility of undertaking shrimp fish-
ing in Labrador waters; so far, however, no information of value can be secured
from either official or commercial sources. One daily paper claims that explora-
tion has established that the bottom of Lake Melville (Labrador) in certain areas
is literally encrusted with large jumbo shrimp. Inquiry directed to the Newfound-
land Fisheries Research Station, St. John's, confirms the existence of shrimp in
many Newfoundland waters; the size is generally large and often suited to commer-
cial purposes, but the frequent presence of large boulders and other obstructions
would be likely to make shrimp fishing difficult in a number of areas.
KHHKHK HE
LONG-LIN&RS PROVE SUCCESSFUL IN NEWFOUNDLAND: Long-liner fishing is readily
becoming more popular in Newfoundland, according to an August 28 American consular
report from St. John's. Four long-liners, operating experimentally this year off
the Northeast Coast under the direction of the Canadian Federal Department of Fish-
eries, met with good success. Commercial fishing by this method should prove prof-
itable.
58 COMMERCIAL FISHERIES REVIEW Vol. 14, No. 10
The use of the "Cape Island" type of fishing boat, with which the government
has been experimenting for some time and which appears suitable for fishing in
Bonavista, is reported generally unsuitable for Newfoundland needs. In Bonavista
harbor, this type of craft rarely has to go out more than 30 miles from shore to
make catches; in most other areas, however, trips up to 50 miles are often re—-
quired and the "Cape Island" craft is not suited to deep-sea fishing under all
conditions. This type of boat, from which much was expected, resembles a glorified
harbor craft or cabin cruiser with an open well aft, and Newfoundland fishermen
are reported to hold that, whereas the vessel may be seaworthy enough under normal
conditions, they definitely want a full-decked job in which they can make long
trips with reasonable safety.
In any event, government experimentation with this proposed type of crafthas
served a good purpose in that it has focused attention of the industry on effi-
cient boat design, and through experimental operation at sea has shown the advan-
tages of long-lining. The old style banker and "Labrador floater" had practically
no superstructure; hence the problem of building craft superstructures never arose
until now that additional designing is called for. The use of aluminum instead
of wood in building deck houses is receiving attention and in the future may be
put into general use in constructing both long-liners and seiners.
KHEHEHK
NEWFOUNDLAND TO BUILD FISH-OIL HARDENING PLANT: The Newfoundland Provincial
Government has announced final plans for the early erection of an oil—hardening
plant at Harbour Grace--one of the last of the Government's industrialization proj-
ects. Work is expected to begin on the plant, within the next few weeks, reports
an August 28 American consular dispatch from St. John's, An agreement between the
Newfoundland Government and a German industrial firm was signed in London towards
the latter part of August. A Canadian cement and machinery firm will construct
the hardening plant under contract,
Some of the machinery for oil hardening has already arrived, and other equip-
ment will reach St. John's by October, according to reports.
The German industrial firm is called upon by agreement to invest C$1,200,000
in the establishment of the plant, this amount to be in the form of machinery,
equipment, and structural steel from Europe. This equivalent will be matched by
the Province in the form of a ten-year interest-bearing loan to be utilized incon-
structing the building and as working capital.
The plant will make use of marine oils (mainly whale, seal, and herring, with ~
some caplin) which will be deodorized, bleached, homogenized, and hydrogenated to
a lard-like ingredient for the manufacture of soap, margarine, cosmetics, etc.
The plant will import vegetable oils for manufacturing purposes, principally peanut
oil, cottonseed oil, and soybean oil.
About 120 men are expected to be on the payroll at first, with the possibility
of more help later, The plant's use of oils from the various fisheries, sayreports,
"is expected to have a marked stabilizing effect on the Island's economy, particu—
larly with regard to the seal fishery and the caplin and herring fisheries."
October 1952 COMMERCIAL FISHERIES REVIEW Bb)
Ceylon
AIDS TO FISHERIES, 1951: Mothership towing has brought hitherto inaccessible
grounds within the daily reach of Ceylon fishermen using indigenous craft, accord-
ing to the July 1952 Current Affairs Bulletin, issued by the Indo-Pacific Fisher-
ies Council Secretariat, FAO Regional Office, Bangkok, Thailand, Efforts have
also been made to popularize the use of hand winches in shore-seining operations.
In the past year, the Government of Ceylon voted a sum of Rs. 3,000,000 (about
US$630,000) for assistance to fishermen's cooperatives.
With a view to relieving fisherman's distress due to seasonal unemployment
during the monsoons, a Fishermen's Provident Fund is being created with the coop-
eration of the local leaders of the Catholic Church on the basis of a partial re-
fund of the tithe collected in certain areas,
Colombia
PRESERVED OR CANNED FISH IMPORTS REGULATED: With the principal objective of
stimulating Colombian exports (other than coffee), the Government on August 1
issued Decree 1830, which authorizes unrestricted exports of rice, sugar, corn,
potatoes, salt, unmanufactured tobacco, tanned hides, beer, cigars and cigarettes,
cement, textiles (cotton, wool or synthetic fibers), and gold manufactures. The
exchange proceeds from these exports are convertible at 2,50 pesos per US$1 (40
US cents per peso), in addition to which the exporters receive a negotiable "right"
to import up ee the same value certain items on the Prohibited List. Preserved
or canned fishl/ are among the items specified, As distinct from the other items
specified, however, preserved or canned fish imports under Decree 1830 must come
from the country purchasing the export products giving rise to the exchange, re-—
ports an August 14 American consular dispatch from Bogota.
The Government is authorized to extend these privileges to other export com-
modities as well as to suspend shipments of any items if the export price drops
"notably" below the domestic price, or if shipments of these commodities threaten
to create a domestic scarcity.
17 FULL SPECIFICATIONS ARE: ITEM 120-A.-PRESERVED OR PREPARED FISH OTHER THAN SALTED, SMOKED
OR DRIED, IMPORTED IN CANS, TERRINES OR HERMETICALLY SEALED CONTA I NERS: 1. SARDINES.
2. OTHERS ( 1NCLUD| NG SALMON). ITEM 120-B.-PRESERVED OR PREPARED FISH OTHER THAN SALTED,
DRIED OR SMOKED, |MPORTED IN OTHER FORMS,
Litt at ydt ltr a 7.3
SPECIAL IMPORT DUTY EXEMPTION FOR EQUIPMENT TO ESTABLISH FISHING INDUSTRIES:
A special exemption for one year from customs duties for imports of machinery,
laboratory, and other equipment for the first three companies to establish fishing
industries in Colombia was renewed by a decree of July 1. The original legislation
on which this exemption is based was approved in 1938, but up to the present time
only one company has availed itself of the exemption.
KHHHE
FISH CANNERY ESTABLISHED: A canning factory was officially opened at Santa
Marta, July 29. The first products to be canned will be sardines, shrimp, mullets,
and tuna. Later it is planned to include salmon, oysters, and other fish, with a
possible production of fruits and fruit juices. Starting production is estimated
at 720 cans per hour (size not indicated).
,
60 COMMERCIAL FISHERIES REVIEW Vol. 14, No. 10
Ecuador
TERRITORIAL WATERS SOVERBIGNTY REAFFIRMED: The Ecuadoran Congress in a joint
session on August 20 passed a resolution reaffirming the law of November 6, 1950,
concerning territorial waters, an August 25 American Embassy dispatch from Quito
points out.
The resolution reasserts Ecuador's claimtoa 12-mile limit drawn from a base
line as provided bythe law of November 6, 1950. However, that law has been inter-
preted in effect to claim a 36-mile
limit since it claims12 miles at 20
to a degree, whereas, there are ac-
tually 60 miles in a degree, and the
maps prepared bythellinistry of Na-
tional Defense, which were submitted
with the déspatches under reference,
show a 36-mile limit.
However, the Chief of the Hce-
uadoran Navy informed an officer of
the Embassy that the law of Novem-
ber 6, 1950, was confusing and that
apparently the phrase "20 to a de-
gree" had something to do withSpan-
ish leagues, and that, inany event,
the resolution passed by Congress
on August 20 representsa clarifi-
eation and interpretation of the
law. He stated that he had confer-
red with Congressional leaders and
those congressmen particularly re-
sponsible for the resolution of Au-
gust 20,1952, and that on thebasis
ATLANTiCUN RS Of these conversations it was clear
oi fan SZ that the intent of Congress both in
the law of November 6, 1950, and the
resolution of August 22,1952, was
to assert and claim territorial wa-
ters 1Zmiles out from the base line
as provided bythe law, and that the
apparent claim to ad6-mile limit
was incorrect and resulted from a
faulty drafting or interpretation
of the 1950 law. The Chief of the Ecuadoran Navy added that therefore the 56-mile
limit shown on the maps under reference is to be disregarded and the maps will be
redrawn without this line.
The resolution as passed states:
"THE CONGRESS OF TE! REPUBLIC OF ECUADOR CONSIDERING:
"That the territorial sea is an integral part of the national territory, according
to Article 4 of our Political Constitution;
"That by Law of November 6, 1950, published in the Registro Oficial No. 756 of the
6th of March, 1951, there was declared the minimum extension of our territorial wa-
ters, in the zones surrounding the continental coastlines of Zcuador as well as the
zones relative to the Archipielago de Colon;
October 1952 COMMERCIAL FISHERIES REVIEW 61
"That there has arisen the problem of interpretation regarding the various
resolutions relative to the territorial waters and to navigation rights, a prob-
lem which should not exist by virtue of the categorial declarations contained in
the Constitution of the Republic and the Law under reference;
"That it is necessary to reaffirm Ecuadoran sovereignty over the national
territory, which includes the territorial waters;
" AGREES :
"To reaffirm the Law passed by the Congress of the Republic on November 6,
1950, regarding national dominion over the territorial waters, which shallinclude
a distance of twelve marine miles counted from the outermost points of the Ecua-
doran coastline in the Pacific Ocean, as well as the interior waters of thegulfs,
bays, straights, and canals included within a line drawn between these points.
At the same time, to ratify Ecuadoran sovereignty over the interior waters in-
cluded within a perimeter of twelve marine miles counted from the outermost points
of the outermost islands of the Archipielago de Colon,
"Given in the Sala de Sessiones of the National Congress in Quito, the twen-—
tieth of August, 1952."
oz
Fiji Islands
TUNA VENTUR# ASSETS SOLD: The tuna fishing fleet (except the Isa Lei) owned
by a fishery company of Suva and the cannery in American Samoa (owned by another
firm of that Island) have been sold, according to the Australian Fisheries News-
letter of July 1952,
The joint interprise was organized by a former world flier for the purpose
of catching tuna in Fijian waters and canning them in American Samoa, which would
enable the product to be admitted into the United States duty free. Unfortunately
the Fijian company was unable to catch tuna in sufficient quantity.
The clipper, Senibua, which pioneered pole fishing with live bait in Austra-
lia, returned to San Pedro, California, where it was purchased, The two other
clippers, Senirosi and Senileba, have been sold to the Indonesian Government, and
two 48-ft. bait boats to the Ceylon Government.
The cannery was sold by a San, Francisco-New York firm. The cannery was pur-
chased by the Samoan Governor's office for US$40,000 to prevent it being removed
to forei territory.
NOTE: SEE COMMERCIAL FISHERIES REVIEW, MAY 1952, P. 18; JUNE 1951, PP. 56-7; FEBRUARY 1951,
PP. 47-9; OCTOBER 1950, P.41; SEPTEMBER 1950, P. 52; FEBRUARY 1949, PP. 58-9.
ae
French Morocco
SARDINE FISHING POOR: This year's fishing season in French Morocco, accord-
ing to informed sources, was unfavorable because the sardine schools traveled
northward to waters off Portugal, The fishing season is almost over, states a
September 5 American consular dispatch from Tangier. Present inability of most
Moroccan fishermen to navigate farther north than the entrance to theMediterranean
62 . COMMERCIAL FISHERIES REVIEW Vol. 14, No. 10
is a source of anxiety for future seasons, and contributes to the present serious
crisis facing the fishing and canning industry in that country.
German Federal Republic
ELECTRICAL—~FISHING EXPERIMENTS IN SALT WATER REPORTED SUCCESSFUL: The much-
discussed electrical fishing equipment developed by Dr. Konrad Kreutzer in Ham-
burg, Germany, was seen by the author on June 3, and the experimental work done
to date was discussed with Mr. H. Peglow, Peglow has been associated withKreutzer
in developing the equipment and in carrying out the experiments.
Two small units and one large unit have been developed, One of the small
units is for use in fresh water and the other for use in stunning tuna or other
large fish after they have taken a hook. The large unit is that used on the ves—
sel R-96 for experimental use in salt water.
In all three units, power is conserved by using a pulsating direct current
with a very high amperage peak. Tne duration of the discharge of current is ex—
tremely short and the period between pulses is much longer than the duration of
RUBBER LIFE RAFT
Sean:
ee Zi
~ ~ —_ _ am ee
= es oe
ee ae € aes
AN ARTIST'S CONCEPTION OF HOW ELECTRICAL-FISHING EXPERIMENTS WERE CONDUCTED AT SEA.
the discharge. The controlling switches are designed in such a manner that they
do not carry any current at the time that the switch is opening or closing. This
prevents the usual burning of the contact points and allows the use of very small
switches for the size of the current carried.
The fresh-water unit is designed to operate from 24-volt storage batteries
and weighs about 24 pounds without the batteries. It is capable of putting out
120 amperes and is supposed to be able to cover an area 30 meters in diameter. A
number of these units have been manufactured and sold to various European govern—
ment agencies and research institutions. The unit is said to be selective as to
the size of fish, with larger fish responding to the current more readily than
smaller fish.
