REPORT OF THE COMMISSIONER OF FISHERIES. 53 



miscellaneous products to the value of $1,027,200. Other fishery out- 

 puts were as follows: Clams, $184,30»i; trout, $13,155; sablelish, $35,- 

 485; red rockfish, $1,41-1; crabs, $1G0; shrimps, $21,000; and mis- 

 cellaneous fresh fish, $1,639. 



ENFORCEMENT OF FISHERY LAWS. 



The patrol for the enforcement of the fishery laws and regulations 

 was actively carried on in the season of 11)19 and was renewed for 

 the season of 1920. Six of the patrol vessels were owned by the 

 Bureau, and a like number was chartered. The work was made more 

 elective by the employment of a number of temporary assistants as 

 stream watchmen. Their chief function is to prevent violations of 

 the law by their presence at points where extensive fishing in the 

 streams is more likely to occur. The success of this work has been 

 clearly demonstrated during the current season. Owing to limited 

 appropriations, it has not been possible to carry on this phase of the 

 work to the extent that it is desirable, but more active operations are 

 contemplated another year. It is the purpose to employ a larger 

 number of vessels and increase the number of stream watchmen at the 

 more, important fishery centers in all sections of Alaska. 



It is hoped that the active cooperation of the Navy Department 

 may be secured through the detail of at least 10 subchasers to be at 

 the disposal of the Bureau of Fisheries for the enforcement of the 

 fishery hnvs and regulations during the active salmon-fishing season, 

 extending from about the first of June until approximately the end 

 of September. Two subchasers were on duty in southeastern Alaska 

 in the season of 1920. One of these rendered excellent service. 



The closing to salmon fishing of practically all of the salmon 

 streams of Alaska, together with certain areas outside their mouths, 

 resulted in requests that the Bureau indicate the closed waters by 

 suitable markers. The erection of markers was accordingly begun in 

 the season of 1919, and the work was carried on more extensively in 

 1920. It will be continued as rapidly as possible, but several seasons 

 will probably be required to complete the work. 



The stealing of salmon that have been caught in traps, which has 

 been referred to locally as piracy, developed to a considerable extent 

 in 1919, and in 1920 was again the source of serious loss and annoy- 

 ance to cannery operators in southeastern Alaska. Several naval 

 vessels in the district had instructions to aid in suppressing this law- 

 lessness, but it was not entirely stamped out. It would seem that 

 there has been some exaggeration at times of losses thus sustained, 

 and the practice would soon come to an end if purchasers of salmon 

 made certain of the source of fish offered for sale and refused to 

 accept stolen fish. The Bureau's agents have cooperated in efforts to 

 suppress this traffic. 



As a result of activities of the Bureau's representatives there were 

 numerous convictions for violation of the fishery laws and regu- 

 lations. 



SCIENTIFIC INVESTIGATION OF THE ALASKA FISHERIES. 



In the summer season of 1919 an investigation of the spawning 

 grounds of the Copper Kiver was made by Dr. Henry B. Ward, 



