238 U. S BUREAU OF FISHERIES 
fishermen and fishing vessels operated in 1938 than in 1937, and the 
value of the manufactured fishery products showed a marked decline 
as compared with 1937. The catch of shad in the Hudson River like- 
wise decreased. 
Chesapeake Bay States——In 1938 the catch of fishery products in 
these States increased both in volume and value. Catches of alewives, 
croaker, and spot increased, as did the catch of all species of shellfish 
taken in this section. The value of menhaden products produced in 
Virginia, and of fresh-shucked oysters in both States, decreased as 
compared with 1937, while the total value of salted alewives and 
fresh-cooked crab meat increased. 
South Atlantic and Gulf States——As compared with 1937, the 1938 
eatch of fishery products in the South Atlantic and Gulf States 
sharply increased in poundage; however, the value of the catch de- 
clined. The catch of menhaden, a low-priced fish, materially increased, 
while the catch of oysters and shrimp decreased. Likewise, the value 
of manufactured fishery products declined owing mainly to a decrease 
in the pack of canned oysters and shrimp, and in the production of 
fresh-cooked crab meat. 
Pacific Coast States—The commercial catch of fishery products in 
the three Pacific Coast States in 1938 declined both in volume and 
value as compared with the previous year. The 1938 production of 
canned sardines, tuna, and salmon was less than in 1937; however, the 
pack of canned mackerel and oysters increased. Although the pro- 
duction of pilchard meal and oil was greater than in the previous year, 
the combined value of these products was less. 
Lake States —In 1938 the yield of the commercial fisheries of the 
Lake States decreased in volume, but increased in value. The value 
of manufactured products, which consist largely of smoked, and fresh 
and frozen packaged fish, increased as compared with 1937. 
statistics of the catch of the Mississippi River and tributaries are those 
collected for 1931. As compared with 1922, when the most recent 
preceding survey was made, there was a decrease in the catch. The 
decrease was caused principally by a smaller catch of fresh-water 
mussels. A survey made for Lakes Pepin and Keokuk, and the 
Mississippi River between these lakes, for 1938, revealed an increase 
in the catch of fishery products in Lake Pepin and the Mississippi 
River between these lakes, but a decrease in the catch in Lake Keokuk 
as compared with the previous year. The production of fresh-water 
mussel-shell buttons declined in 1938 as compared with 1937. 
Alaska.—The catch of fishery products in Alaska in 1938 decreased | 
both in poundage and in value as compared with 1937. A slight de- 
cline occurred in the yield of the salmon and herring fisheries as well as 
in the production of shellfish. The value of cured and frozen fishery 
products increased while fresh and canned products and byproducts 
decreased in value as compared with the previous year. 
