404 U. S. BUREAU OF FISHERIES 



PRODUCTION 



An increase of approximately 1,800,000,000 in the output of fish 

 and eggs over the previous year's figures was a sharp reversal in the 

 downward trend of production. It is true that more extensive opera- 

 tions with the marine species were largely contributory to the increase, 

 but the output of a number of other species was likewise augmented. 

 Among these were the whitefish, chum salmon, silver salmon, Atlantic 

 salmon, smallmouth bass, sunfish, and yellow perch. During the year 

 only four hatcheries remained entirely out of productive operations, 

 although several others were operated on a restricted basis in com- 

 parison with previous years. 



There is always interest in the proportion of game fishes included 

 in the total output. For 1935 the strictly game species were propa- 

 gated to the number of 114,571,550, representing about 2.2 percent 

 of the total. This compares with a larger output of 135,211,900 for 

 1934. However, the latter year shows the production of fingerlings 

 and larger fish at a larger figure, 133,683,955, an increase of over 

 7,000,000. This, in part, accounts for the drop in the total output of 

 game fish, since numerical production must inevitably decline when 

 the fish are reared to a greater size before distribution. There is 

 every reason to believe that the increased stocking value of the bigger 

 fish compensates for the smaller numbers planted. 



Indulgence in speculative computations will reveal that the output 

 of game fish from Federal hatcheries would yield a prorated catch of 

 11 fish to each of the estimated 10,000,000 anglers in the country if 

 all fish survived and were taken. Considering that in many sections 

 practically all game fish taken are planted stock, it will be evident 

 that there is little imminence of a "saturation point" in hatchery 

 operations. 



CONSTRUCTION ACTIVITIES 



At the start of the year there were small unexpended balances in 

 approximately 12 allotments for the repair and reconditioning of fish 

 hatcheries. These allotments had been made by the Public Works 

 Administration during the previous year, and the work was carried 

 to a conclusion during the fiscal year 1935. A considerable propor- 

 tion of a similar allotment for the continued development of the 

 Leetown, W. Va., experimental hatchery remained available and 

 was expended in part for the construction of bass and trout ponds, 

 remodeling of one of the buildings, and construction of a new dwelling. 

 Early in the year a new Public Works allotment of $75,000 was 

 received for the construction of a pond-fish hatchery at Harrison 

 Lake, Va., 26 miles southeast of Richmond. Work was started 

 during the winter and at the close of the year approximately 15 acres 

 of ponds were virtually completed and other developments were well 

 along to the point where the establishment could go into active 

 operation during the fall of 1935. Arrangements were being made for 

 the propagation of shad as well as pond fish at this point. Two 

 dwellings as well as various service buildings comprised the structural 

 improvements. The water supply, which is obtained from a lake, is 

 fed through a canal. In general, the construction and improvements 

 effected during the fiscal years 1934 and 1935 can be credited in 

 part for the increased hatchery output attained during the latter 

 year. Throughout 1935 labor was assigned to several of the Bureau's 



