354 "f-. S. BUTIEAU OF FISHERIES 



condition did not always exist, for when this branch of the industry 

 was estabUshed albacore and bliiefin tuna were the species most 

 souglit. These were plentiful near the canneries, and the catch 

 could be landed at the close of one or two days of fishing. However, 

 the supplies of these species of fish became inadequate and other 

 species of tuna were introduced which might be used for canning. 

 The quest led the fishermen farther from port to points off the coast 

 of Mexico, where the yellowfin tuna and skipjack or striped tuna 

 could be taken. 



At first the smaller vessels made the 1,000-mile trip to these fishing 

 areas accompanied by large tenders, which supplied fresh water, provi- 

 sions, bait, ice, and fuel to the small fishing vessels and also delivered 

 their catch to the cannery. In this fishery by the smaller vessels it 

 was necessary to clear from Mexican ports, whereby the Mexican 

 authorities could require an export duty on the catch. To be relieved 

 of the payment of this duty brought about a readjustment in the 

 fishery, and larger vessels were outfitted so that it would be unnec- 

 essary to call at a Mexican port. 



Many of the tuna vessels are now equipped with large bait boxes 

 and with mechanical refrigeration to aid in holding the catch in 

 prime condition. These vessels are able to clear from San Diego or 

 San Pedro for the high seas, and they return to the home port only 

 when a full load has been secured. 



To supply the increasing demand of canneries, other sources of 

 supply have been investigated. Importations of white-meat tuna 

 have been made from Japan, where the dark meat is preferred. 

 Quantities of tuna have also been received from Hawaii. 



Very little tuna is marketed fresh or frozen. Formerly only the 

 white meat was canned, but now the dark meat is being used for this 

 purpose also. In 1928 there were 16 plants in California canning 

 tuna. Their production amounted to 1,216,222 standard cases, on 

 the basis of forty-eight K-pound cans, valued at $8,374,030. This 

 was one of the largest packs on record and constitutes about 90 

 per cent of the world pack. Other producing countries are Mexico 

 (2 canneries), Hawaii (1 cannery), Italy, Portugal, Spain and France, 

 and the Lybia region. 



The most popular pack is the K-pound can, in 1928 the pack of this 

 sizfe being valued at $5,464,275, or 65 per cent of the total value of 

 tuna packed. The next most popular size is the }4-pound round can, 

 the production of which was valued at $1,505,246. The 1-pound 

 round can is third in importance, and was used to can products to 

 the value of $1,196,177. Tuna to the value of $208,332 was canned 

 as "flakes" in various sizes of cans. 



The production of canned tuna is marketed chiefly in the United 

 States. The Mexican pack is marketed mainly in Mexico, although 

 some is sold in the Orient, being shipped through California ports. 



