REPORT OF THE COMMISSIONER OP FISHERIES V 



as to what is actually taking place each year. In other words, we 

 need complete annual statistics. The most recent statistics now 

 available on the personnel, investment, and yield of our fisheries 

 are as follows : New England States, 1919 ; New York, New Jersey, 

 and Delaware, 1921; Maryland and Virginia, 1920; South Atlantic 

 States, 1923 ; Gulf States, 1923 ; Pacific Coast States, 1923 ; Missis- 

 sippi River and tributaries, 1922; and the Great Lakes, 1922. 



With its present funds and personnel it is impossible for this 

 division to cover each of the geographical sections more often than 

 once in five years. Experience in dealing with the fishery problems 

 leads to the belief that such a program is inadequate for present 

 needs, and a serious effort is being made to interest the States in this 

 most important feature of fishery administration. Having well 

 established organizations provided with funds derived directly from 

 the fisheries, it should be possible for the States to undertake this 

 work with a minimum of expense and a maximum of efficiency, 

 leaving the bureau to correlate their activities and advise them in 

 the conduct of their statistical programs. 



TECHNOLOGICAL IN\rESTIGATIONS 



The bureau is giving attention to such technological research as 

 limited funds and personnel will permit. The policy is to select 

 broad fundamental studies which are urgently needed, promise to 

 be of greatest value to the largest number, and which the fisheries 

 industries are least capable of undertaking. These industries are 

 in great need of the application of science, and a great deal of re- 

 search in this field must be conducted before they can be placed on 

 the same plane of efficiency with similar industries in other fields. 

 Few realize, especially in the fisheries industries, the advancement 

 that can be brought about by means of well-directed, adequately 

 supported, technological investigations, and it is important that 

 the bureau demonstrate the possibilities of such research since con- 

 tinued progress in the fisheries industries largely depends upon it 

 and upon the application of sound business principles. 



CANNING SARDINES 



Sardine canning is an important part of the fisheries industries. 

 In 1924 over 3,250,000 cases were packed, having a value in excess 

 of $12,500,000. These figures indicate that this industry is next to 

 salmon canning in importance and, excluding Alaska salmon, place 

 sardines first among our canned fishery products. This industry, 

 too, could be expanded greatly, there being large supplies of herring, 

 pilchards, and similar fishes that could be drawn on. In time, un- 

 doubtedly, this will take place to help meet the increasing world 

 demand for cheap food of high protein content. However, our 

 canned sardines meet very keen competition at home and abroad, and 

 if we are to capture and hold our share of the world markets our 

 products must be high in quality as well as low in price. Since 1920 

 the bureau has been conducting research upon the preparation of fish 

 for canning as sardines, making available fundamental scientific 

 information upon this important subject and working toward the 

 development of a better and cheaper method of preparing the fish. 

 Considerable success is beinff achieved along- these lines. 



