64 



U.S. BUREAU OP FISHERIES 



RESERVING OPEKATIONS 



In accordance with the practice begun in 1927, the marking of the 

 breeding stock was done at the close of killing operations so that 

 the reserved animals need not be subjected to repeated drives. As 

 killings were carried on somewhat later than usual in 1932 because 

 the seals were slow in hauling out during the latter half of the season, 

 the time that could be given to marking the reserve was shortened. 

 The work at St. Paul Island was interrupted on August 1 by the 

 arrival and unloading of the supply ship, and therefore fewer seals 

 were marked than had been planned. The total number of 3-year-old 

 males marked was 3,009, of which 1,200 were on St. Paul Island 

 and 1,809 on St. George Island. Large numbers of unmarked seals 

 of that age class were observed on the hauling grounds later, assuring 

 an ample stock for future breeding requirements. Details in regard 

 to the marking operations are as follows : 



Marking of S-year-oM male fur seals for breeding reserve, Prihilof Islands, 1932 



ST. PAUL ISLAND 



COMPUTATION OF FUB-SEIAL, HEKD 



The computation of the fur-seal herd in 1932 was made by Supt. 

 H. J. Christoffers. As of August 10 the total of all classes was 

 1,219,961 — a numerical increase of 92,879 and a percentage increase 

 of 8.24 over the figures for the preceding year. The detailed report 

 will be found on pages 72 to 78 of this document. Following 

 is a comparative statement of the numerical strength of the vari- 

 ous elements of the fur-seal herd in the years 1921 to 1932, inclusive : 



