FISHERY INDUSTRIES OF THE UNITED STATES, 1933 19 



more than 14, ()()() persons as fishermen and workers in wholesale and 

 mamifactiiring eslahlishmonts. 



Tlie prosecution of this fishery and tlie packing and allied industries 

 it supports, furnish the livelihood of many entire southern communi- 

 ties and contrihute an important food product to the domestic and 

 foreijin trade of this country. Thus, it is essential that proper steps 

 he taken to assure the future supply of this crustacean and that there 

 be technoloixical develo])nu^nt of fishino; and plant operation, and 

 improved busiiu\ss methods, in ord(M' that normal activities in the 

 industry may he expected not only in the immediate, but in the more 

 distant, future as well. 



These essentials of the industry require the concerted attention 

 and efforts of the shrimp interests. Organization should lead to a 

 development of statistical procedure that can definitely point out 

 when and where depletion of the fishery may be imminent and 

 remedial action be taken in time. It should foster research to improve 

 fishing boats and gear, methods of handling, improvement of the 

 finished product, marketuig methods, and endeavor to establish new 

 nuirkets; and it should evolve a definite and adec(uate cost of produc- 

 tion system to be followed by its members that they may know in 

 what department their costs are excessive, and further that they may 

 be able to price their goods to make a fair profit. 



The paper which will publish the results of this survey will include 

 for the South Atlantic and Gulf States the following sections among 

 others: Natural history; fishing grounds; the fishermen; plant work- 

 ers; methods of capture; craft used in capture; seasons of capture; 

 preparation for market; marketing; prices; nutritive value; and data 

 for foreign shrimp fisheries and markets. 



THE RED SNAPPER INDUSTRY 



During 1033, Norman D. Jarvis, assistant technologist, completed 

 his investigation of the red snapper industry which was begun in 

 1932. The results of this study have been summarized in a report 

 entitled "Fishery for Red Snappers and Groupers in the Gulf of 

 Mexico", which the Bureau expects to publish during the coming 

 year. This report contains information on gear, equipment, etc., 

 used in the red snapper fishery and in the preparation, handling, and 

 shipment of products of this fishery. It contains recommendations 

 as to methods for smoking red snapper and grouper and suggestions 

 with respect to other methods of preservation and handling. 



MARKETING GRADES OR STANDARDS FOR FISH AND FISHERY PRODUCTS 



At the request of various States, the Division has undertaken a 

 study of the possibilities for establishing and applying voluntary 

 marketing grades or standards for fishery products. This work has 

 been under the direction of John Ruel ]\Ianning, chief technologist. 

 The studies have been made in cooperation with several States on the 

 products in those States. The work was begun over a year ago in 

 Virginia by J. II. Meek, director, and N. W. Broome, supervisor, 

 Virginia Division of Markets, and Mr. Manning of this Division. 

 The experience of the past year in Virginia has shown that these 

 marketing grades or standards are practical and have been 

 successful in improving the economic condition of producer and dealer. 