October 1952 COMMERCIAL FISHERIES REVIEW 63
The shocking unit for tuna is somewhat larger than the fresh-water unit, and
is made to handle four tuna lines. As soon as the tuna takes the hook and the
hook is set, the button controlling that line is pressed and the fish isparalyzed.
It can then be landed without difficulty. If the fish begins to revive before
being landed, it can be given another "shot." Consequently, one person canhandle
several lines if necessary. The average size of tuna on which the device was
tested was approximately 275 pounds.
The large unit, which is being used for experimental salt-water work, is on
the former German Navy mine sweeper R-96. This vessel originally had two 900
horsepower Diesel engines. One of the engines has been removed and the electrical
apparatus installed in its place. The equipment consists of a 400-kilowatt DC
generator, a large bank of inductance coils, a large bank of condensers, a con-
trol apparatus, and a mechanical impulse switch. In the recent experiments, the
cathode consisted of large curved steel plates fastened to the hull near thestern
of the vessel and the anode was a large steel plate which could be suspended from
floats at a distance from the vessel. The area of the cathode was estimated to
be approximately 45 square feet and that of the cathode 25 square feet,
An experimental cruise was made at sea during April of this year. Peglow
emphasized that they had not caught fish with the device, and that they had not
tried to catch fish with it. He stated that they were anxious to first prove that
fish could be led in the directicn desired with electrical equipment and then to
find a means of applying this knowledge to fishing apparatus. On this cruise it
was proven that in salt water fish could be made to travel towards the anode with
the equipment on the vessel. Live herring were released between the vessel and
the anode. The anode was reported to be approximately 18 meters (about 59 feet)
from the vessel, The current was then turned on and off at varying intervals.
Whenever the current wason, the fish immediately swam toward the.anode. When the
current was turned off, the fish began swimming in the direction that they were
traveling before the current was turned on.
Now that it is known that the fish can be made to swim toward the anode, work
will be begun on finding the specific frequency for various types and sizes of
fish and on practical applications of the method. In general, larger fish respond
to lower current impulses than do smaller fish, Experiments indicate that flat-—
.fish do not respond to electrical stimulation in the same manner as do other fish,
and that they probably cannot be controlled as can other fish.
In the salt-water equipment, the pulse shape is very high and narrow, with a
peak pulse current of as high as 25,000 amperes and a duration of 2 milliseconds,
The rate of pulsation can be varied from 0 to 100 pulses per second. The rate of
pulsation is correlated with the type and size of fish attracted by the anode.
The formula for determining the area over which the equipment may be effec-
tive is as follows:
e I-F-wW
oe VV Gin 24%
In this formula, R is the radius of the area over which the current will be
effective in attracting fish; I is the peak impulse current (expressed in amperes);
F is the length of the fish; W is the specific resistance of the sea water which
varies with salinity and temperature; G is the "anatomic voltage drop" between the
head and tail of the fish. If the anode is placed at a point away from the surface
or bottom, the 2T{f is changed to 4 Tf as the field affected by the current will be
changed to a sphere rather than a hemisphere. The "anatomic voltage drop" of most
64, COMMERCIAL FISHERIES REVIEW Vol. 14, No. 10
salt-water species is usually between 0.5 and 0.8 volts. However, it will vary
from one species to another. (In this formula all distances should be expressed
in the same unit. For instance, if R is desired in meters, F should be in meters
and G should be in ohms per cubic meter.)
In connection with the experiments in electrical fishing in salt water, it
has been discovered that when a cable conducting the pulsating direct current is
run through the water,a field is set up around the cable that fish will not pen-
etrate. Based on this phenomenon, Peglow suggested that in conjunction with their
equipment it may be possible to use a single cable set in a circle, asan electric
purse seine. However, additional experimental work is needed on this phase of
the project.
Because of limited financial resources, the experiments are proceeding very
slowly but, at the present time, they give every indication of ultimate success
for the salt-water equipment. The other two devices seem to be already proven
and-are in limited commercial production.
NOTE: SEE COMMERCIAL FISHERIES REVIEW, JUNE 1952, P. 39; OCTOBER 1951, P. 25; JANUARY 1951,
P. 53; DECEMBER 1950, P. 36; AND P.75 OF THIS ISSUE. ALSO FISHERY LEAFLET 348 (GERMAN COM-
MERCIAL ELECTRICAL FISHING DEVICE).
C. E. PETERSON CHIEF, STATISTICAL SECTION
BRANCH OF COMMERCIAL FISHERIES,
U. S. FISH AND WILOLIFE SERVICE, WASHINGTON, D. C.
* FRE HK
DEVELOPMENTS IN INTERZONAL TRADE IN FISH: On May 5, 1952, a new West German-
East German barter agreement was signed providing for the delivery to the Soviet
Zone of fishery products valued at DM7,500,000 (US#1,786,000), according to an
August 5 American consular report from Bremerhaven. The shipments will be predom-—
inantly canned fish, but will include also fresh fish and small quantities of
pickled (marinated) fish. No salted herring is to be shipped, much to the disap—
pointment of the West German fishing industry which still has on hand largestocks
of salted herring set aside for delivery to the Soviet Zone under the 1951 inter-
zonal trade agreement which became inactive on November 30, 1951. Bremerhaven
alone has on hand 30,000barrels of salted herring valued at DM1,800,000 (US$428 ,000)
originally set aside for that purpose.
The disadvantage of this barter agreement to the West German fishing industry
is that the West German fish merchants must wait for payment until counter-ship-—
ments are received from the Soviet Zone and thus have no control over the termsor
rate of payment. The advance payments made by the Bank Deutscher Laender under
the official interzonal trade agreement do not apply in the barter agreement.
This has the effect of restricting interzonal trade to those larger firms that are
not dependent on immediate payment for their products, The West German fishing
industry feels, however, that in spite of the financial difficulties, deliveries
to East Germany must be made in order to avoid losing the market to Holland and
Scandinavia.
A further difficulty for interzonal trade in fish was an order issued by the
East German authorities in the first week of July 1952 stopping all fish shipments
by truck to the Soviet Zone. Whereas previously all West German fish deliveries
to the Soviet Zone were by truck, now only rail shipments are to be allowed.
In the first week of May 1952 representatives of the West German fishing in-
dustry sent a memorandum to the West German Federal Government requesting a resump-
tion of interzonal trade in the volume set in the Berlin agreement or the conclu-
sion of a barter agreement providing for DM35,000,000 (US$8,333,000) worth of fish-
ery products and fish meal. To emphasize the danger of losing the East German
market to other West European countries, the memorandum pointed out that Holland
had sold large quantities of salted herring to East Germany, that Great Britain
October 1952 COMMERCIAL FISHERIES REVIEW 65
also exported salted herring to the Soviet Zone, and that Denmark had concluded
a barter agreement providing for the delivery of US$7, 143,000 worth of fish to
East Germany. Also, Norway was to deliver 160,000 barrels of salted herring to
the Soviet Zone of Germany during 1952, In addition, the memorandum demanded an
agreement embodying a guarantee of financial aid to the fish industry in the case
of a politically-caused interruption of interzonal trade.
In support of their demand for increased interzonal trade in fish, West Ger
man fish merchants state that the Soviet Zone is willing to import DM35, 000,000
to DM50,000,000 (US$8,333,000-US$11,905,000) worth of fishery products, imeledete
60,000 pereets of herring, from West Cement The West German Federal Economic
Bemacerys however, opposes an increase in fish shipments to the Soviet Zone on
the grounds that West German's food supply situation requires that food products
should be traded only for food products.
ai
Hong Kong
NEW ARTIFICIAL FISH DRIER INSTALLED: A modest but useful plant capable of
drying 6, 000 pounds of fish in 30 hours has been installed close to the new Aber-
deen Fish Market in Hong Kong, according to the July 1952 Current Affairs Bulletin,
issued by the Indo-Pacific Fisheries Council Secretariat. After being gutted,
washed, and salted, fish are loaded into trays which fit into upright trolleys
which can be wheeled into drying chambers. Each of the 12 trolleys can support
12 trays bearing 500 pounds of fish. A draught of air blows through the chamber
at 33 miles per hour. The temperature is raised to 78° F. inside the chamber
while humidity is reduced to 50 percent and water is extracted from the fish at
56 pounds an hour. Attached to the plant, there are also two cold-storage rooms
each with a capacity of 125 metric tons for storing the fish.
~—
==. %
Italy
WHALE FACTORYSHIP ALMOST READY: Italy's first whale factoryship(the Trinacria)
will be ready in September, according to the August 9 issue of The Fishing News,
a British periodical, The vessel is expected to leave for the Antarctic grounds
in November. Of 22,500 tons, the vessel is reported able to process a whaleevery
50 minutes. 2
Japan
anese tuna industry are in favor of continuing limitations on the export of tuna
to the United States, reports an August 19 American Embassy dispatch from Tokyo.
The Japanese press (K odo, August 16) reported that Japanese exporters of canned
tuna have announced "they will continue the voluntary control on export of their
products to the United States." These exporters are included in the important
Council for Tuna Exports. This Council also includes exporters of frozen tuna,
Exports of tuna to the United States are limited by Japanese Government regulations
to 1,000,000 cases of canned tuna (brine and oil) and 12,000 tons of frozen tuna.
These limitations are for the period April 1, 1952, to March 31, 1953.
CONTINUATION OF TUNA IMPORT CONTROLS FAVORED: Important segments of the Jap-
66 COMMERCIAL FISHERIES REVIEW Vol. 14, No. 10
Because of an unusually large run of albacore in June, the Government is be-
ing subjected to heavy pressure by some units of the industry to raise the quota
on frozen tuna. The proponents for relaxation of the control refer to consistent
demands from United States importers for more Japanese frozen tuna, Increased
demands for frozen tuna are also coming from Canada and Hawaii.
This comment was made after the publication of a "foreign dispatch from
Washington that American food canners have asked the Japanese Government for an
increase in shipments of Japanese canned tuna goods to the United States."
The Council for Tuna Exports "suggested that due considerations will be paid
on the issue if the U. S. Government formally asks for removal of the control,
It added, "Japan exported to the United States 11,500 tons (metric) of frozen
tuna by mid-August since the beginning of this year. This figure represents an
increase of 4,500 tons over the target for the period. Total volume to be export-
ed to the United States during this year is 12,000 tons."
KKK EK KH
TUNA EXPORTS TO CANADA INCREASE: Exporters of Japanese frozen tuna are re-
ceiving an increased number of inquiries from firms in Canada. This activity was
reported in the Suisan Shimbun on August 8. The Japanese Ministry of International
Trade and Industry (MITI) is concerned with the possibility of tuna reaching the
United States from Japan through Canada by a three-way trade. Some individuals
have charged that three-way trading is being done to bypass the Japanese quotas
on export of tuna to the United States. Authorized exports to Canada in 1952 to
August 18 were reported to total 2,555 short tons as compared to 1,527 tons for
the entire year of 1951, states an August 18 American Embassy dispatch from Tokyo.
Following press item states in part:
"Exports to Canada may jump to 3,000 tons; suspect of three-way trading in
frozen tuna dissipated....
"These Canadian inquiries are not only for large quantities but conditions
and price are the same as those of American inquiries. It is causing the industry
to be very enthusiastic, naturally...."
HEHEHE
Government officials on September 15, according to an unconfirmed report published
on September 16 by the Japanese press.
Tuna allocations and the check price system on exports to the United States
will be continued according to the press report, states an American Embassy dis-
patch from Tokyo. However, an additional 6,000 metric tons of frozen tuna will be
authorized as part of the frozen tuna export quota. This means that the frozen
tuna export quota of 12,000 metric tons for the quota year April 1, 1952, through
March 31, 1953, will be increased to 18,000 metric tons.
The quota for canned tuna is 1,000,000 cases at the present time, andthe press
item pointed out that an increased allotment for canned tuna exports will be con-
sidered separately.
October 1952 “COMMERCIAL FISHERIES REVIEW 67
The press item also stated that United States approval is to be sought by
Ambassador Araki for these actions.
HEHEHE
FISHERMEN BUILDING LARGER TUNA BOATS: Japanese tuna fishermen are showing
interest in larger boats for operations in distant parts of the Pacific. Plans
have been completed to construct a 500=gross-ton boat which will be the largest
boat of its kind in the Japanese tuna fishery. Several 300-gross—ton vesselsare
already in operation and several more of the same class are nearing completion,
reports an American Embassy dispatch from Tokyo dated September 8.
The tuna-bonito fleet as of the end of 1951 (latest available published sta-
tistics of the Japanese Fisheries Agency) consisted of 1,698 boats, aggregating
approximately 104,000
gross tons, Of this
total, 1,437 (64,633
gross tons) were wooden
boats, many of which
fish principally for
bonito (skipjack). The
balance of 261 were
steel boats (39,345
gross tons) engagedin
tuna and some skipjack
fishing. Most of the
wooden boats were less
than 100 gross tons,
Most of thesteel boats
(232) were in the 100-
to 199-gross-ton class
and only 8 in the 200
to 500-gross-ton class.
Actually the largest
tuna boat in 1951 was
314 gross tons. THE FRAMEWORK OF A SMALL JAPANESE TUNA BOAT.
According to the Japanese press (Minato Shinbun, August 28), the proposed
500-ton tuna ship will be a converted vessel--the Akagi Maru now engaged in trans-
porting ice to Korea. The new vessel will have a 550 horsepower engine, capable
of 9 knots. Conversion of the vessel will begin in September, October 20 is
scheduled as the sailing date for her first tuna trip.
