XXXIV REPORT OF THE COMMISSIONER OF FISHERIES 



isting regulations because of the new act, and this was accordingly 

 done on June 21. In certain specified localities commercial fish- 

 ing for salmon was entirely prohibited, and in other waters where 

 the runs were badly depleted drastic limitations were put into 

 effect. Restrictions were also imposed upon herring fishing in 

 certain localities. The commissioner was on the ground most of 

 the season to personally observe the working of the new law and 

 regulations, and pursuant to his recommendations some changes 

 were made in them while fishing operations were in progress. Bene- 

 ficial effects in the way of larger escapements of salmon to the 

 spawning grounds resulted in various places, and it is expected 

 not only that depletion will cease but that eventually the runs in 

 most waters will be restored to their former proportions. 



As a result of observations and experience during the season of 

 1924 general regulations, effective in 1925, were issued by the Secre- 

 tary of Commerce on December 2, 1924. In the 12 fishing areas 

 provided by these regulations commercial fishing is limited or pro- 

 hibited as the circumstances necessitate, while in 76 specific localities 

 included within these areas no commercial salmon fishing whatever 

 is permitted. The limitations upon fishing are chiefly in the form 

 of closed seasons and restrictions as to the kind and amount of 

 fishing gear to be used. Regulations with respect to the herring, 

 clam, crab, and shrimp fisheries also were promulgated. Supple- 

 mental orders making slight modifications of these regulations have 

 been issued from time to time as appeared desirable. The Alaska 

 Fisheries Advisory Committee, appointed in the summer of 1924 by 

 the Secretary of Commerce, cooperated by making recommenda- 

 tions in regard to the regulations. 



A greatly expanded patrol was maintained in 1924 for the pro- 

 tection of the fisheries of Alaska and the enforcement of the law and 

 regulations. In addition to the 16 statutory employees 103 tem- 

 porary employees were engaged in stream guard work, of whom 79 

 were stationed in southeastern Alaska, 13 in central, and 11 in 

 western. Ten vessels of the bureau, with a combined crew of 27 men, 

 were engaged in patrol operations, and in addition nine vessels were 

 chartered for varying periods and a number of small launches were 

 likewise used. 



An innovation in connection with prosecutions for fishery viola- 

 tions was the authority given by the act of June 6, 1924, for the 

 seizure and confiscation of vessels, fishing apparatus, and all ap- 

 pliances used in violation of the law or regulations. Under this 

 authority a number of salmon traps in southeastern Alaska were 

 seized and sold after appropriate judicial proceedings. Small quan- 

 tities of gear were seized in both the central and western districts. 

 Four vessels seized in southeastern Alaska were released by the 

 court, as the evidence was insufficient to prove illegal fishing! Cases 

 in connection with the seizure of five vessels in Cook Inlet have not 

 been decided. 



Operators expressed considerable dissatisfaction over the require- 

 ment of the bureau for closer compliance with the terms of the 

 law in regard to adjustment of salmon traps during the weekly 

 closed period, and several traps were seized for noncompliance with 



