FISHERY INDUSTRIES 



As in corresponding reports for previous years, the Territory of 

 Alaska is here considered in the tliree coastal geographic sections 

 generally recognized, as follows: Southeast Alaska, embracing all 

 that narrow strip of mainland and the numerous adjacent islands 

 from Portland Canal northwestward to and including Yakutat Bay; 

 central Alaska, the region on the Pacific from Yakutat Bay west- 

 ward, including Prince William Sound, Cook Inlet and the southern 

 coast of Alaska Peninsula, to Unimak Pass; and western Alaska, the 

 north shore of the Alaska Peninsula, including the Aleutian Islands 

 westward from Unimak Pass, Bristol Bay, and the Kuskokwim and 

 Yukon Rivers. These divisions are solely for statistical purposes 

 and do not coincide with areas established in departmental regulations. 



Detailed reports and statistical tables dealing with the various 

 fishery industries are presented herewith, and there are also given 

 the important features of certain subjects that were the objects of 

 special investigation or inquiry. 



ALASKA FISHERIES LEGISLATION 



After many years of unsuccessful effort, a much-needed act for 

 the protection and conservation of the fisheries of Alaska was passed 

 by Congress and approved by the President under date of June 6, 

 1924, amending the act of June 26, 1906. The text of the new act 

 is as follows : 



An Act for the Protection of the Fisheries of Alaska, and for Other 



Purposes 



Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of 

 America in Oongress assembled, That for the purpose of protecthig and conserv- 

 ing the fisheries of the United States in all waters of Alaska, the Secretary of 

 Commerce from time to time may set apart and reserve fishing areas in any of 

 the waters of Alaska over which "the United States has jurisdiction, and within 

 such areas may establish closed seasons during which fishing may be limited or 

 prohibited as he may prescribe. Under this authority to limit fishing in any 

 area so set apart and reserved, the Secretary ma}' (a) fix the size and character 

 of nets, boats, traps, or other gear and appliances to be used therein; (b) limit 

 the catch of fish to be taken from any area; (c) make such regulations as to 

 time, means, methods, and extent of fishing as he may deem advisable. From 

 and after the creation of any such fishing area and during the time fishing is 

 prohibited therein, it shall be unlawful to fish therein or to operate therein any 

 boat, seine, trap, or other gear or apparatus for the purpose of taking fish; and 

 from and after the creation of any such fishing area in which limited fishing is 

 permitted, such fishing shall l)e carried on only during the time, in the manner, 

 to the extent, and in conformity with such rules and regulations as the Secretary 

 prescribes under the authority herein given: Provided, That every such regula- 

 tion made by the Secretary of Commerce shall be of general application within 

 the particular area to which it applies, and that no exclusive or several right of 

 fishery shall be granted therein, nor shall any citizen of the United States be 

 denied the right to take, prepare, cure, or preserve fish or shellfish in any area of the 

 waters of Alaska where fishing is permitted by the Secretary of Commerce. 

 The right herein given to establish fishing areas and to permit limited fishing 

 therein shall not apply to any creek, stream, river, or other bodies of water in 



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