Tuna boats of this 500-ton class are arousing special interest of Japanese
tuna-boat operators as a basis for determining whether boats of this type can ef-
ficiently and profitably replace the mothership—type tuna fleet.
Successful fishing by large-size Japanese tuna boats (300-gross—ton class) in
waters south of Hawaii has stimulated interest in the construction of larger ves-
sels. The Japanese press (Nihon Keizai, August 13) reported:
"A number of large-size fishing craft, with a tonnage of 300, or twice the
average thus far used in fishing operations, are showing good results in their
fishing activities in waters south of Hawaii, chiefly because of their longcruising
range and excellent cold-storage equipment. Stimulated by these excellent fish-
ing craft, as many as 7 fishing vessels are now under construction, and the build-
ing of 3 others has already been authorized by the Government, in addition to the
previous applications filed with competent government authorities for several of
these craft.
68 COMMERCIAL FISHERIES REVIEW Vol. 14, No. 10
"On the other hand, since the total tonnage of tuna-fishing craft is pegged
at a certain limit, fishermen desiring to build new vessels must purchase an au-
thorized tonnage from others. An increasing number of fishermen who possess small-
type vessels of 40 to 50 tons and inefficient craft of the 100-ton class that
were built increasingly in postwar years, are selling their authorized tonnage.
The quotation of such transactions, which was about 10,000 yen per ton (US$28)
at the beginning of this year, recently rose by several thousand yen per ton,"
HEHEHE
NORTHERN PACIFIC SALMON EXPEDITION EXCEEDS CATCH GOALS: The Japanese salmon
expedition op operating in the Northern Pacific has exceeded the catch goals set by
the Japanese Fisheries Agency and the three participating companies. Asof July 31,
the expedition's salmon catch totaled approximately 2,000,000 fish against the
Fisheries Agency target of 1,500,000 fish and the companies! goal of 1,830,000
fish. The expedition began fishing about May 10.
Following. is a Japanese press item (Kyodo of August 4):
"Fourteen ships, part of Japan's first postwar salmon and trout expedition
to North Pacific, returned to Hakodate yesterday with over—target catches.
"The 14 ships belong to a Japanese fishery firm, but two other companies also
took part in the fishing. The ships consisted of the mothership Tenryu Maru, 10
catcher boats, two survey ships, and one patrol boat.
"The skipper of the mothership said the first expedition shows salmon and
trout fishing in North Pacific is a paying enterprise. He warned against a rush
of ships to this fishing region for salmon and trout as it would be detrimental
to preservation of the fishing resources.
"He said most of the catch boats had their nets worn out by the time the ex-—
pedition ended. Therefore, if boats carry more spare nets, catches would in-
crease...."
HEHEHE
NORTH PACIFIC SALMON EXPEDITION CATCH: The Japanese Fisheries Agency has
issued a final tabulation (see table) of the catch of salmon by the Japanese ex-
pedition which recently operated in the North Pa-
North Pacific Salmon cific, states an August 18 American Embassy dispatch
from Tokyo. The expedition consisted of 3 fleets
with a total of 50 catcher boats. Fishing began
on May 10 and ended on August 6. The fleet oper-
ated south and west of the Aleutians (west of 177°
E. longitude) until July 3, then shifted to better
fishing grounds off Kamchatka and northern Kurile
Islands.
Red Salmon ..
White Salmon ..
One fleet left the fishing grounds on August 6,
a second on July 30, and the last on July 28.
HHH HE
ADDITIONAL GOVERNMENTAL FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE PLANNED FOR FISHERIES: The Jap-—
anese Government is planning additional financial assistance to the Japanese fish-
eries. A special credit fund is expected to be created. This fund will be used
October 1952 COMMERCIAL FISHERIES REVIEW 69
for the financial relief of smaller fishery firms, The plan was publicized in
the vress (Kyodo, July 22) and confirmed by the Japanese Fisheries Agency, reports
a July 30 dispatch from the American Embassy at Tokyo.
The plan is to establish a fund in the amount of 2 to 4 billion yen (US$
5,555,000 to $11,100,000). This fund will be created by deposits from fishermen's
federations, and prefectural governments. The fund will guarantee repayment of
loans borrowed by the members of the fund from the Agricultural and Forestry Cen-
tral Bank (Government institution) and other financial institutions, The Govern-
ment will in turn guarantee payments made from the fund. The fund will be admin-
istered by the Minister of Agriculture and Forestry (which includes the Fisheries
Agency) and the Minister of Finance,
A bill to provide proper legislative measures to establish and operate this
fund will be introduced in this next session of the Diet which was expected to
reconvene in September.
KHEHE ER
REPORT ON NORTHERN PACIFIC WHALING: The Japanese whaling expedition to the
northern Pacific has caught 44 whales in 10 days since it started fishing Julyl9,
= = = = - = aS —=-
——— SS SS eS——— ee ee
A TYPICAL JAPANESE WHALE CATCHER OR KILLER BOAT (385 GROSS METRIC TONS) USED IN ANTARCTIC
WHALING.
according to a report received by the Japanese Fisheries Board (Fisheries Agency).
This was reported in the Japanese press (Kyodo, July 29) and was confirmed by an
official of the Japanese Fisheries Agency, states an August 5 American consular
dispatch from Tokyo.
The Japanese whalers have resumed fishing in this part of the world after an
ll-year suspension. The catches are slightly lower than the target of 5.5 whales
a day. But the Fisheries Board expects the hauls will increase if the weather im-—
proves.
The expedition is being undertaken jointly by three leading fisheries compan-
ies. The whaling team consists of one mothership, four catcher boats, and eight
transports.
HHH HK #
70 COMMERCIAL FISHERIES REVIEW Vol. 14, No. 10
FISHERMEN SEEK PROTECTION AGAINST BOAT SEIZURES BY RUSSIA AND RED CHINA:
Japanese fishermen have petitioned the Diet and the Japanese Fisheries Agency for
protection of Japanese fishing boats against sei-
zure by Russia and Red China, declares an Au-
gust 14 American Embassy dispatch from Tokyo.
The Nippon Times (August 12) reports: "ap-
proximately 280 Japanese fishing boats with
some 2,700 fishermen engaged in fishing in the
East China Sea and the Sea of Okhotsk (north
of Hokkaido) have been captured by Communist
patrol boats during the past seven years."
The news item states that Russia captured 195 Japanese boats, of which 134
have been released. Approximately 1,700 Japanese fishermen were captured, but
only 1,536 have been released.
Red China has captured 84 Japanese fishing boats and has returned all but
one wooden boat. (Note: An official report of the Fisheries Agency shows 87
boats seized by Red China.) Japanese fishermen captured by Red China number 1,040.
To date 890 have been released and returned home.
At the present time, Japan has no armed vessels conducting fisheries patrols
in any region where Japanese fishing boats are operating.
HREE K
PLANS FOR RESUMING PEARL FISHING IN THE ARAFURA SEA: Japanese pearl fisher-
men are anxious to resume prewar operations in the Arafura Sea between Northern
Australia and Dutch New Guinea. Reportedly, negotiations are under way for the
formation of a Japanese firm to engage in this peari fishing. Presumably, proposed
areas of fishing are under the territorial jurisdiction of Australia, Permission
of Australia's authorities would have to be obtained under such circumstances.
Permission of the Japanese Government would also have to be obtained by Japanese
to engage in such a fishing enterprise. No request for such permission has been
received to date by the Japanese Fisheries Agency, according to the American Em-
bassy at Tokyo in an August 27 dispatch.
A Japanese press item (Kyodo, August 21) reported:
"Japan will shortly resume pearl fishing in the Arafura Sea, between Northern
Australia and Dutch New Guinea, pending permission from the Australian Government,
the Nihon Keizai reported today.
"Preparations are being made for the resumption of the operations, which have
been suspended since the war, by several Japanese firms, the economic daily said.
"If permission is obtained from the Australian authorities, a firm capitalized
at ¥200 million will be set up with operations slated to be commenced within this
year, the paper said,
"Plans at present call for the extracting of 500 tons of pearls annually,
which will be exported to the United States, the journal reported.
"Before the war, an average of some 4,000 tons annually were gathered by the
Japanese operating from Palau Island, which then was under Japanese mandate, the
paper said.
October 1952 COMMERCIAL FISHERIES REVIEW (al
"These were mainly exported to America for use in making buttons and orna-
ments.
"Operations after the warwere halted because of a loss of the base of oper-
ation, ships, and adverse international conditions, the journal reported,
"Improvement in various conditions since Japan's independence, however,
prompted these interested to work for the resumption of the pearl operations, the
journal said,"
Mexico
WEST COAST SHRIMP SEASON DISAPPOINTING: The Mexican west coast shrimp fish-
ing season this year ended by the middle of July and was disappointing, reports
an American Embassy dispatch from Mexico dated August 25.
Fishing fleets were being overhauled and shrimp freezing plants closed down
towards the latter part of July.
Ge Deer lee
GUAYMAS' SHRIMP INDUSTRY OUTLOOK FOR 1952/53: August and September are the
two months constituting the closed season on shrimp fishing for the Guaymas fleet,
and the port during August was filled with boats moving in and out of shipyards
as their owners prepared them for the coming season. The shrimp freezing plants
also took advantage of the lull to inspect and repair their equipment, reports a
September 5 American consular dispatch from Guaymas.
_ According to data issued by the Instituto de Pesca del Pacifico, the Guaymas
shrimp fleet landed during the 1951-52 season (October-July) 3,455 metric tons of
shrimp (see table).
It is reliably reported that only five of Guaymas's seven shrimp—freezing
plants will be in a position to begin operations in October. The firm operating
the remaining two has evidently been so weakened by the
Shrimp Landings by Guayma
Fleet, 1947/48-1951/52_|
industry's financial reverses of the past two seasons
antity
(largely a result of overrapid expansion) that without
an "angel" from outside the industry it cannot make
Metric Tons the necessary outlay to ready both its fleet and plant
1951-52 eee 3,405 for operation.
1950-51 ... 5,257
1949-50 5,430 Though it is expected that all or nearly all of
4,586 the Guaymas boats will sail on the opening day of the
2.867 season (October 1), many will not be properly refitted
and equipped to begin a new season. They will not be
able to work through the season unless early trips provide the necessary funds for
further repairs.
72 COMMERCIAL FISHERIES REVIEW Vol. 14, No. 10
Netherlands
FROZEN FISH INDUSTRY: Packaging of frozen fish, which had its inception in
the Netherlands late in 1950, progressed considerably within the past year, ac-
cording to a July 15 American Embassy report from The Hague.
At present there are two plants engaged in processing frozen fish, both lo-
cated at Ijmuiden. Their combined capacity is estimated at 500 metric tons of
fish per eight-hour working day.
Domestic sales of packaged frozen fish are large and stable, even though
there is considerable competition from adequate supplies of fresh fish. On the
other hand, exports are erratic, and before there can be any real improvement in
FISH AUCTION AT | JMUIDEN, NETHERLANDS
foreign sales, existing difficulties will have to be worked out. At the present
time the two Ijmuiden plants process frozen fish on a customs basis for a variety
of Dutch exporters, according to demand. As a result of this system, poor-quality
products have sometimes been processed, and packaging has occasionally been sub-
standard. However, the industry has now asked the Netherlands Control Board for
Fisheries for its cooperation in limiting the number of firms licensed for such
exports. In this way the packers hope to eventually standardize their packing
methods and streamline the marketing system.
HEH K EH
STABILIZATION OF HERRING MARKET ATTEMPTED: Fishery fleet owners in Scheven-
ingen and Ijmuiden (two important Netherlands fishery ports) are attempting to
stabilize the herring market by setting up a fund from which subsidies can be paid
to ship owners. When cargoes do not come up to the guaranteed minimum auction
October 1952 COMMERCIAL FISHERIES REVIEW 73
price of fl.1]1 per 50 kilos (a little over 24 US cents per pound) the shipowners
association will take the herring out of the market and sell it to the fish-meal
factories at f1.6 per 50 kilos (almost 14 US cents per pound). Individual ship
owners will receive the difference from the subsidy fund. Capital for the sub-
sidy fund will be raised by a ten percent levy on all auction sales, declares an
August 27 American Embassy dispatch from The Hague.
Norway
RECORD TUNA LANDINGS REPORTED: Record quantities of tuna have been landed
during the latter part of July and August by Norwegian fishermen off the coastof
western Norway, south of Bergen, according to an August 28 news item from the
Norwegian Information Service. Large catches have been made off the northern
Helgeland district, too. Most of the fishing is done with purse seines, rather
than with harpoons and trawl, as in former days.
The unprecedented catch of tuna has strained cold-storage and transport fa-
cilities to the limit. In fact, from time to time, supplies have exceeded shore
and shipping facilities to the point that tuna fishing has been temporarily banned,
as authorized under the Fisheries Act.
The tuna is largely going to Italian canneries, some of which are locatedas
far south as Sicily. Altogether, the Norwegian State Railways have delivered
about 550 carloads of frozen tuna to Italy. Other shipments have been made by
refrigerated transport vessels.
KeReH KH
LUMPFISH FISHERY INCREASING IN IMPORTANCE: The lumpfish (steinbit) fishery
has in the last few years played an increasingly important role in the Norwegian
fisheries, according to information released by the Norske Frossen-Fisk Technolog-
ical Department, Bodo, Norway.
The catch of 5,COO to 6,000metric
tons in spring and early summer
gives work to fishermen and pack-
ers in this usually slack season
in Norway.
The frozen fish industry has
developed the lumpfish from an al-
most unknown species to a fairly
important one. Both in quality
and appearance lumpfish yieldwhite-
meated fillets which look good in
a cellophane package.
