MM 



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Figure 24. Modern steel seine-boat type "Silver Dolphin" with pilothouse forward and 



covered baiting and setting area on stern. 



FISHING FOR HALIBUT 



For many months prior to the opening of the season, which is set by the Halibut 

 Commission, the vessels and their propulsion equipment are overhauled at home 

 ports and readied for the fishery. Such activities generate a great amount of economic 

 activity and shore employment in the home ports of the vessels. 



Labor Relations 



Crews operate under closed shop contracts between the various vessel owner 

 organizations and fishermen's unions on the Pacific Coast. These contracts specify the 

 responsibilities of each party. 



Probably due to the nature of the calling, enlightened leadership, and because 

 most owner-captains were former crew members, labor relations in the halibut fishery 

 have been unusually good, with only one or two significant disputes over the past 

 fifty years. 



The Lay or Share 



Compensation is on a share basis. The proceeds from the sale of fish are divided 

 between the crew and owner. The lay or formula used in such division is negotiable 

 between the owner groups and the fishermen's unions, although the basic allotments 

 have not changed materially over the past half century. About one-fifth of the gross 

 proceeds from the sale is the "boat share". From the remainder the trip expenses (such 

 as food, bait, engine fuel, lost and worn gear) are deducted. The net balance, or 

 "crew share", is divided equally to all members, including the captain. The latter 



also usuallv receives about one-tenth of the boat share. 



j 



The Length of Fishing Season 



Initially, the fishery by the larger vessels was conducted over 12 months of the 

 year. However, most of the catch was made between March to October. In 1924 



15 



