PROPAGATION AND DISTRIBUTION OF FOOD FISHES, 1936 367 



labor. Here, too, the output of trout was increased in conformity 

 with the program of augmenting the production of game fish at these 

 sahnon hatcheries. 



The two substations located at Duckabush and Quilcene, Wash,, 

 concentrated on the propagation of chum salmon. A large number 

 of these eggs are easily obtainable and are incubated at both stations. 

 The most important factor here was the construction of a fish food 

 dehydrating plant at Quilcene. This is used in preparing fish meal 

 from the spawned-out chum salmon, and a considerable quantity of 

 this material was turned out at a cost of approximately 4% cents per 

 pound. The salmon propagation is likewise being supplemented by 

 concentrating on the production of game trout during the summer 

 months. 



At the Birdsview, Wash., station, the total egg collections were al- 

 most four times as great as during the previous year. Almost a 

 million trout eggs of various species were incubated. However, the 

 run of steelhead was noticeably below the level of previous years. 

 Experiments in the marking of sockeye salmon fingerlings were con- 

 tinued and numerous returns are being secured from the fish which 

 were marked, commencing in the fall of 1929. 



The Baker Lake station operated only for the purpose of incubating 

 trout eggs during the summer months. However, it was reported 

 that the run of sockeye and silver salmon in the Baker River was 

 the largest for a number of years. 



While the two additional substations under the administration of 

 the Birdsview station are concerned entirely with the propagation of 

 trout, it is appropriate to mention that the Mount Rainier substation 

 has now been developed to the point where it is an important factor 

 in maintaining the stock of fish in the park and in the adjoining 

 National Forest areas. Efforts are being made to collect eggs of the 

 cut-throat trout from certain lakes in the park which had been 

 previously stocked with this object in mind. 



The other establishment, a series of rearing ponds outside of the 

 city of Spokane, Wash., was placed in operation during the year. 

 Over 500,000 trout and graylings ranging up to 6 inches in size were 

 distributed. 



MARINE SPECIES 



It has been mentioned elsewhere that there was general expansion 

 of activities at the three New England hatcheries engaged in propa- 

 gating cod, haddock, pollock, and other varieties supporting the 

 inshore commercial fisheries. 



At Gloucester, Mass., a considerable number of spawn-takers were 

 placed aboard local fishing vessels and a tremendous number of pollock 

 eggs were fertilized and planted by this means. Of the 3,000,000,000 

 cod eggs secured, slightly over 300,000 were propagated at the 

 hatchery, the balance being planted after fertilization on the spawning 

 grounds. Haddock work was relatively unsuccessful at this point. 

 Some propagation of lobster was resumed on an experimental basis. 

 Considerable work was required during the year in the maintenance 

 of the property and equipment due to deterioration during the period 

 of closure. 



A Diesel-powered launch was transferred from the Cape Vincent, 

 N. Y., station to Gloucester as a tender. 



