XII REPORT OF THE COMMISSIONER OF FISHERIES 



In the past our interest has been chiefly in the field of fish culture, 

 largely prosecuted by Federal and State agencies; but here more 

 attention has been given to the mechanics of operations and the 

 taking of a huge volume of eggs than to determining the effects 

 of such operations. The condition is changing rapidly, however, 

 and greater interest is being shown in simulating natural condi- 

 tions while obviating their drawbacks, in carrying the fish through 

 to the fingerling stage, in determining the best foods for the young. 

 and means for combating diseases, in developing a superior brood 

 stock, and in many other lines of investigation. 



Commercial fish-culturists now supply about $200,000 worth of 

 trout eggs and market their surplus fish for food at fancy prices. 

 The annual output of goldfish and other ornamental varieties is 

 probably not less than 20,000,000, with an estimated value of 

 $350,000. 



At the present time oyster farming is being conducted on a larger 

 scale than is any other aquicultural pursuit, with more than 150.000 

 acres of oyster grounds from Massachusetts to Florida under lease, 

 not all of which is under cultivation. Considering the adaptability 

 of our coastal waters to such use, it is conceivable that we may easily 

 double or treble our present annual harvest of nearly 18,000,000 

 bushels with the development of this science. One of the most inter- 

 esting recent developments is that initiated by the Secretary of Com- 

 merce providing for the development of cooperative fish nurseries, 

 referred to elsewhere in this report. 



During the past year the bureau has greatly expanded its opera- 

 tions in this line. It is now operating an experimental trout hatch- 

 ery at Holden, Vt. ; its pond system at the Fairport (Iowa) station 

 is being utilized in experiments to determine the productiveness of 

 water areas and means for increasing them; and arrangements are 

 being made to develop the pond areas acquired under the Mississippi 

 wild life and fish refuge act. State agencies and private organiza- 

 tions such as the National Research Council are evincing increased 

 interest in developing the science of aquiculture. 



ALASKA FISHERIES SERVICE 



ADMINISTRATION OF FISHERY LAWS AND REGULATIONS 



Alaska fishery activities in 1925 were carried on along the same 

 general lines as in the previous season, which was the first in which* 

 the new law of June 6, 1924, giving the Secretary of Commerce 

 greater authority to limit or prohibit fishing, as deemed necessary 

 for conservation purposes, was in effect. As a result of experience 

 and observation in 1921, some changes were made in the regulations 

 for 1925, chiefly as to closing additional areas where overfishing 

 occurred. Other modifications included the extension of closed 

 periods and further limitations upon fishing apparatus. The Com- 

 missioner of Fisheries spent much of the active salmon fishing season 

 in Alaska to note conditions and to recommend such amendments to 

 the regulations as appeared necessary. Results were satisfactory in 

 regard to better observance of the laws and regulations as well as in 

 increased escapements of fish to the spawning grounds. 



