REPORT OF ALASKA INVESTIGATIONS IN 1914. 



By E. LESTER JONES, 

 Deputy Commissioner of Fisheries. 



DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE, 



BUREAU OF FISHERIES, 

 Washington, December 31, 1914. 



SIR : I submit herewith a report on my special investigations in Alaska, for transmittal to the Secretary 

 of Commerce and the President. 



INTRODUCTION. 



By direction of the Secretary of Commerce, I was instructed to proceed to Alaska (i) in order to make 

 a thorough survey and investigation of the various fishery industries, (2) to visit the fur-seal fisheries 

 on the Pribilof Islands and make studies in connection therewith for the purpose of formulating a more 

 definite and businesslike policy for the administration of those islands, and (3) to inquire into the status 

 of the minor fur-bearing animals, including both the matter of the protection of the wild stock and the 

 development of the industry of rearing such animals in captivity. 



In my report submitted herewith it has been my endeavor to avoid more than an occasional and pass- 

 ing reference to matters of a statistical or historical nature, since these features are quite thoroughly covered 

 in various reports already published. Attention has been given primarily to matters which have a material 

 bearing upon the maintenance of those Alaskan industries over which the Department of Commerce exer- 

 cises jurisdiction and which seem to require readjustment in accordance with changed conditions. 



It has been my constant endeavor to view the situation from a practical and impartial standpoint 

 with the view of suggesting certain changes deemed essential to the public welfare, bearing in mind at 

 the same time the necessity for giving equitable consideration to all private interests which may be affected 

 by such changes. 



The field work occupied a period of between four and five months, from the latter part of May to 

 the first part of October. Visits were made to about 50 canneries, salteries, and mild-curing establishments 

 in southeastern, central, and western Alaska; numerous fox farms in various regions were inspected; con- 

 siderable time was spent on the Pribilof Islands; and detailed attention was given to administrative matters 

 connected with the recently established Aleutian Islands Reservation. 



The steamer Albatross, Lieut. L. B. Porterfield, U. S. N., commanding, was placed at my disposal, 

 and I spent practically two months aboard this vessel in central and western Alaska. In southeast Alaska 

 I was aboard the small steamer Osprey for about 60 days. These vessels are owned by the Bureau of 

 Fisheries. 



Some of the important places visited are quite remote and inaccessible, and had it not been for vessels 

 specially available for the purpose it would have been impossible to reach them during my trip, notwith- 

 standing the fact that I spent more than four months in Alaska. It is my wish to emphasize the point 

 that because of the great distances involved, and as at times there is no service by commercial boats, and 

 when there is it is very unsatisfactory, it becomes urgently necessary in the event of conducting any com- 

 petent investigation of the fisheries of Alaska that a good seagoing vessel be provided. Without the 

 Albatross this past season, the results of my trip would have been anything but satisfactory. 



It is my desire to make the fullest possible acknowledgment to Lieut. L. B. Porterfield, commanding 

 the Albatross, for the numerous courtesies and the invaluable assistance rendered so freely and pleasantly 

 during the two months I spent aboard that vessel. The officers and crew also rendered efficient assistance. 



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