FISHERY INDUSTRIES. 



63 



The total iriA^estment this year amounteil to $2,036,050. The gain 

 from the investment of $1,194,000 in 1911 is due chiefly to the addi- 

 tion of figures formerly omitted for vessels landing their catch -with- 

 out passing tlirough Alaska ports. An increase has been noted in 

 the valuation of shore and accessory property. 



The total number of persons engaged in the Alaska lialibut fisheries 

 in 1912 was 1,038. The figures for 1911 show 651 persons, but those 

 engaged on steamers and in part the so-called Puget Sound fleet 

 operating in Alaska waters, were omitted. It is safe to say, however, 

 that there was a considerable increase in the number of persons 

 engaged, owing to the construction of a new steamer and the addition 

 of quite a number of schooners to the fleet. 



In 1911 the prepared weight of the catch in Alaska waters was 

 19,714,950 pounds, valued at $940,858. This includes the catch of 

 the Puget Sound fleet, with the exception of the steamers. In 1912 

 the total production was 16,896,743 pounds (inclusive of the steamer 

 catch), valued at $927,502. Although there was a material decline 

 in quantity, the total value in 1912 was nearly the same as that of 

 1911. The price in 1911 averaged 4.7 cents per pound, while in 

 1912 it was 5.4 cents, an advance of seven-tenths cent per pound. 



The decline in production may be ascribed to the fishermen's strike 

 near the close of the year for an increase of from 1 to 1^ cents per 

 pound; also weather conditions were unfavorable to a large catch 

 during 1912. In addition, it is recognized that the banks are becom- 

 ing depleted. This means that operations must be carried farther 

 afield each season in an effort to locate new grounds. No doubt 

 another season or so will see a considerable invasion of the hitherto 

 little known and unexploited banks of central Alaska. 



Investment in the Alaska Halibut Fisheries in 1912. 



Persons Engaged in the Alaska Halibut Fisheries in 1912. 



