198 U. S, BUREAU OF FISHERIES 



SHAD AND ALEWIFE FISHERIES OF THE POTOMAC RIVER 



The catch of shad in the Potomac River in 1934 amounted to 

 152,876 in number, 567,100 pounds in weight, and their total value 

 to the fishermen was $47,504. The catch of alewives for the same 

 season amounted to 5,070,840 in number, with a total weight of 

 2,028,400 pounds, and a value to the fishermen of $16,256. These 

 figures show a decrease of 69 percent in the weight and 68 percent in 

 the value of shad as compared with 1933, and a decrease of 71 percent 

 in weight and 32 percent in the value of alewives. 



Approximately 64 percent of the shad, in weight, were taken with 

 pound nets, and 36 percent, with gill nets. More than 99}^ percent 

 of the alewives were taken with pound nets, only a small quantity 

 being taken with gill nets. 



Statistics of the catch of shad and alewives in Potomac River are 

 also included in the catch data for Maryland and Virginia which are 

 published elsewhere in this report. 



TRADE IN. FISHERY PRODUCTS IN WASHINGTON, D. C.^ 



The municipal fish wharf and market in Washington, D. C, is 

 located in the southwestern part of the city on an arm of the Potomac 

 River. At the present time 17 firms have stalls in this market, 4 

 have stalls in the new Center Market, located at Fifth and K Streets 

 N"VV,, and 4 are scattered in other parts of the city. Altogether there 

 are 25 firms which employ 132 persons who received $137,185 in 

 salaries and wages during 1934. Of the total employees 100 were 

 regularly employed. These firms conduct mainly a wholesale business 

 although some retail trade is carried on. 



The facilities for handling fish and oysters from boats and vessels 

 that may land at the wharf are good, but only a comparatively small 



•Trade of fishery products handled at the municipal wharf, Washington, D. C, are reported to the 

 Bureau by agents of the Health Department, District of Columbia. 



