2. Packers have mechanized the canning of tuna to a large 

 degree and are continuing efforts toward mechanization of the 

 butchering and cleaning process. The packers also have cooperated 

 with the Food and Drug Administration in developing Federal standards 

 for tuna. 



3o Distribution costs^ including transportation and 

 selling charges, have been held to a minimum. Retailers are 

 handling tuna at relatively reasonable margins and, in mar^ cases, 

 are taking lesser margins than on other comparable foods. 



lio Fishermen have been improving their vessels and gear, 

 so far as they are financially able. New communication, naviga- 

 tional, and fishing aids are in evidence on the tuna fleet. 



The fishery cooperative marketing associations previously 

 mentioned have effected some monetary savings for their members. 

 This has been done, for example, by purchasing group insurance at 

 lower rates, purchasing group wharfage at lower charges per boat, 

 and purchasing supplies on a quantitative basis and reselling them 

 at savings to their members. In addition, some of these associations 

 have handled the catch of their members and arranged for its sale, 

 returning profits from such activity oo the members. Those 

 associations which have not done this have at least bargained 

 collectively with canners and wholesalers to obtain the best possible 

 price for the sale of members' catches. 



The latter has been particularly true with respect to the 

 American Tunaboat Association, Inc., and the Fishermen's Cooperative 

 Association of San Pedro, Inc., the two large fishermen's groups in 

 the tuna industry. These associations have been working toward 

 improving conditions of sale for the members' products. Some recent 

 accomplishments include establishment of prices for a better defined 

 and longer period, guarantee of a market for three capacity trips 

 for bait boats, limitations of the right of the canners for imposing 

 limits on loads of fish, and arrangements for canners to allow 

 fishermen to operate to a greater extent in the more productive 

 seasons. 



U32 



