FISHING GEAR AND FISHERY METHODS 



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servation has favored, if anything, the use of improved gear; very few restric- 

 tions prohibit the use of popular types. Such minor restrictions as have been ap- 

 pHed concern mesh sizes, seasonal operations in an area, or the limit of the num- 

 ber of gear to be used. Generally speaking, improvements and the adoption of 

 new forms have been encouraged, with a view to increasing efficiency and pro- 

 duction within economic and natural limitations. 



Fig. 13-1. Indian fishermen, exercising treaty rights, dipping salmon from the 

 Columbia River at Celilo Falls. 



Outstanding among the improvements and changes in types of fishing gear 

 since the turn of the century is the widespread adoption of the otter trawl. This 

 type of net has been responsible for the large catches of ground fish, and its 

 prototype, the shrimp trawl, has played a prominent part in the development of 

 the shrimp fishery. 



Other gear improvements can be noted in the long line fisheries for halibut 

 and salmon. The development of the "gurdies," which are now operated me- 

 chanically, has added greatly to the efficiency of this method of fishing. Certain 

 fish pots, formerly constructed of wood slats or rough birch boughs, are now made 

 of wire which wears better and enables the fisherman to operate more pots in 

 less time. 



There has been a marked decline in the trawl line and long (hand) line 

 fisheries in the New England area; in Boston and Gloucester it is practically ex- 



