XXVI REPORT TO THE SECRETARY OF COMMERCE 



of the State authorities, was turned over to them for use in State 

 court. In one instance four cases turned over to State authorities 

 resulted in prosecution and conviction in State court, the imposition 

 of a fine of $25 and costs in each case, and confiscation of the nets 

 illegally used. Other similar cases are pending. 



The Federal black bass law officers, by request, have rendered 

 material assistance to State ofiicers in breaking up violations of State 

 laws, where interstate shipments were involved. The States thus 

 aided include Arkansas, Kentucky, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, 

 Florida, Illinois, Ohio, Indiana, Virginia, and Mississippi. 



The division has been charged with the administration of the Dis- 

 trict of Columbia law providing for the issuance of permits to take 

 fish for bait, and 21 of these permits are now outstanding. The 

 division has prepared or assisted in preparing proposed laws, both 

 State and Federal, for further protecting game fish, and on numer- 

 ous occasions has been called on by State fish authorities and others 

 for expert advice in matters relating to fish protection. 



VESSEL NOTES 



The Albatross II was engaged throughout the year in scientific 

 research work between Cape Sable, Nova Scotia, and Cape Hatteras, 

 N. C, between the shore line and continental shelf. At convenient 

 times between cruises the vessel underwent necessary repairs at the 

 Boston Navy Yard. The work was under the direction of O. E. 

 Sette. Owing to a severe reduction in the vessel appropriation for 

 the fiscal year 1933, it was necessary to put this vessel out of commis- 

 sion at the close of business June 30, and discharge all officers and 

 crew with the exception of the master and four men whose services 

 are required to care for the vessel while she is out of commission at 

 the dock at the Woods Hole (Mass.) station. 



The steamer Phalarope was employed as usual as a tender at the 

 Woods Hole Biological Station except for a period during the latter 

 part of April and the first half of May when she was at the Fort 

 Humphreys station on the Potomac in connection with shad investi- 

 gations. Owing to the reduced appropriation for the fiscal year 1933 

 the Phalairope was placed out of commission on June 30 and is now 

 tied up at the Woods Hole station. 



The steamer Shearwater was engaged in the usual fish-cultural 

 work at the Put in Bay (Ohio) station during the fall and spring 

 months. 



The Pelican was engaged in the usual fish-cultural work at the 

 Boothbay Harbor (Me.) station. During the period this vessel was 

 not required for station activities it was detailed to the Interna- 

 tional Passamaquoddy Fisheries Commission to assist in special 

 investigations for the commission. 



The bureau's motor vessel Fulmar^ stationed at Charlevoix, Mich., 

 and assigned to investigative duty with the Great Lakes scientific 

 staff, has been engaged, except for the period of winter lay-off when 

 the Lakes are frozen, in experimental work on Lake Michigan for 

 the purpose of studying means of preventing the destruction of 

 undersized and immature fish by commercial nets. Experimental 

 fishing stations were occupied weekly throughout the season at 

 numerous points around the entire lake. 



