FISHEEIES OF ALASKA IN 1907. 63 



found in the Arctic; redfish, or "black bass" of Sitka (Sebastodes 

 melanops) ; flounders, and sand launce, or lant. 



SheUiisli. — Clams, especially Machsera 'patula, or the razor clam, 

 are found in abundance throughout southeast and central Alaska 

 and have been reported from a few places in western Alaska. Very 

 little use is made of them, owing to the fact that the consumer is com- 

 pelled in most sections to go out and dig his own clams, the fishermen 

 considering it below their dignity to engage in such work for pay. 

 When the prejudice against engaging in this fishery and that for 

 crabs, wears off, both will prove to be remunerative. There is said 

 to be a bed of scallops in Funter Bay. 



Cinbs. — These crustaceans are quite abundant in southeast and 

 central Alaska, where they attain a very large size. They are much 

 sought after for food by the whites and natives, the consumers, how- 

 ever, being usually compelled to catch for themselves, as crabs can be 

 purchased at but one or two towns in southeast Alaska. 



Shrimp. ^Shrimp are found in a number of places in southeast and 

 central Alaska, but no commercial use is made of them. They are 

 also reported from Bering Sea in the neighborhood of Herendeen Bay. 



Algse. — The Thlingit and Yakutat Indians of southeast Alaska 

 gather algse in the summer, which they dry, press in boxes, and put 

 away to be eaten in winter. As certain species of algse are very nutri- 

 tious it is probable that some day they will come into use by the whites 

 on the Pacific coast as food. A number of valuable by-products can 

 be extracted from algaB. 



In Seattle, Wash., there has been invented a process for making a 

 product resembling citron (called by the inventors '^seatron") from 

 the giant kelp (Nereocystis luikeana). The product has not the form of 

 citron, being tubular, like sections of garden hose, although when made 

 from the bulbs of the plant exclusively it resembles somewhat the 

 halves of a citron. The larger portion of the stalk — ^from 1 inch up — 

 is used. The process of manufacture is inexpensive and compares 

 well with the cost of making candied citron. The flavor is of course 

 artificial. The prepared product is said to contain no harmful prop- 

 erties and to be digestible to a greater degree than citron. This plant 

 is very abundant in Alaskan waters, and it is to be hoped that some 

 •one with capital will take up the manufacture. 



RECOMMENDATIONS. 



The following recommendations are respectfully submitted: 



1. That the salting of salmon belHes by the processes that do not 

 now make any use of the other part of the fish, and thereby entail a 

 serious waste of valuable food material, be proliibited. 



2. That a cod hatchery be established on one of the Shumagin 

 Islands in order to aid in perpetuating this valuable fishery. 



