60 KEPORT OF THE COMMISSIONER OF FISHERIES. 



MINOR FUR-BEARING ANIMALS OF ALASKA. 

 VALUE OF FURS PRODUCED. 



The value of the fiirs shipped from Alaska in the year ending 

 November 15, 1919, exclusive of those from the Pribilof Islands, was, 

 according to statistics compiled by the Bureau, $1,379,847.66. The 

 corresponding figures were $1,305,421.16 for 1918 and $1,028,719.05 

 for 1917. The principal furs shipped in the last year were 7,723 red- 

 fox pelts, valued at $270,305 ; 4,575 white-fox pelts, valued at 

 $210,450; 28,040 mink pelts, valued at $252,360; and 113,652 muskrat 

 pelts, valued at $215,938.80. The statistics of fur shipments were 

 collected as in previous years by requiring shippers to report all con- 

 signments of furs from Alaska. The Post OjSice Department con- 

 tinued its cooperation in having postmasters report all shipments of 

 furs by mail. As a check on reports of furs from Alaska made other- 

 wise than by mail, the records of the customshouse at Juneau are 

 available for examination. 



REGULATIONS AND VIOLATIONS. 



No change' was made during the fiscal year in the departmental 

 regulations for the protection of fur-bearing animals in Alaska, ex- 

 cept that the close season on sea otters was extended for an additional 

 period of five years, or until November 1, 1925. While it appears 

 that the numbers of sea otters in Alaska are increasing somewhat, 

 it seems highly desirable to continue in the inshore waters the pro- 

 tection that is afforded offshore by international agreement. 



A considerable number of seizures of unprime furs was made dur- 

 ing the year. The regulations forbid the taking of unprime furs 

 at all times. A very important seizure was that made in July, 1919, 

 of marten and beaver pelts, which had been mailed in Alaska, the 

 killing of beaver and marten being prohibited throughout the year 

 in Alaska. The seizure was made through search warrants acqui- 

 esced in by the Post Office Department and consisted of 714 marten 

 skins and 699 beaver skins. The right of the Government to seize 

 and hold these skins was contested, and at the end of the year the 

 matter was still undecided by the courts. 



FUR FARMING IN ALASKA. 



On December 31, 1919, five islands were under lease to individuals 

 or firms for the propagation of foxes and other fur-bearing ani- 

 mals — viz, Chirikof, Long, Marmot, Little Koniuji, and Middleton. 

 The annual rental received was $200 or $205 for each island. 



Fur farming continues to be carried on by a number of persons 

 in Alaska. Operations are concerned chiefly with the breeding of 

 foxes. Whether intensive fox farming will prove in the end suc- 

 cessful can not be foreseen at present. In all probability the raising 

 of foxes on islands where the animals are permitted to run at large 

 will continue to be profitable to those who are so situated as to take 

 advantage of conditions. 