Since! the ees us peas LUMPFISH (CYCLOPTERUS LUMPUS) 1S A BOTTOMFISH WHICH
anc becomes rancid rather quickly peaches A MAXIMUM LENGTH OF 23 INCHES AND A MAXIMUM
in cold storage, special care is WEIGHT OF 14 POUNDS. THE AVERAGE WEIGHT IS 6 TO 8
taken in handling the fish. The AONE c
fish are gutted, bled,‘and the
blood close to the backbone removed by the fishermen aboard the boat. They are
washed several times until the final wash water remains clean, and then carefully
packed in boxes with ice. This preliminary processing is done within one hour
after the fish is brought aboard. The fish are filleted ashore and the fillets
packaged and frozen.
RRR HH
Oh : COMMERCIAL FISHERIES REVIEW Vol. 14, No. 16
HELICOPTER TO BE USED IN WHALING OPERATIONS: The managers of one of the
Norwegian whaling expeditions have ordered a helicopter from England, reports the
August 1952 issue of The Norwegian Whaling Gazette. The helicopter will be used
in the Antarctic during the 1952/53 whaling operat operations.
¢
Peru
NO BAIT-FISHING PERMITS: There have been some reports of the possibility
of United States tuna-fishing vessels obtaining bait-fishing permits for the ter-
ritorial waters of Peru. However, according to the latest information available,
there is no provision in Peruvian law for issuance of bait permits to foreign
fishing vessels. Also, there does not seem to be any possibility that a law per-
mitting the issuance of bait permits will be enacted in the near future.
ye
a=
Republic of the Philippines
GOVERNMENT; A request by a Philippine food importers association for higher ceil—
ing prices on imported canned sardines was rejected by the Philippine President.
Importers stated that prices charged or quoted by foreign suppliers were higher.
The President expressed the belief that non-importation would force consumers to
resort to dried and fresh fish, thereby giving impetus to the development of the
local fishing industry, states a September 5 American Embassy dispatch from Manila
referring to a news item which appeared in a recent issue of the Bulletin.
cae
Portugal
TWO U. S. VESSELS PURCHASED FOR TUNA FISHING: An Aveiro (Portugal) fishing
company has purchased two American submarine chasers for use in tuna fishing, re-
ports an August 29 American Embassy dispatch from Lisbon. Press reports indicate
that the vessels are equipped with two 900 hp. motors, and have refrigerated com—
partments with a capacity of 450 metric tons of fish.
One of these vessels completed a successful trial run on August 26 and both
are expected to leave shortly to fish with linesin the area off the Canary Islands.
Except for a few small boats operating from the Cabo Verde Islands, Portu-
guese tuna fishing has been limited to about three months a year (May-August) when
tuna are caught by traps off the Algarve coast. These fish, with dark meat, are
sold mainly to Italy. Use of powerful fishing craft and line fishing should make
possible a year-round supply of tuna, of which a major proportion would be of the
white-=meat variety acceptable to the American market.
i
October 1952 COMMERCIAL FISHERIZS REVIEW 75
Sweden
ELECTRIC TUNA FISHING SUCCESSFUL: Electric tuna fishing in Scandinavian
waters has now been successfully tried by Swedish fishermen, It is considered
such a success that it may revolutionize tuna fishing, reports an August 27 dis-
patch from the American Embassy at Goteberg.
The method used originates from an invention made by three German scientists
who, after some years of experiments, have succeeded in reaching a satisfactory
method for electrical fishing of tuna.
The tuna caught in Scandinavian waters can reach a weight of about 800 pounds
and are difficult to boat after they are hooked. It is estimated that nine out
of ten fish are lost while being hauled on board, but with this new method all
hooked fish can easily be hauled on board,
The equipment used is very simple. It consists of one motor converter re-
ceiving its current from an accumulator, Small hooks are used. When the fish
has been hooked it generally turns around and, when lying parallel with the line,
starts running out to free itself. When it turns, it comes into an electric field
developed by poles in the hook and the line. The fish becomes temporarily uncon-
scious and can easily be hauled on board, The equipment is easy to manage. It
generally consists of three lines with small hooks baited with mackerel and kept
at the required depth by floats. When the floats show that a fish has beenhooked
the current is turned on and the fish hauled in. The fish has to be killed immed-
jately when on board as it does not remain unconscious very long after the current
has been cut off,
This electrical method appears to save manpower as two men can fish with
three lines and haul one fish on board simultaneously, whereas by the old method
it required at least four men on a boat and still only one fish could be hauled
aboard at a time. In addition, the number of fish lost was very large.
The price of this equipment is not known, but it is stated to be low and
within the range of all fishermen engaged in tuna fishing. It is reported from
Norway that electrical tuna-fishing equipment can be fully paid for in a short
time.
NOTE: SEE PP. 62-4 IN THIS ISSUE,
HHH EHH
NEW FISH PACKAGING AND MERCHANDISING METHOD: In Sweden extensive use is be-
ing made of a new method of packaging and merchandising fishery products. The new
method consists of cutting frozen fish in portions, These are packed in plastic
bags with all the ingredients necessary for cooking. The package is then vacuum
sealed. When the contents are to be used, the whole package is heated in boiling
water, reports the November 8, 1951, issue of Fiskets Gang. When sufficiently
heated, the fish is ready for eating.
a
tr
Union of South Africa
CANNED FISH PRODUCTION, FISCAL YEAR 1951: The total canned fish and shell-
fish pack in the Union of South Africa reached 44,533,000 pounds in the year ended
October 31, 1951, of which approximately 25,000,000 pounds were pilchards, 10,000,000
pounds maasbankers, and 6,300,000 pounds spiny lobster.
716 COMMERCIAL FISHERIES REVIEW Vol. 14, No. 10
The total catch of pilchards and maasbankers was reported as 800,000,000
pounds. Data are not available on the catch of rock lobsters.
Domestic consumption of canned fish and shellfish during that year totaled
about 19,540,000 pounds and exports were approximately 25,530,000 pounds. Exports
of spiny lobster were widely scattered throughout the world. Exports of canned
fishery products other than spiny lobsters totaled 20,794,000 pounds in 1951 and
reflect the phenomenal growth of this segment of the industry, as only 542,396
pounds were exported in 1946,
HHKH E
SPINY LOBSTER EXPORT QUOTA FOR 1952 ESTABLISHED: Pending results of investi-
gations by the South African Marine Biological Laboratories, 1952 quotas for the
South African spiny lobster industry have been set at 5,300,000 pounds of canned
and 2,140,000 pounds of frozen tails. Exports of these products are subject to
quota control for conservation purposes, according to the August 23 Foreign Trade
of the Canadian Department of Trade and Commerce, and the purpose of the investi-
gations is to determine whether the existing system of control ensures conserva-
tion of the country's spiny (rock) lobster resources.
HHH E EH
FISH MEAL FOR HUMAN FOOD: Although fish meal is used in most countries only
as a food supplement for animals and is highly successful when fed to cattle, pigs,
and poultry, the South African Government is planning to introduce it into the
nation's bread, and the idea has been received with enthusiasm by all parties of
the House of Assembly, according to the September 6 issue of The Fishing News, a
British fishery periodical.
The natives do not get enough protein, vitamins, minerals, and fats in their
diet, and their health suffers accordingly. To combat this the South African Gov-
ernment intends to introduce into bread a small proportion of a highly purified
and palatable white fish-meal flour.
Announcing this development, the Minister of Health said that successful ex-
periments at Capetown, Pretoria, and Witwatersrand Universities had indicatedthat
the addition of fish meal to bread and mealie meal would go far to curing tubercu—
losis and blindness among South Africa's population. The Minister added: "I am
now in a position to feed 20,000 children in institutes of my department, and we
will give them this food,"
United Kingdom
TRAWL FOR USE AT PRE-SET DEPTHS: Experiments are in process in Hull and
Grimsby with a type of trawl which will keep off the sea bottom and which is ex
pected to catch many fish which go over the top of the ordinary trawl, reports
The Fishing News, a British fishery periodical, in its August 23 issue. In addi-
tion, since the new type of trawl will operate off the bottom, it should be possi-
ble to avoid tearing the net on rocks or rocky bottoms.
Icelandic fishermen have used this type of trawl and have considerably in-
creased their catches.
October 1952 COMMERCIAL FISHERIES REVIEW Ell
White fish--round as well as flat--spend the greater part of their lives on
or near the sea bottom, but there are times when round fish leave the bottom and
school in upper waters. However, to trawl for them in mid-water blindly would
not be worth while. Recently, because of the rapid improvement in the sensitivity
of the various types of echo-sounding devices, it is now possible to locateschools
in mid-water. Frequently skippers report markings on their echo-sounding charts
which are believed to indicate clearly schools of fish in mid-water. If a net
can be towed with a wide-open mouth at any desired depth and if that depth is cap-
able of rapid adjustment, it seems likely that on some fishing grounds it will be
possible to take fish in mid-water.
Reports indicate that the bottom of the fishing grounds near the Westman Is-
lands is so rough that it has never been possible to tow an otter trawl in that
area. The general practice was to fish as close as possible to the rocks. This
spring it was observed that Icelandic trawlers were sailing right over the rough-
est of this ground and catching large quantities of cod. Because of this, several
enterprising firms in Grimsby and Hull have been carrying out experiments recently,
but so far nowhere have conditions been found where results can be obtained compa-
rable with the mid-water fishing on the fishing grounds near the Westman Islands.
The English firms have obtained from Iceland full information as to the gear and
the methods used by the Icelandic vessel which pioneered mid-water trawling and
successfully used it. Therefore, the English experiments are based on the Ice-
landic mid-water trawling method.
The mid-water trawl is an old idea brought up to date. Net-making firms have
been working in cooperation on it and it is based on sketches which were drawn in
1895. Net makers believe that it will be cheaper than the normal type because it
needs no "reels" and "bobbins." A net maker was quoted in a daily newspaper as
saying: "The nets, which will billow out under the water like huge aerodrome
windsocks, will be drawn through the water above the sea bed at any depthrequired.
The net--its secret is in its hauling gear--has already proved successful in trials."
It is essentially a cod trawl for seasonal use when fish school in mid-—water.
Even if it should be adopted, the present type of trawl would still be needed for
flounders and at times when other fish stay close to the bottom. The trawl has
not yet been thoroughly tested at sea.
The net maker is also reported to have said: "The net will result in bigger
catches, quicker and cheaper trips, and better-quality fish. Skippers of ships
equipped with apparatus for indicating fish shoals will now be able to set a depth
indicator and their floating nets will go down to the level of the shoal."
HHH HE
HERRING PRESERVATION METHODS: A summary of the experiments carried out on
herring preservation by the Food Investigation Organization of the British Depart-
ment of Scientific and Industrial Research appeared in the periodical Food Manu-
facture for September 1952, reports a September 15 American Embassy dispatch from
London, This summary as it appeared in the periodical follows:
"Successful preservation of fresh herring should prevent rancidity in the fat
and also changes in the texture of the flesh. Rancidity can be prevented by glaz-
ing the frozen fish with a thin coat of ice by dipping them in water or by spraying
them and storing at -4° F. to -22° F, Fish so treated will keep in good condition
for three to six months or more, Changes in flesh texture can be avoided by quick
freezing before storing under the same conditions.
78 COMMERCIAL FISHERIES REVIEW Vol. 14, No. 10
"A recently published report describes pilot-scale trials on the freezing
and cold storage of herring. Some 137 tons of fish were quick frozen and cold
stored at about 0° F, and -17° F, under commercial conditions. Two methods of
freezing were used, some of the herring being frozen in a multi-plate freezer,
the rest in an experimental air-blast freezer. On examination, it was found that
fish frozen by either method and stored at -17° F. were suitable for kippering or
distribution as fresh herring after as long as nine months in store, but at 0° F.
the storage period was cut to six months or less.
"To maintain a supply of kippers throughout the year, the herring can be
frozen and cold-stored immediately they are landed; they can then be withdrawn
from storage and kippered as required, to keep the smoke-curing plant working
steadily through the year. This method produces the best kippers. Alternatively,
the herrings may be kippered on landing and the kippers stored before release to
the market. The kippers will remain in good condition for about three months at
-4° F, or five months at -22° F, Good kippers can be produced in this way, and
the simple freezing process involved may sometimes be preferred to the freezing
of herring as a means of spreading seasonal supplies over the year."
Venezuela
CANNED FISH MARKETS SOUGHT: Venezuelan fish canners are asking that theGov-
ernment act to prevent unusually large importations of United States canned sar-
dines during the period before the revised trade agreement takes effect, states a
September 15 American consular dispatch from Caracas.
x
FINAL PROCESSING OF CANNED SARDINES IN A VENEZUELAN CANNERY.
October 1952 COMMERCIAL FISHERIES REVIEW qe
The canners are looking forward to the date when the duty of 2 bolivares
per gross kilogram (27.3 US cents per pound) can be applied to United States can-
ned sardines. At the same time, they are complaining of oversupplies which they
cannot market in the United States because of high duties.
The canners want the Government to negotiate agreements with the countries
of the Far East for Venezuelan canned fish, They believe they can supply fishto
Indonesia, the Philippines, and other densely-populated Far Eastern countries.
In fact, their only hope for a good market lies in that region, according to the
canners.
NOTE: SEE COMMERCIAL FISHERIES REVIEW, SEPTEMBER 1952, PP. 57-9.
Hu HH
ROVING SCHOOL TO TEACH METHODS FOR SALTING FISH: A roving school toacquaint
fishermen with modern methods of salting fish has been established by the Vene-
zuelan Ministry of Agriculture, reports an American Embassy dispatch dated Sep-
tember 18 from Caracas.
