PROPAOATIOX AND DISTRIBUTION" OF FOOD FISHES, 193 3 481 



tion Dcpnrtmcnt, a |)ro<rnim was workoil out and a cornpotont rcpre- 

 •sentative of tho liiiroau (lotailod to that jxnnt to supervise the work 

 and carry on studies and investisrations indicative of tlie possibihty of 

 such an enterprise. Considerable success was acliieved in the j)ro- 

 duction of pond llsh even tliough the work lias not yet been fully 

 organized and the initial obstacles overcome. The benefits of the 

 plan have become so evident, however, that local authorities have 

 approved the establishment of a snuill trout hatchery and rearing 

 unit in conjunction with the original pond cultural activities. The 

 Bureau, at the close of the fiscal year, was making plans for cooperating 

 and assisting in this phase of the development. 



There are several communities in the Middle West which have made 

 real progress in the development of municipal fish culture and an 

 extension of the policy to the Eastern States is highly desirable from 

 the standpoint of recreation and conservation. 



DISTRIBUTION OPERATIONS 



In distributing an output of 7,202,155,600 fish and eggs the Bureau's 

 distribution cars traveled a total of 111,784 miles, of which 11,100 were 

 without cost. Detached messengers traveled 299,938 miles, of which 

 52,019 were also without cost. A number of railroad lines, realizing 

 the incentives to travel to well-stocked fishing waters, transport fish 

 and messengers attending them gratis or at reduced rates. 



Automobile trucks used for distribution at the stations traveled 

 85,454 miles on distribution duty alone. Practically the entire United 

 States was covered, with the exception of one State. 



The Bureau aims in distributing fish to apportion the output of the 

 hatcheries so that best results may be obtained and special considera- 

 tion is given to stocking waters which are depleted or where fish will 

 have the best opportunity to mature and reproduce. 



During the year approximately 15,000 application blanks were fur- 

 nished to persons who desu-ed fish. These are sent out upon request for 

 the stocking of public waters and occasionally private waters where 

 there is an element of public benefit to be derived from the plant. The 

 blanks provide space for a description of the waters to be stocked and 

 from this information the Bureau is able to assign suitable species. 



On account of the economy restrictions existing at the present time 

 the Bureau is unable to meet the expense of delivering fish to points 

 distant from the hatchery. Applicants should therefore receive the 

 fish at the hatcheries if possible. The superintendents in charge of the 

 hatcheries from which the consignments are to be furnislied are empow- 

 ered to arrange directly with the applicants the details of receiving the 

 fish. Previously fish were delivered to the applicants' railroad station 

 free of charge after notification to the exact time of delivery by 

 telegram or letter. In all cases receptacles for carrying the fish should 

 be provided by the applicant. 



^^^lile the above-mentioned economy restrictions were not entirely 

 effective until the close of the year, reference is nuide to them in this 

 report in order that applicants may understand that, until further 

 notice, delivery of the fish requested may be indefinitely delayed, 

 unless the}^ are in position to receive the fish at the hatchery and so 

 designate w^ien the application is returned to the Bureau. 



