ALASKA FISHERY AND FUR-SEAL INDUSTRIES, 1921. 47 



having been attempted at Seldovia in 1920 by the Arctic Packing Co. 

 and Eaa O. Kitzman. 



In 1921 the Dobbins Packing Co., of Newport, Or eg., undertook 

 the canning of crabs at Wrangell on a scale never before attempted 

 in Alaska. Operations began in May and were continued until the 

 middle of December, and a pack of 2,841 cases of 48 one-half pound 

 cans per case was made. Crab canning was carried on at Petersburg 

 also by Ellson & Malcolm who shipped from Alaska, according to 

 customhouse record, a total of 1,174 cases of half-pound cans of crabs. 

 The Arctic Packing Co., at Seldovia, similarly prepared 60 cases, thus 

 making the total pack of canned crabs 4,075 cases. John Murphy, at 

 Tenakee, sold locally 200 dozen crabs in the shell. 



The reported investment in the crab industry of Alaska in 1921 was 

 $43,848. Employment was given to 44 persons. The products con- 

 sisted of 4,075 cases, valued at S32,780, and 200 dozen crabs, valued 

 at $400. The reported value of Alaska crab products the previous 

 year was $1,740. In view of the interest in the possibilities of suc- 

 cessful crab fishing and the building up of an independent industry, 

 Warden Fred H. Gray gathered important data covering interesting 

 phases of the situation as it existed in 1921. His report is as follows: 



Edible crabs are very generally distributed throughout the waters of southeast 

 Alaska, but the regions of known abundance are the waters of Duke and Mary Islands, 

 the southern part of Graxdna Island, Moira Sound. Cholmondeley Sound, Kasaan Bay 

 and its arms. Skowl Arm, Thome Bay, Lake Bay. Whale Passage, and the shore waters 

 of Prince of Wales Island from Exchange Cove to the head of Red Bay. On the west 

 coast of Prince of Wales Island crabs are fairly abundant from Shakan Bay to Klawak 

 Inlet and in the adjacent waters of Portillo Channel, St. Nicholas Canal, and Port Real 

 Marino. In fact, all waters along the western shore of Prince of Wales Island are re- 

 garded as good crab regions. Along the mainland from Point ( aamano to the Stikine 

 River the crab zone is mostly narrow, though the island waters are better. Jiist off 

 the Stikine flats are some of the best known crab waters in Alaska. Wrangell Strait, 

 Beecher Pass, Blind Slough, Duncan Canal, and the southern part of Frederick Sound 

 are also good waters for crabs. Excepting a few localities the waters of Kuiu Island are 

 not considered good. Pybus Bay and Gambler Bay are said to be good crab districts. 

 Some crabs are also taken along the shores of Icy Strait. Sitkoh Bay and Peril Strait, 

 with its numerous bays, are among the best crab grounds in southeast A lask a. Tenakee 

 Inlet has long been noted for its excellent crabs. The inside waters from Salisbury 

 Sound to Sitka are largely within the crab zone. 



Several years ago John Mantle supplied Wrangell with crabs caught in Red Bay. 

 John Murphy continues to supply the Juneau markets with Tenakee Inlet crabs. 

 C. M. Coulter and associates, of Wrangell, carried on successful crab fishing in Blind 

 Slough and Frederick Sound. Their catches were cooked and shipped to Seattle in 

 the shell, but owing to the irregular steamer service at that time the business was un- 



{)rofitable and they were obliged to suspend operations. Crabs have always been used 

 ocally by both whites and natives. In 1921 the Dobbins Packing Co. operated a 

 floating cannery at Wrangell from May to December and packed approximately 2,500 

 cases of crabs. The regular crew consisted of -six men, and in addition from 20 to 25 

 pickers, chiefly women, were employed in the cannery. Ellson & Malcolm operated 

 a small cannery at Petersburg and packed approximately 1,200 cases, using Japanese 

 labor exclusively. These companies used only the common species of crab found in 

 shallow water. At Sitka crab canning has been undertaken by the Oregoii Alaska 

 Packing Co.. but as yet the company has done little more than prospect localities and 

 experiment with crab traps. This company intends to can "spider" crabs, which are 

 usually found in comparatively deep water. 



Crabs are caught in traps made of iron rods forming a framework that is covered 

 with wire netting, except the ends, which are equipped with linen or cotton web 

 tunnels through which the crabs may enter. The traps, which are about 40 inches 

 long, 30 inches wide, and 20 inches deep, are l>aited with fish or salmon-cannery offal 

 and set during the summer in water from 2 to 8 fathoms deep, and in winter to depths 



4562°— 22 ^1 