The school is housed on a special launch that will visit all the coastaland
river points where fish are salted. The Chief of the Bureau of Agricultural Eco-
nomics, which administers the fisheries, states that at present 80 percent of the
fish catch in Venezuela arrives at the market in poor condition.
The system being taught stresses the use of clean water, refined salt, and
the use of a press. The Ministry of Agriculture has the presses for sale. In
those cases where the fishermen lack funds to purchase these, arrangements have
been made with the Banco Agricola y Pecuario to advance them credit for this pur-
pose.
The question is being studied of limiting the marketing of salt fish from
those places where the school has taught the new system to the type "bacalao"
(salt cod ), thus giving the plan impetus.
Venezuela production of salt fish for the calendar year 1951 was 9,875
metric tons, and for the first six months of 1952 it amounted to 8,782 metrictons.
\
N
\t
N
THE MEXICAN FISHERY INDUSTRY
Mexico has practically no offshore fishing fleet. The greater part
of all offshore fishing done in Mexican waters is by United States boats.
Mexican fish canning plants even contract United States boats to supply
their needs for offshore species.
The Mexican fishing industry is dedicated almost entirely to coastal
waters, estuary, and lagoon fishing. The average Mexican motor-driven
vessel is not equipped for extensive sea voyages and fishermen seldom stay
out over 36 hours.
--Fishery Leaflet 339
80 COMMERCIAL FISHERIES REVIEW Vol. 14, No. 10
> FEDERAL
Og ACTIONS
Department of Commerce
NATIONAL PRODUCTION AUTHORITY
TEMPORARY UNRESTRICTED USE OF CANS MADE FROM EMERGENCY TIN PLATE AUTHORIZED:
Direction 5 to NPA Order M-25 gives temporary permission to make unrestricted use
of cans or parts of cans made from emergency purchases of tin plate by can manu-
facturers. This change, issued on September 9, is effective from October 15
through December 31.
This action permits can manufacturers to make and sell cans made of tinplate
acquired by a can manufacturer for a specific purpose during the recent workstop-
page in the steel industry and not commercially usable for the purpose for which
it was acquired. Packers are permitted to use these cans for packing any product
irrespective of the can material specifications and quantity-use limitations of
M-25. In order to identify the shipments coming under this exemption from M-25,
the can manufacturers must furnish certificates to their packer customers.
Direction 4 to M-25, which was issued June 30 and amended July 18, was re-
voked by NPA on September 9.
For details see: Dir. 5 (Temporary Authority for Manufacture and Use of Cans
Made from Emergency Purchases of Tin Plate) dated Sept. 9, 1952, to M-25 (Cans).
Dir. 4 (Emergency Packing of Perishable Food Products) Revocation, dated Sept. 9,
1952, to M-25.
Economic Stabilization Agency
OFFICE OF PRICE STABILIZATION
NEW CEILING PRICES FOR SALTED COD SALES IN PUERTO RICO: Ceiling prices for
salted cod in Puerto Rico were increased by $1.20 per hundredweight for sales by
importers to wholesalers, by $1.30 per hundredweight for sales at wholesale, and
by 14 cents per pound for sales at retail. These new prices (effective September 19)
were established by Amendment 6 to CPR 51 issued by OPS on September 16. The text
of the amendment follows:
NEW PRICES FOR THE-SALE. OF CODFISH STATEMENT OF CONSIDERATIONS tion uy under contracts extend-<
Pursuant to the Defense Production] This amendment to Ceiling Price Reg-jne voor he Ltd oe
Act of 1950, as amended, Executive Orderjulation 51 establishes new ceiling price Newfoundland Association of Fish Exe
10161, and Economic Stabilization|for the sale of salted codfish in Puer porters Ltd. otherwise known as
Agency General Order No. 2, this Amend-|Rico at all levels of distribution. NAFEL, expired on June 30, 1952. Under
ment 6 to Ceiling Price Regulation 51, is) About 95 percent of the codfish con+syppliers’ present asking prices and at
hereby issued. sumed in Puerto Rico is imported from] existing ceiling prices, Puerto Rico im-
} p }
October 1952 COMMERCIAL FISHERIES REVIEW 81
porters of codfish will not be enabled tojAdvisory Committee for Codfish to the|Salted codfish:
receive margins equivalent to those re-fullest extent practicable prior to the| Sales to wholesalers (per 100
ceived by them in the pre-Korea period.Jissuance of this amendment and has POU) eae ne $19. 50
The increase in ceiling price to importers|giyen due consideration to its recom-| S#!€S ®t wholesale (per 100
and in turn of the ceiling price at whole-lmendations. In the judgment of the pounds) ~------_.----__-------- 20. 50
sale and retail should enable these im-!nj;ector, this amendment is necessary to Sales at retail:
" 4 dm y
porters to continue to import the codfis) "| ul yeah ba eee 24
and at the same time receive their nor-| effectuate the purposes of Title IV of the a Pound see ae ees -47
Defense Production Act of 1950, as
mal markups in accordance with sectio
amended.
402 (k) of the Defense Production Act,
This amendment increases the ceilin
prices of codfish by $1.20 per hundred
weight for sales by importers to whole
salers, by $1.30 per hundredweight fo
sales at wholesale and by 142 cents pe
pound for sales at retail.
In formulating this amendment, th
Director has consulted with the Industr
(Sec. 704, 64 Stat. 816, as amended; 50 U.S. C.
App. Sup. 2154)
Effective date. This Amendment 6 to
Paragraph (b) of section 2.1 of Ceiling|Ceiling Price Regulation 51 is effective
Price Regulation 51 is amended to read|September 19, 1952.
as follows:
AMENDATORY PROVISIONS
a F be : TiGHE E. Woops,
(b) Ceiling prices. Ceiling prices fo Director of Price Stabilization.
salted codfish are established as follows:
SEPTEMBER 19, 1952.
For details see: Amdt. 6 (New Prices for the Sale of Codfish) to CPR 51
(Food Products Sold in Puerto Rico), dated Sept. 16.
Department of the Interior
SETON THOMPSON APPOINTED TO INTERNATIONAL FISHERIES COMMISSION: The Secre-
tary of the Interior announced in September that Seton H. Thompson, Chief of the
Fish and Wildlife Service's Branch of Alaska Fisheries, has been appointed by
President Truman as one of the two United States members of the International Fish-
eries Commission. Thompson succeeds Milton C, James who retired on March 31 as
Assistant Director of the Service.
The International Fisheries Commission is responsible for the regulation of
the halibut fishery of the North Pacific Ocean. It was established by a conven-
tion between the United States and Canada which was = ,
signed on March 2, 1923, and subsequently revised on
May 9, 1930, and January 29,1937. This convention was
the first one in the history of the world designed to
save a high-seas fishery. The Commission is composed
of two members appointed by the United States and two
appointed by the Dominion of Canada.
Mr. Thompson has been associated with the U. S.
Fish and wildlife Service and its predecessor agency,
the Bureau of Fisheries, since 1926. From 1929 to
1931 he was ensaged in research on the life history
of salmon and mollusks of Alaska, seeking methods to Ke |
protect them. In 1931 he was promoted to Assistant
Chief of the Branch of Alaska Fisheries and served SETON H. THOMPSON
until 1941 when he was called to active duty in the Navy. In March 1946 he was
released to inactive duty with the rank of Commander, and returned to his former
position with the Service. In 1947 he became Chief of the Branch of Alaska Fish-
eries.
ne.
HH EEE
TUNA INDUSTRY STUDY BY FISH AND WILDLIFE SERVICE: A comprehensive study of
the Nation's tuna industry was begun by the Fish and wildlife Service, the Acting
Secretary of the Interior announced early in October. The purpose of the study is
to seek information to help the industry "achieve and maintain a sound position in
the domestic economy."
82 : COMMERCIAL FISHERIES REVIEW Vol. 14, No. 10
A crisis in the domestic tuna industry arose last year when duty-free imports
of frozen tuna from Japan and Latin America and increased imports of brine-packed
canned tuna from Japan reached unprecedented proportions. Domestic markets were
oversupplied with tuna. Particularly on the West Coast, this forced United States
fishermen to keep their vessels tied up and cannery operators to close several
plants.
As the crisis developed, a bill calling for a three-cents per pound duty on
imports of fresh or frozen tuna was considered by Congress. The bill passed the
House of Representatives but was turned down by the Senate.
The Senate Finance Committee directed the Tariff Commission on June 26 of
this year to investigate the tuna situation, particularly from the standpoint of
foreign competition. The study being made by the Fish and Wildlife Service isthe
result of a petition sent to Secretary of the Interior Chapman on July 5 by six
west Coast Senators. The Service study supplements the Tariff Commission investi-
gation, and stresses the long-range position of the domestic industry. Specific
subjects being covered by the Service's fishery specialists working on the project
include consumption, distribution and marketing, production, and processing.
The following is the letter sent to the Secretary of the Interior by six
West Coast Senators:
UNITED STATES SENATE
COMMITTEE ON APPROPRIATIONS
By SUI ee
DEAR MR. SECRETARY:
THE SENATE RECENTLY HAD BEFORE IT A BILL (H.R. 5693) WHICH WOULD HAVE PLACED A
TEMPORARY |MPORT DUTY OF 3 CENTS PER POUND ON FRESH OR FROZEN TUNA AND WOULD HAVE
DIRECTED THE TARIFF COMMISSION AND THE FISH AND WILDLIFE SERVICE TO INITIATE INVESTI-
GAT!|ONS OF THE TUNA FISHING I|NDUSTRY. THIS BILL PASSED THE HOUSE BUT FAILED OF PASS-
AGE IN THE SENATE. THE POINT OF ISSUE WAS ENTIRELY THE 3 CENT DUTY AND THERE WAS NO
OBJECTION TO THE CONCURRENT INVESTIGATIONS WHICH THE BILL WOULD HAVE ORDERED.
SUBSEQUENTLY THE SENATE FINANCE COMMITTEE UNANIMOUSLY PASSED A RESOLUTION DI-=
RECTING THE TARIFF COMMISSION TO MAKE THE INVESTIGATION OUTLINED IN THE BILL. THE
TARIFF LAW PROVIDES FOR SUCH PROCEDURE, AND THE LETTER OF THE CHAIRMAN OF THE COMMIT=
‘TEE, SENATOR GEORGE, TO THE CHAIRMAN OF THE TARIFF COMMISSION SPELLED OUT THE REASON
FOR THE RESOLUTION. THAT REASON, PRIMARILY, WAS TO ASSIST CONGRESS IN ANY FUTURE
LEGISLATION CONCERNING TUNA FISH.
A NUMBER OF THE SENATORS HAVE EXPRESSED CONSIDERABLE INTEREST IN THE INVEST!IGA~-
TION PROPOSED BY THE BILL INVOLVING THE FISH AND WILDLIFE SERVICE, AND WE THE UNDER-
SIGNED ARE PETITIONING YOU TO HAVE SUCH A STUDY INITIATED AND CARRIED OUT. WE ARE
NOT SUGGESTING ANY TIME LIMIT ON SUCH A STUDY, BUT FEEL THAT ONE WOULD BE IN THE
BEST INTERESTS OF THE COUNTRY AND HOPE THAT |1T CAN BE STARTED AND CONCLUDED REASON-
ABLY EARLY. THE FINANCE COMMITTEE DIRECTED THE TARIFF COMMISSION TO REPORT BY
MARCH 1, 1953,
A COPY OF H. R. 5693 1S ENCLOSED. IN IT YOU WILL FIND THE DETAILS OF THE IN-
VEST!1GAT!ON REQUESTED.
YOUR KIND ATTENTION IN THIS MATTER WOULD BE DEEPLY APPRECIATED.
SINCERELY YOURS,
(sap) WILLIAM F. KNOWLAND
RICHARD NIXON
WARREN G. MAGNUSON
HARRY P. CAIN
WAYNE MORSE--—-
GUY CORDON
HONORABLE OSCAR L. CHAPMAN
SECRETARY OF THE INTERIOR
WASHINGTON, D. C.
October 1952 ; _ COMMERCIAL FISHERIES REVIEW 83
This letter from the Acting Secretary of the Interior was addressed to each
of the six Senators:
UNITED STATES
DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR
OFFICE OF THE SECRETARY
PRS NO. 2851 WASHINGTON 25, D. C.
JULY 23, 1952
MY DEAR SENATOR _____
| AM GLAD THAT YOU AND THE FIVE OTHER SENATORS FROM THE PACIFIC COAST
STATES BELIEVE THERE 1S A NEED FOR A FULL STUDY OF THE TUNA INDUSTRY AND ITS CURRENT
PRODUCTION AND MARKETING PROBLEMS. | APPRECIATE,. ALSO, THE RECOGNITION IN YOUR
LETTER OF JULY 5 THAT THE DEPARTMENT'S FISH AND WILDLIFE SERVICE 1S THE PROPER AGENCY
TO INVESTIGATE THOSE PHASES OF THE PROBLEM WHICH WOULD NOT COME WITHIN THE SCOPE OF
THE TARIFF COMMISSION'S STUDY.
A PRELIMINARY EXAMINATION OF THE SERVICE'S FUTURE PROGRAM WITH RESPECT TO
PERSONNEL AND FACILITIES REQUIRED FOR SUCH AN INVESTIGATION INDICATES THAT, IN THE
ABSENCE OF SPECIFIC FUNDS, |1T CAN BE MADE ONLY BY DEFERRING SOME OTHER PHASES OF
PROJECTS OF CONSIDERABLE INTEREST TO THE FISHING INDUSTRY. IN OUR OPINION, HOWEVER,
THE SERIOUSNESS OF THE SITUATION CONFRONTING THE TUNA INDUSTRY JUSTIFIES SUCH A
COURSE.
