XIV REPORT TO THE SECRETARY OP COMMERCE 



taken by the Alaskan fleet. Whaling- was conducted on about the 

 same scale as in recent years. Of the several minor fisheries, the 

 output of clams showed the greatest increase. 



The total value of all fishery products of Alaska in 1929 was 

 $50,795,819, as compared with $54,545,588 in the preceding year and 

 an average of $45,941,358 for the 5-year period from 1924 to 1928, 

 inclusive. Of this total, $42,524,845 represented the value of the 

 salmon output; $4,422,605, halibut; $2,794,084, herring; $502,081, 

 whale products; $203,656, clams; $200,312, shrimps; and $148,236, 

 miscelhineous fishery products. The value of the catch to the fisher- 

 men was approximately $16,582,000, or about $761,000 less than in the 

 preceding year. There were 29,283 persons employed in the various 

 branches of the industry, as compared with 31,086 in 1928. 



The extent and condition of the Alaska fisheries in 1929 and of the 

 activities of the bureau under the laws and regulations for the pro- 

 tection of the fisheries are covered in detail in the annual report of 

 the Alaska service for that year. 



ALASKA FUR-SEAL SERVICE 

 GENERAL ACTIVITIES 



The Government management of the Pribilof Islands fur-seal herd, 

 under conditions brought about by the North Pacific Sealing Con- 

 vention of 1911, has resulted in a gradual and steady increase in the 

 number of animals, making it possible to secure more pelts of surplus 

 males in successive seasons without detriment to the growth of the 

 herd. The increase in the annual killings has given rise to the question 

 of more profitable disposition of the seal carcasses — the main utiliza- 

 tion of which heretofore has l)een as food for the fox herds on the 

 islands, although some reduction of meal and oil has been accom- 

 plished at various times. Accordingly, the erection of a modern by- 

 products plant was begun in the early summer of 1930. 



Under the direction of the bureau's staft' of employees, sealing 

 operations on the Pribilof Islands are performed by the natives. The 

 upkeep and replacement of buildings and the extension of improved 

 roads are given due attention each year, the work being carried on 

 chiefly when sealing activities are not pressing. The care and feeding 

 of the blue-fox herds on St. Paul and St. George • Islands provide 

 additional occupation during the winter. In return for their services 

 the native population, consisting of 368 persons, are furnished food, 

 clothing, and shelter, as well as schools and medical aid. Further 

 compensation is made in cash at the rate of 75 cents for each seal- 

 skin and $5 for each fox skin taken, with some additional payments 

 for special services. 



The need of a new vessel to serve as tender for the Pribilof Islands 

 had been felt for some time, the Eider having become inadequate 

 both by reason of its limited capacity and because of its long service 

 in the expf)sed waters of Bering Sea. A new power vessel. Penguin, 

 designed especially for such service, was built in the fiscal year 1930 

 and is proving to be well adapted for the duties required. The 

 Penguin sailed from Seattle on Maj^ 5 on its maiden voyage to the 

 islands, carrying seasonal employees of the bureau and about 185 

 tons of supplies. 



