Z U. S. BUREAU OF FISHERIES 



INTRODUCTION 



Tho c-oiiscrvivtioii of tlici lishciics resources mid the protection and 

 utilization of the JVibilof Islands fur-seal herd comprise the two main 

 (Uvisions of the bureau's activities in Alaska. 



For the nndntenance of the fisheries on an undiminished scale it is 

 essential that an adequate number of spawning fish be permitted to 

 escape capture each season. To this end, restrictions are placed on 

 commercial operations, some of which are of general application, while 

 others are adapted to the needs in particular localities. 



In the summer of 1930 the Commissioner of Fisheries made an 

 extended cruise over the Territory to observe conditions in all the 

 principal fishing districts. From time to time during the season 

 modifications were made in existing regulations to meet unforeseen 

 developments, and toward the end of the year a revised set of regu- 

 lations was issued for the following season. 



A patrol of all the important fishing grounds was maintained to 

 insure compliance with the law and regulations. Fifteen vessels 

 belonging to the bureau, 10 chartered boats, a considerable number of 

 launches, and upward of 200 temporary employees were engaged in 

 this work. In addition, some use was made of aircraft for brief 

 periods, as in the previous year. Further attention was given to the 

 removal of barriers that hindered the passage of salmon upstream, 

 and a general survey of conditions on the spawning beds was made at 

 the close of the season. The bureau cooperated with the Federal 

 Power Commission in connection with applications for licenses for 

 power projects, and with the Bureau of the Census in taking the 

 decennial census in Alaska. 



Scientific studies of the salmon, herring, and other aquatic resources 

 were continued. Weirs were operated m 26 typical streams in various 

 parts of Alaska to count the escapement of spawning salmon. The 

 data thus obtained are of value in establishing the ratio of escape 

 to catch and in determining the probable return from a known escape- 

 ment. Reports of commercial operations were collected, and the data 

 compiled therefrom are published herewith. 



At the Pribilof Islands 42,500 fur-seal skins were taken, an increase 

 of 2,432 over the take for 1929. A computation as of August 10, 1930, 

 showed a total of 1,045,101 animals in the herd, a gain of 73,574 over 

 the corresponding figures for the preceding year. The care of fox 

 herds on the islands was given attention during the winter months, 

 and in the season of 1930-31 there were taken 889 blue and 26 white 

 fox pelts. Valuable service was rendered by the United States Coast 

 Guard in maintaining a patrol of the waters frequented by the Pribilof 

 Islands fur seals. 



The administration of the fur-seal work was greatly facilitated by 

 the commissioning in May of the bureau's sturdy new 130-foot 

 power vessel Penguin to replace the Eider as tender for the Pribilof 

 Islands. Work progressed satisfactorily at the islands on the con- 

 struction of new buildings for natives and for use in connection with 

 the fur-seal activities, including an addition to the by-products plant. 

 Some extension of improved roads was made, and a new dock was 

 begun at East Landing on St. Paul Island. 