A FURTHER, DETAILED REVIEW OF THE SERVICE'S ORIGINAL ECONOMICS PROGRAM, AS
WELL AS A CONFERENCE WITH THE TARIFF COMMISSION, WILL BE NECESSARY BEFORE IT WILL BE
POSSIBLE TO INFORM YOU MORE FULLY OF THE SCOPE OF SUCH A STUDY AND THE DATE ON WHICH
1T CAN BE COMPLETED. INFORMATION IN THIS REGARD WILL BE FORWARDED TO YOU BEFORE THE
END OF JULY.
SINCERELY YOURS,
(sed) MASTIN G. WHITE
ACTING SECRETARY OF THE INTERIOR
The Director of the Fish and Wildlife Service addressed this letter to the
six Senators, giving more details on the tuna study which was being undertaken by
the Service:
UNITED STATES
DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR
FISH AND WILDLIFE SERVICE
WASHINGTON 25, D. C.
AUGUST 12, 1952
MY DEAR SENATOR ____
IN THE ACTING SECRETARY'S LETTER OF JULY 23, HE INFORMED YOU THAT THE SCOPE
AND DATE OF COMPLETION OF THE PROPOSED STUDY OF THE LONG-RANGE POS!|TION OF THE TUNA
INDUSTRY BY THIS DEPARTMENT COULD NOT BE DETERMINED UNTIL REPRESENTATIVES OF THE FISH
AND WILDLIFE SERVICE AND THE TARIFF COMMISSION HAD CONFERRED. THREE CONFERENCES HAVE
NOW BEEN HELD IN ORDER TO DETERMINE WHETHER THE WORK TO BE DONE IN THIS FIELD BY THE
SERVICE WOULD OVERLAP THE STUDY REQUESTED OF THE TARIFF COMMISSION UNDER THE RESOLU-
TION OF THE SENATE FINANCE COMMITTEE DATED JUNE 26,
FROM THESE CONFERENCES |T APPEARS THAT, ALTHOUGH THE REQUEST MADE OF THE
TARIFF COMMISSION IS VERY BROAD, THERE ARE PHASES WITH RESPECT TO THE LONG=RANGE PO-
SITION OF THE INDUSTRY WHICH CAN BE UNDERTAKEN BY THE SERVICE WITHOUT DUPLI CATING
ANY WORK CONTEMPLATED BY THE TARIFF COMMISSION.
ACCORDINGLY, THE SERVICE WILL LIMIT ITS STUDY TO THOSE PROBLEMS WHICH WILL
SUPPLEMENT THE TARIFF COMMISSION STUDY AND DO |TS UTMOST TO COMPLETE ITS REPORT BY
MARCH 1, 1953, AT WHICH TIME THE TARIFF COMMISSION 1S SCHEDULED TO FILE ITS REPORT
WITH THE FINANCE COMMITTEE.
SINCERELY YOURS,
(SGD) ALBERT M. DAY
DIRECTOR
8h COMMERCIAL FISHERIES REVIEW Vol. 14, No. 10
Since neither additional funds nor personnel were made available to the Fish
and Wildlife Service for conducting the tuna study, it became necessary to uti-
lize existing funds and personnel. Present activities had to be rearranged and
some dropped in order to conduct the study. Although no time limit was set by
the Senators for completion of the study, the Service will make every effort to
conclude the study by March 1--the date set for completion of the Tariff Commis-
sion tuna investigation requested by the Finance Committee of the Senate.
Kw Ke RE
INTERIOR SECRETARIAL FUNCTIONS RELATING TO PUBLIC LAND MANAGEMENT INCLUDE
FISH AND WILDLIFE: Joel D. wolfsohn is designated Assistant Secretary for Public
Land Management, according to Order No. 2702 issued by the Secretary of the Inte-
rior on August 29. The Assistant Secretary for Public Land Management is author-
ized to discharge the duties and perform the functions assigned to this position,
including the exercise of Secretarial direction and supervision of the following
bureaus:
BUREAU OF LAND MANAGEMENT BUREAU OF INDIAN AFFAIRS
FISH AND WILDLIFE SERVICE OFFICE OF TERRITORIES
NATIONAL PARK SERVICE
This change is in accordance with Reorganization Plan No. 3 of 1950.
Department of State
REVISED UNITED STATES-VENEZUBLAN TRADE AGREEMENT IN FORCE: The President of
the United States on September 19 signed a proclamation stating that the supple-
mentary trade agreement between the United States and Venezuela would enter into
force on October 11, 1952. This revised agreement results in an increase in the
Venezuelan import duties on three fishery items in that nation's tariff schedules.
NOTE: SEE COMMERCIAL FISHERIES REVIEW, SEPTEMBER 1952, PP. 57-9.
HEHEHE
his proclamation of the International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea,
1948. This Convention was signed at London on June 10, 1948. The Convention pro-
vides for improved standards for safety of life at sea in the fields of ship con-
struction, fire protection, lifesaving appliances, radio equipment, dangerous car-
goes, and navigation generally.
SAFETY-OF-LIFE-AT-SEA CONVENTION: On September 10, 1952, the President issued
In accordance with its terms, the Convention will enter into force on Novem-
ber 19, 1952. It will replace the convention of May 31, 1929, of the same charac-
ter, as between parties to the 1929 convention which have also accepted the 1948
convention.
In addition to the United States, countries which have accepted the Convention
to date are: Belgium, Canada, Denmark, France, Iceland, Israel, Italy, Japan,
Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Pakistan, Portugal, Sweden, Union of South Africa,
United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, and Yugoslavia.
October 1952 COMMERCIAL FISHERIES REVIEW 85
LANDINGS AND RECEIPTS
In Millions of Pounds
MAINE - LANDINGS MASSACHUSETTS - LANDINGS
NOT INCLUDING IMPORTS BOSTON , GLOUCESTER , NEW BEDFORD , & CAPE COD
807 CUMULATIVE CUMULATIVE DATA
70: . 1952 = 180.1
Zz x 1951 - 114.3
1951 - 220.9
60
50
40.
30
20)
10 iS
JAN. FEB. MAR. APR. MAY. JUNE JULY AUG. SEPT. OCT. NOV. DEC. JAN. FEB. MAR. APR. MAY. JUNE JULY AUG. SEPT. OCT. NOV. DEC.
INEW YORK CITY-RECEIPTS OF FRESH & FROZEN FISH CHICAGO - RECEIPTS OF FRESH & FROZEN FISH
SALT-WATER MARKET WHOLESALE MARKET
26
CUMULATIVE DATA CUMULATIVE DATA
Q mgs. 1952 - 133.
9 1951 - 139.
idee 1951. 172.6
JAN, FEB. MAR. APR. MAY. JUNE JULY AUG. SEPT. OCT. NOV. DEC. JAN. FEB. MAR, APR. MAY. JUNE JULY AUG. SEPT. OCT. NOV. DEC.
GULF - SHRIMP LANDINGS SEATTLE - RECEIPTS OF FRESH & FROZEN FISH
HEAQS OFF - FOR ALL USES WHOLESALE MARKET , LANDINGS , & IMPORTS
CUMULATIVE DATA
JULY AUG. SEPT. OCT. NOV. DEC. JAN. FEB. MAR. APR. MAY JUNE JAN. FEB. MAR. APR, MAY. JUNE JULY AUG. SEPT. OCT. NOV. DEC.
In Thousands of Tons
CALIFORNIA- TUNA AND TUNA-LIKE FISH
LATIVE DATA
JULY AUG. SEPT. OCT. NOV. DEC. JAN. FEB. MAR. APR. MAY JUNE JAN. FEB. MAR. APR, MAY. JUNE JULY AUG. SEPT. OCT. NOV. DEC.
COMMERCIAL FISHERIES REVIEW
Vol. 14, No. 10
COLD STORAGE HOLDINGS and FREEZINGS of FISHERY PRODUCTS
In Millions
U.S. & ALASKA - HOLDINGS OF FROZEN FISH
o JAN. FEB. MAR. APR. MAY. JUNE JULY AUG. SEPT. OCT. NOV. DEC.
NEW ENGLAND - HOLDINGS OF FROZEN FISH
JAN. FEB. MAR. APR. MAY. JUNE JULY AUG. SEPT. OCT. NOV. DEC.
5 ‘
CHICAGO - HOLDINGS OF FROZEN FISH
()
Ona fF a OD N @O ©
JAN. FEB. MAR. APR. MAY. JUNE JULY AUG. SEPT. OCT. NOV. DEC.
WASHINGTON, OREGON, AND ALASKA -
x HOLDINGS OF FROZEN FISH
A _FROZ
JAN. FEB. MAR. APR. MAY. JUNE JULY AUG. SEPT. OCT. NOV. DEC.
Pounds
U.S. & ALASKA - FREEZINGS
CUMULATIVE DATA
9 MQS. 1952 - 248.0 “
9 : 1951 - 256.8 a9
12 1951 - 325.5
(0)
JAN. FEB. MAR. APR. MAY. JUNE JULY AUG. SEPT. OCT, NOV. DEC.
NEW YORK CITY - HOLDINGS OF FROZEN FISH
— EEE €)
JAN. FEB. MAR. APR. MAY. JUNE JULY AUG. SEPT. OCT, NOV. DEC.
GULF - HOLDINGS OF FROZEN FISH
JAN. FEB. MAR. APR. MAY. JUNE JULY AUG. SEPT. OCT. NOV. DEC.
“CALIFORNIA - HOLDINGS OF FROZEN FISH |
: 0
JAN. FEB. MAR. APR. MAY. JUNE JULY AUG. SEPT. OCT. NOV. DEC. |
October 1952 COMMERCIAL FISHERIES REVIEW 87
CANNED FISHERY PRODUCTS
In Thousands of Standard Cases
‘MAINE - SARDINES , ESTIMATED PACK UNITED STATES - SHRIMP!
CUMULATIVE DATA
. 1952 - 1,655.6
1951 - 228.6
195) - 1,603.6
23 O08
AUG. SEPT. OCT. NOV. DEC. JAN. FEB. MAR. APR. MAY JUNE JULY
CALIFORNIA - PILCHARDS
1739)
0 an :
JAN. FEB. MAR. APR. MAY. JUNE JULY AUG. SEPT. OCT. NOV DEC. a ie)
JULY AUG. SEPT. OCT. NOV. DEC. JAN. FEB. MAR. APR. MAY JUNE
510
CALIFORNIA - MACKEREL ALASKA - SALMON
CUMULATIVE
TOTAL 1952 SEASON - 3,530.1*
TOTAL _1951 SEASON - 3,473.6
PRELIMINARY
1952 - 530
1951 - 581.
1951 - 1,029,
$ WN
JAN. FEB. MAR. APR. MAY. JUNE JULY AUG. SEPT. OCT. NOV. DEC.
STANDARD CASES
Variety No.Cans Can Designation Net. Wgt.
SARDINES 100 V4 drawn 3 1/4 oz.
SHRIMP 48 — ? 7 oz.
TUNA 48 No. 1/2 tuna 7 oz.
PILCHARDS 48 No. 1 oval 15 oz.
MACKEREL 48 No. 300° 15 oz.
SALMON 48 l_pound tall "16 oz.
JAN. FEB. MAR. APR. MAY. JUNE JULY AUG. SEPT. OCT, NOV. DEC.
88 COMMERCIAL FISHERIES REVIEW Vol. 14, No. 10
PRICES , IMPORTS and BY-PRODUCTS
BOSTON - WEIGHTED AVERAGE PRICE’ MAINE - IMPORTS OF FRESH SEA HERRING
‘ON NEW ENGLAND FISH EXCHANGE IN ¢ PER POUND _IN MILLIONS OF POUNDS
CUMULATIVE DATA Ir UROWATIVE DATA 24
gm Me oe 8 7 38 2 15 re
1951 - 8.37 1951_- 39.6 18
15
12
9
6
3
Oo
JAN. FEB. MAR. APR. MAY. JUNE JULY AUG. SEPT. OCT. NOV. DEC.
JAN. FEB. MAR. APR. MAY. JUNE JULY AUG. SEPT. OCT, NOV. DEC.
In Millions of Pounds
U.S. - IMPORTS OF FRESH & FROZEN FILLETS U.S.- IMPORTS OF PRE ao FROZEN
OF GROUND FISH, INCLUDING ROSEFISH SHRIMP_ FROM
CUMULATIVE DATA
CUMULATIVE DATA
1952 - 79.3
195) - 04.4
1951 - 87.0
JAN. FEB. MAR. APR. MAY. JUNE JULY AUG. SEPT. OCT. NOV. DEC.
In Millions of Pounds
U.S.- IMPORTS OF CANNED TUNA fro.z U.S.
AND TUNA-LIKE FISH i
- IMPORTS OF CANNED SARDINES
(Include in oil and not in oil )
CUMULATIVE DATA
Ti|_ 8 mgs. 1952 - 13 8 MQS. 1952 - 14.3
| 8 5 8 - 18.8
1951 - 9.
12
JAN. FEB. MAR. APR. MAY. JUNE JULY AUG. SEPT. OCT. NOV. DEC.
0 JAN. FEB. MAR. APR. MAY. JUNE JULY AUG. SEPT. OCT. NOV. DEC.
U.S. & ALASKA - PRODUCTION OF FISH MEAL U.S. & ALASKA - PRODUCTION OF FISH OIL
IN MILLIONS OF GALLONS | 4.1)
IN. THOUSANDS OF TONS
40
CUMULATIVE DATA CUMULATIVE DATA
H S mgs. 1952 - 10.5
1951 - | a) 1951 = lee
195) ie 1951 - 17.9
JAN. FEB. MAR. APR. MAY. JUNE JULY AUG, SEPT. OCT. NOV. DEC. JAN. FEB. MAR. APR. MAY. JUNE JULY AUG. SEPT. OCT. NOV. DEC.
October 1952
COMMERCIAL FISHERIES REVIEW 89
“FISHERY PUBLICATIONS
Recent publications of interest to the commercial fishing industry are listed
below.
FISH AND WILDLIFE SERVICE PUBLICATIONS
THESE PROCESSED PUBLICATIONS ARE AVAILABLE FREE FROM THE
DIVISION OF INFORMATION, U. S. FISH AND WILDLIFE SERVICE, WASH-
INGTON 25, D. C. TYPES OF PUBLICATIONS ARE DESIGNATED AS FOLLOWS:
CFS - CURRENT FISHERY STATISTICS OF THE UNITED STATES AND
ALASKA,
SL - STATISTICAL SECTION LISTS OF DEALERS IN AND PRODUCERS
OF FISHERY PRODUCTS AND BYPRODUCTS.
SEPARATES (REPRINTS) FROM COMMERCIAL FISHERIES REVIEW.
SSR. - FISH. - SPECIAL SCIENTIFIC REPORTS--FISHERIES (LIMITED
DISTRIBUTION).
wn
m
vU
‘
Number Title
CFS-773 - Massachusetts Landings, May 1952, 14 p.
CFS-782 - Frozen Fish Report, August 1952Final, 8p.
CFS—786 - Maine Landings, June 1952, 4 p.
Number Title
SSR-Fish. No. 72 - English Translations of Fishery
Literature (Additional List-
ings), March 1952, 34 p.
SSR-Fish. No. 75 - Water Temperatures of Califor-
nia's Central Valley, 1949-51,
May 1952, 49 p.
Wholesale Dealers in Fishery Products:
SL-29 - Ohio (revised), 2 p.
SL-31 - New York (revised), 2 p.
SL-32 - Minnesota, 2 p.
SL-33 - North Dakota, 1 p.
§L-35 - Illinois, 3 p.
SL-36 - Iowa, 2 p.
SL-38 - Missouri, 2 p.
SL-39 - Tennessee, 1 p.
SL-41 - Arkansas, 2 p.
SL-42 - Kentucky, 1 p.
SL-43 - Alabama, 1 p.
SSR-Fish. No. 71 - Establishing Tuna and Other Pe-
lagic Fishes in Ponds and Tanks,
February 1952, 23 p.
Sep. 321 - Experiments on the Escape of Undersized
Haddock Through Otter Trawls.
Sep. 322 - Preliminary Investigation of the South-
eastern Alaska Abalone:
Fart I — Exploratory Diving.
Part II- Technological Studies on Hand-
ling Aboard Ship and Preparation s-
shore, and Acceptability of the Cooked
Products.
MISCELLANEOUS PUBLICATIONS
THESE PUBLICATIONS ARE NOT AVAILABLE FROM THE FISH AND WILD-
LIFE SERVICE, BUT USUALLY MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE AGENCIES 1IS-
SUING THEM, CORRESPONDENCE REGARDING PUBLI CATIONS THAT FOLLOW
SHOULD BE ADDRESSED TO THE RESPECTIVE AGENCIES OR PUBLISHERS MEN-
TIONED. DATA ON PRICES, IF READILY AVAILABLE, ARE SHOWN.
Alaska Seafood Recipes (from the Fishery Products years the new edition of this popular booklet
Laboratory), edited and revised by Charlotte D.
Speegle and Marjorie Bassett, 79 p., processed.
Published jointly by the Fisheries Experimental
Commission, the Agricultural Extension Service,
and the Alaska Development Board. (Copies are
being distributed in Alaska by the Agricultural
Extension Service, College, Alaska; the Alaska
Development Board, Box 50, Juneau, Alaska; and
the Fishery Products Laboratory, Ketchikan, A-
laska.) After being out of print for several
is back with all the old favorite recipes and
many added new ones. An attractive color cover,
information on purchasing fish, and notes on the
various species of fish have been added to make
the booklet a handy addition to the homemaker's
cookbook file. All recipes have been tested by
the home economist at the Ketchikan Laboratory.
Included in the 80-page booklet are over 100
recipes for fish and shellfish, outdoor fish
cookery, sauces and stuffings, and kelp pickles.
90
An
COMMERCIAL FISHERIES REVIEW
LIFE SERVICE,
THEM.
Annotated Bibliography for the Student of Texas
Fishes and Fisheries (with Material on the Gulf
of Mexico and the Caribbean Sea), by J. L.
Baughman, 243 p., processed. Texas Game and
Fish Commission, Rockport, Texas. A bibliogra-
phy with explanatory notes on Texas fishes and
fisheries and material on the Gulf of Mexico
and the Caribbean Sea.
Annual Report of the Fisheries Research Board of
~ Canada for the Year 1951, 185 p., illus., print-
ed (introduction is in English and French and
balance of report in English). Fisheries Re-
search Board of Canada, Ottawa, Canada, 1952.
Full reports are presented of the work for 1951
of the biological and experimental stations of
the Fisheries Research Board of Canada. The
scientific and industrial work of the Board is
organized in three closely coordinated fields
of study: biology of fish and other marine or-
ganisms, oceanography, and technology of fish
processing. Seven laboratories are maintained
although much of the work is done at sea, at
fishing ports, and on the rivers. Stations at
St. Andréws, N.B., at St. John's, Newfoundland,
at Nanaimo, B.C., and at Winnipeg, Manitoba,
provide bases for operations in biology and
oceanography. Stations at Halifax, N.S., at
Grand River, Quebec, and at Vancouver, B.C.,
are the centers of work on processing, storage,
and transportation of marine foods and on the
production of byproducts. For the pest five
years a small party has worked on the biology
and oceanography of the Eastern Arctic. A list
of the publications and reports that were pub-
lished in 1951 by the Board is included.
(Ceylon) Administration Report of the Acting Dir-
ector of Fisheries for 1951, by E.R.A. de Zylva,
30 p., printed, 75 cents postpaid. Government
Publications Bureau, Colombo, Ceylon, June 1952.
Progress reports for the year 1951 are presented
by the Department of Fisheries' Administration
Division, Socio-Economic Division, Development
Division, and Research Division. Among the sub-
jects covered are: enforcement of fisheries
regulations; improvement of harbor facilities;
cooperative development of the fisheries; loans
granted to individual fishermen, unregistered
fishing groups, and registered cooperative fish-
ing societies; rescue services and relief to
fishermen in distress; fisheries training school}
mechanization of local fishing industry; brack-
ish and fresh-water fisheries; fish marketing;
curing of fishery products; manufacture of fish-
ery byproducts; and refrigeration and transpor-
tation facilities. Statistical data are also
included on the production of fresh and cured
fish, and imports and exports of fishery prod-
ucts and byproducts.
Fish and Ways to Serve It, by Marie C. Doermann,
~ Leaflet 195 “8 an peenoeincede Extension Service,
College of Agriculture, Rutgers University--
the State University of New Jersey, New Bruns-
wick, N. J. Contains 16 recipes for fish and
shellfish and a number of recipes for sauces,
as. well as a short discussion on how to select
fish and amounts to buy.
BUT USUALLY MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE AGENCIES
ISSUING
4, 6 p., printed. Department “of Fisheries,
Ottawa, Canada (revised June 1952). Tested fish
and shellfish salad recipes and suggestions for
salad combinations.
"How to Mount a Fish," by Gustaf T. Sundstrom,
article, Popular Homecraft, September-October
1952, vol. 22, no. 7, p. 61, illus., printed,
35 cents per issue. General Publishing Co.,
Inc., 154 East Erie St., Chicago 11, Ill. (Re-
prints of this article and the previous one--
"How to Make Life-Like Model of Your Prize
Catch"--are available free upon request from
the Branch of Commercial Fisheries, U. S. Fish
and Wildlife Service, Washington 25, D. C.)
This article gives step by step directions on
how to mount a whole fish or a fish head. It
is the second of two articles, the first of
which described the simplest and most practical
methods of making an artificial model of a fish.
Illustrated Check List of the Marine Mollusks
of Texas, by T. E. Pulley, reprint from The
Texas Journal of Science, vol. IV, no. 2,
pp. 167-199, June 30, 1952. Although many au-
thors have recognized and deplored the lack of
information concerning the fauna of the northern
and western Gulf of Mexico, at least 450 species
of marine mollusks have been recorded in the
literature as occurring in Texas. Many of these
records are obviously in error while others are
extremely doubtful. The purpose of this paper
is to bring together all of the species reported
in an attempt to decide which ones are actually
members of the Texas fauna. For each species,
the occurrence of which has been confirmed by
the present author, some remarks are given as to
its range on the Texas coast. For unconfirmed
species, the name of the reporting author is
given, the locality where it is known to occur,
and wherever possible, a statement is made as
to whether its presence on the Texas coast is
likely or doubtful. No attempt has been madeto
include synonyms, and many of the species at-
tributed here to other authors bear the names
which are now considered correct rather than the
names under which they have appeared in listsof
Texas shells.
(Japan) Statistic Tables of Fishing Vessels, 1951,
General Report No. 4, 226 p. with graphs, print-
ed, in Japanese and English (not available for
general distribution). Japanese Fisheries A-
gency, Tokyo, Japan. This is the fourth annual
report which lists data on the various types of
Japanese fishing craft as obtained by a fishing-
vessel registration system. Statistics are giv-
en by types of gear, fishery, craft, and princi-
pal prefectures, together with comparisons for
former years.
(MSA) Monthly Report of the Mutual Security Agency
to the Piblic Advisory Board | -y Board (Data as of May 31,
1952), 81 p., illus., processed. Division of
Statistics and Reports, Mutual Security Agency,
Washington 25, D. C. Included are charts and
tables summarizing important activities under
the economic assistance and defense support pro-
Vol. 14, No. 10
Shellfish Definitions and Standards under the Fed-
October 1952
COMMERCIAL FISHERIES REVIEW 91
LIFE SERVICE, BUT USUALLY MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE AGENCIES TSSUING
THEM.
grams of th) Mutual Security Agency and its pred-
ecessor, the Economic Cooperation Administration,
through May 31, 1952. Charts and appendix tables
on the European proeret cover MSA/ECA operations
beginning with April 3, 1948, to date. Charts
and appendix tables on the Far East program cover
MSA/ECA operations under the China Area Aid Act
of 1950. A section of the report deals with cur-
rent economic developments in Western Europe.
The National School Lunch Program, PA-208, 19 p.,
illus., printed. Production and Marketing Ad-
ministration, U. S. Department of Agriculture,
Washington 25, D.-C., June 1952, Report on the
progress of the National School Lunch Program
since 1944. The charts presented trace the
growth of the Program, in terms of the number
of participating children and the number of
meals served. The charts also show the extent
to which the Program is fulfilling its nutrition-
al and agricultural objectives, the high quality
of the meals served, and the large quantities of
food used.
of Lake Nyasa, 1 945-47, by Rosemary H. 2S=
Fishery pee ere WoL, ls NOs 25 Lo” Dos
illus., printed, £2 net (US$5.60). Colonial Of-
fice, London, England. (Available from Her Maj-
esty's Stationery Office, London, England), 1952.
A report in three parts on an investigation into
the life histories, habits, and growth rates of
certain species of Tilapia and other fish of
Lake Nyasa. Part One contains a study of the
general ecology of the Tilapias and suggestions
for future development and control of the fish=
ery. Part Two covers the bilogy of the Nchila
(Labeo mesops ) and development of the fishery;
fisheries for predatory fish; the Mpasa (Barilius
microlepis) fishery; and the Utaka (Haplochromis
series) fishery. Part Three discusses the gen-
erel control and development of the fish indus-
try, and a summary and recommendations. There
are a number of appendixes which include reports
on the fish and fisheries of the River Lilongwe,
Lake Kazuni, and Lake Chilwa; and a list of sci-
entific and native names of fish mentioned in
the report.
eral Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act, Service and
peeiakory. Announcements, Food, Drug, and Cos-
metic No. 2, Part 36, 8 p., printed, 10 cents.
Food and Brug Administration, Federal Security
Agency, Washington, D. C., reprinted June 1952,
(For sale by Superintendent of Documents, Wash=
ington 25, D. C.) An unofficial print of the
definitions and standards of identity and fill
‘of container for shellfish issued under the Fed=
eral Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act. The shell-
fish covered are canned shrimp, canned oysters,
and raw oysters. The standards for these shell-
fish contained in the pamphlet were all previous
ly published ir the Federal Register several
years ago. The Act requires the Federal Securit
Administrator to promulgete reasonable defiri-
tions and standards for food tc promote honesty
end fair dealing in the interest of consumers.
After a standard goes irto effect, it constitute
the official specification for that food for the
purposes of enforcement of the Act. To bear the
name of the standardized food, a product may con-
tain only those ingredients and components list-
ed in the standard, in the amourt specified.
When optional ingredients are permitted, the
standard designates those that must be named on
the label. The common or usual name of standard-
ized foods must appear on the label, but the Act
does not compel label declaration of required
ingredients. In the case of unstandardized foods,
the labels must name the ingredients.
The Shrimp Fishery, by E. D. McRae, Bulletin no.22,
Marine Laboratory Series III, 21 p., illus.,
printed. The Texas Game and Fish Commission,
Austin, Texas, July 1952. Descrites the life
history of the common commercial white shrimp
(Penaeus setiferus), and discusses, in general,
the biology of the other species of shrimp.
Conservation, recommendations by the Scientific
Committee of the Gulf States Marine Fisheries
Commission for the protection of the shrimp fish-
ery, and methods of keeping live shrimp are also
discussed. Includes statistics on the production
and value of Texas shrimp, and a list of Texas
shrimp producers, packers, and handlers.
Statistical Services of the United States Govern-
ment (Revised Edition - June 1952), 80 pete
processed. Office of Statistical Standards,
Bureau of the Budget, Executive Office of the
President, Washington 25, D. C. The purpose of
this booklet 1s”to provide a general description
of the economic and social statistical programs
of the United States Government--where they are
located, how the data are collected, and what
data are available in these areas from Federal
agencies. Part I describes the organization of
statistical services within the Federal Govern-
ment, the methods employed in achieving coordi-
nation, and some of the general principles and
practices followed in Federal statistical activ-
ities. Part II presents brief descriptions of
the principal economic and social statistical
series. A summary of the statistical responsi-
bilities of Federal agencies and an annotated
bibliography of the principal periodical statis-
tical publications issued by Government agencies
are presented in appendixes,
TRADE LISTS
The Commercial Intelligence Branch, Office of
International Trade, U. S. Department of Commerce,
has published the following mimeographed trade lists.
Copies of these lists may be ottained by firms in
the United States from that Office or from Depart-
ment of Commerce field offices at $1.00 per list.
Commercial Fishing Companies and Fish Export—
ers — Mexico, 9 p. (June 1952). Taste the the
names and addresses of commercial fishing
companies and fish exporters in Mexico.
The size of the firms listed is indicated,
as well as the type of products handled
and the type of business each firm conducts.
Commercial Fishing Companies and Fish Export-
ers - Denmark, 7 p. fea 1952). iasess
the names wa addresses of commercial
fishing companies and fish exporters in
Denmark. The size of the firms listed is
indicated, as well as the type of products
and the type of business each firmconducts.
92 COMMERCIAL FISHERIES REVIEW
Wolo Whe Noe 10
LIFE SERVICE, BUT USUALLY MAY BE OBTA| NED FROM THE AGENCIES TST
THEM,
Commercial Fishing Companies and Fish Export
TH SNS, WO) tee Giaeast 1952) Lists
the names and addresses of commercial fish-
ing companies and fish exporters in Chile.
The size of the firms listed is indicated,
as well as the type of products handled
and the type of business each firmconducts.
"Trawling vs. Long-Lining in Quebec," article, Trade
News, July 1952, vol. 5, no. 1, pp. 5-7, illus.,
processed. Department of Fisheries, Ottawa,
Canada. Experiments conducted by the Quebec De=
partment of Fisheries Marine Biological Station
at Grand-Riviere on the Gaspe Peninsula, which
may affect fishing techniates in Quebec waters,
are described. Two new types of fishing boats,
a long-liner and a small trawler, were used in
the tests, and a comparative study was made of
the cod taken. Trawler catches varied from 25
to 145 cod per hour, while long-liner catches
ranged from 32 to 105. For the entire fishing
season, the long-liner's average was 60.5 cod
per hour, while that of the trawler was 58.9.
A biological survey of cod populations, migra-
tory studies, and a crab canning project arealso
described.
Uses and Freparation of Maine Sardines - America's
all-round Seafood, 31 p., illus., printed. Maine
Sardine Industry, Augusta, Maine. The Maine sar=
dine recipes contained in this booklet are the
favorites of world-famous chefs, food editors,
and other food experts. Also included, are down—
to-earth, money-saving recipes from the prudent
homemakers of Maine. Some of the recipes areil-.
lustrated in beautiful full color. A history of
the Maine sardine industry is also included.
"Vacuum Treatment for Canned Fish,” article, Trad
News, July 1952, vol. 5, nc. 1 pp. 8-9, proces-
Editorial Assistant--Ruth V. Keefe
sed. Department of Fisheries, Ottawa, Canada.
From investigations conducted at the Pacific Fish-
eries Experimental Station of the Fisheries Re-
search Board of Canada, Vancouver, the applic: -
tion of vacuum in pre-treatment of some kinds of
fish for canning appears to have important ad-
vantages and to be commercially practical. By
this means it is very simple to achieve the low-
ered moisture content required for sardine-type
packs, to remove certain odors, and, in the case
of tuna, to cool the fish very quickly for the
furtner steps in processing before canning. Ex-
perimental equipment, built to test the process,
consisted of a small retort and a condenser e-
quipped with a two-stage water ejector for removal
of air and other non-condensibles, This equip-
ment was used to prepare experimental packs of
herring, anchovies, kippered snacks, and tuna.
In all cases the equipment sufficiently dried the
product, producing the desired pack containing no
free liquid water after final retorting. Investi-
gations made into the industrial application of
the process indicate that the most suitable equip-
ment for use in a cannery would consist of a baro-
metric condenser and steam—jet ejectors connected
to several cannery retorts. The retorts, which
would be evacuated in succession when used in this
way, would still be evailable for the customary
pressure retorting at all time. The condenser
could operate on either river or sea water. Sug-—
gested equipment connected with three "3-car" re-
torts, could be used to pré-treat about 1,000
cases (of 48 one-pound cans each) per eight-hour
day. It would require 125 imperial gallons (150
U. S. gallons) per minute of cooling water, 410
pounds of steam per hour, and cost about $5,000.
Equipment of this size would serve about ten re-
torts for tuna cooling and cool the tuna in 20
minutes.
Illustrator--Gustaf T. Sundstrom
Compositors--Jean Zalevsky, Betty Coakley, Irene Mainster
* OK OK OK *K
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.
Page 29--C. Butler; pp. 30, 34, and 36--F. T. Piskur; p. 41--C. Butler;
p. 67--S. Shapiro; p. 72--Voorlichtingsbureau van den voedingraad;
p. 78--R. 0. Smith.
C
INTERIOR--DUPLICATING SECTION, WASHINGTON 25, D. ©.
joB #30039
October 1952 COMMERCIAL FISH!RIES REVIEW 93
CONTENTS, CONTINUED
PAGE PAGE
FOREIGN (CONTD.): FOREIGN (CONTD. ):
FlJl |SLANDS: PORTUGAL:
TUNA VENTURE ASSETS SOLD ..eveseeseee 451 TWO U.S. VESSELS PURCHASED FOR TUNA
FRENCH MOROCCO: FAISHINING Mra ctetriclelelalelewtaretctelcreistelcieteientersisten 74:
SARDINE FISHING POOR ...cccesceeeeeco, O61 SWEDEN:
GERMAN FEOERAL REPUBLIC: ELECTRIC TUNA FISHING SUCCESSFUL .... 75
ELECTRICAL-FISHING EXPERIMENTS IN NEW FISH PACKAGING AND MERCHANDISING
SALT WATER REPORTED SUCCESSFUL ..... 62 MENTHOL ohofotaliniatel(e,efotstoliaieleleleleleisieieieieterets tsi n/a
DEVELOPMENTS IN !NTERZONAL TRADE IN UNEON OF SOUTH AFRICA:
FalSHeretatstaje seletevvistalalelelnivicislelsiclsinicleerss\ne (O4: CANNED FISH PRODUCTION, FISCAL YEAR
HONG KONG: ILS SackdeseapoudopopaoDOnDDooanonee we
NEW ARTIFICIAL FISH ORIER INSTALLED . 65 SPINY LOBSTER EXPORT QUOTA FOR 1952
ITALY: ESTABLISHES ondicanoooccuonsnacoonoe. is
WHALE FACTORYSHIP ALMOST READY .....- 65 FISH MEAL FOR HUMAN FOOD ...-.ceee0.0. 76
JAPAN: UNITED KINGDOM:
CONTINUATION OF TUNA IMPORT CONTROLS TRAWL FOR USE AT PRE-SET DEPTHS ..... 76
FAW OREE Metetstele sieisvaleinlelalala/sielsiv\nisisiele/sis}aleuO> HERRING PRESERVATION METHODS ......... 77
TUNA EXPORTS TO CANADA INCREASE ..... 66 VENEZUELA:
TUNA EXPORT QUOTAS TO U.S. MAY BE CANNED F!SH MARKETS SOUGHT ...-+-e+0- 78
SNEHMASED Mat iaistciswicle'slelaielereiaisicis creisic veree (OO ROVING SCHOOL TO TEACH METHODS FOR
FISHERMEN BUILDING LARGER TUNA BOATS 67 SALINE FIST cagéandoanedocoddoo cose. 7)
NORTHERN PACIFIC SALMON EXPEDITION FEDERAIAG LL ONS imetateva alsisieiciee’ slele/=.cicistelstert moO
EXCEEDS | CAMCHI GOALS! ..chcoccccesecss OG DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE:
NORTH PACIFIC SALMON EXPEDITION CATCH 68 NATIONAL PRODUCTION AUTHORITY:
ADDITIONAL GOVERNMENTAL FINANCIAL TEMPORARY UNRESTRICTED USE OF CANS
ASSISTANCE PLANNEO FOR FISHERIES ... 68 MADE FROM EMERGENCY TIN PLATE
REPORT ON NORTHERN PACIFIC WHALING .. 69 AUTHORIZED Sereteleleleiatalelslelerelsis/sielells)-velcleisin oO
FISHERMEN SEEK PROTECTION AGAINST ECONOMIC STABILIZATION AGENCY:
BOAT SEIZURES BY RUSSIA AND RED CHINA 7O OFFICE OF PRICE STABILIZATION:
PLANS FOR RESUMING PEARL FISHING IN NEW CEILING PRICES FOR SALTED COD
MH EMARABURAMSEA Tsiciccimciesiclvclesiescsies 70 SALES) IN| PUERTO GR COlmentercieisicicietee ete) 8 SO
MEX1CO: DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR:
WEST COAST SHRIMP SEASON DISAPPOINTING 71 SETON THOMPSON APPOINTED TO INTERNA-
GUAYMAS' SHRIMP INDUSTRY OUTLOOK FOR TIONAL FISHERIES COMMISSION .....-.. 81
SAO alelers sie weuviaeicisin’ese bine stee 6 71 TUNA INDUSTRY STUDY BY FISH AND WILD-
NETHERLANDS: LEE SER VAICE: Sevaveleteleycletesstelwietevalelsiclereisiaiene mGul
BROZENTGISHOINDUSTRY: ccccciesceweoseee 72 INTERIOR SECRETARIAL FUNCTIONS RE-
STABILIZATION OF HERRING MARKET LATING TO PUBLIC LAND MANAGEMENT
MGM ED Er ietelatcicilelelsisveleleishelsir visievsierase 72 INCLUDE FISH AND WILDLIFE ....ecee0. 84
NORWAY: DEPARTMENT OF STATE:
RECORD TUNA LANDINGS REPORTED .e.2-2- 73 REVISED UNITED STATES-VENEZUELAN
LUMPFISH FISHERY INCREASING IN IM- TRADE AGREEMENT IN FORCE .evere-resee 84
BORMAN GEttstelatelsisintsicleleisicleisicisie(sicisielaicicieie 1/9 SAFETY-OF-LIFE-AT-SEA CONVENTION .... 84
HEL!|COFTER TO BE USED IN WHALING GUNFIRE. yeooosocoscubodcdodensoconasoes Ee
CEE AARON OUmetaletel-tslalclsisic(elelelcls/siateieiniclsiele! | 0/4: EANDIINGSutc RECEN Pil Sitatarsictsictatelerintintcteiate/<i iS
PERU: COLD STORAGE HOLDINGS & FREEZINGS OF
NO BAIT-FISHING PERMITS wcceseceseeee 74 PUSHER VRP RODUCTSmetetalattisie sisters telalerstsrels ts sn SO
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES: CANNED FISHERY PRODUCTS ..ccocerece-c- 87
REQUEST FOR HIGHER CEILING PRICES ON PRICES, IMPORTS & BYPRODUCTS ........, 88
IMPORTED CANNED SARDINES REJECTED RECENT FISHERY PUBLICATIONS: .wecoeseeees 89
BY GOVERNMENT ..ccccnccscsocessceces 14 FISH AND WILDLIFE SERVICE PUBLICATIONS 8
MISCELLANEOUS PUBLICATIONS .ecesesoeee 89
|
88
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1018 14
|
FISH AND SHELLFISH PREFERENCES OF HOUSEHOLD CONSUMERS- - ll l
3
Part II - Regional Summary
1951 survey. The four regions covered, together with the number of respondents in each region,
are: Northeast 685, North Central 732, South 734, and West 322. The publication is the second
in a series of summaries being issued as fishery leaflets. Subsequent issues will give analyses
on a rural and urban basis, income basis, etc.
The survey was conducted by the U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Field work was done by a
private research firm under contract with the Service. The respondents were asked 52 questions,
some with subparts. The questions pertained
predominantly to their preferences and desires
withrespect to fresh and frozen fishand shell-
fish, although canned and cured fishwere covered
inafew instances. Informationon frequency of
use is given, such as days served, seasons served,
kind served, etc.; preferences of fresh versus
frozen fish and shellfish; particular preferences
with respect to packaging, grading, cooking, cuts
preferred, availability of frozen fish and shell-
fish; and mail order business for frozen fish and
shellfish. This information is summarized region-
ally inthis Part II. The initial publication in
‘(Part I - National Summary), gave summary data for the United States as a whole.
The work sheets containing the tabulated data for this particular survey are arranged so that
various types of summaries may be readily obtained. Only those of general interest will be pub-
lished by the Service. Anyone interested in studying these work sheets may inspect them in the
office of the Branch of Commercial Fisheries, U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Washington, D. C.
Free copies of Fishery Leaflet 408 and 407 (Part II and Part I) are available from the Division
of Information, U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Washington 25, D. Ce
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