ALASKA FISHERY AND FUR-SEAL INDUSTKIES, 1923 73 



TAGGING OF SALMON 



The tagging experiments begun in 1922 were continued during the 

 season of 1923. The work was conducted in the same region — that is, 

 along the Alaska Peninsula — and, as before, for the purpose of ob- 

 taining information as to the direction and rate of the migration of 

 salmon and in order to determine the spawning grounds frequented 

 by the fish constituting the basis of this important fishery. The work 

 was done under the direction of Dr. C. H. Gilbert and Dr. W. H. 

 Rich, assisted by W. P. Studdert. Ten thousand tags were attached, 

 mainly to red salmon, although a few hundred humpback, chum, and 

 coho salmon were tagged also. The work was done in the district 

 south of the M^esternmost part of the Alaska Peninsula between the 

 Shurpagin Islands and Isanotski Strait. An additional feature of 

 the work of 1923 was the collection of scales from each salmon 

 tagged. 



The results confirmed in every important respect the results ob- 

 tained in 1922 and gave some additional information of value and 

 interest. A large percentage of returns was obtained from Bristol 

 Bay, showing beyond question that the run of fish, which is of such 

 importance commercially along the southern shore of the Alaska 

 Peninsula, is composed in large measure of fish bound for Bristol 

 Bay. A few returns were obtained from the local spawning grounds 

 along the northern shore of the peninsula and more from those 

 located along the southern shore. Others were obtained from points 

 to the eastward, especially from Chignik, but also from Alitak, 

 Karluk, Afognak, and Cook Inlet. The rate of migration, as indi- 

 cated by these returns, is approximately the same as was observed in 

 1922. The rate of travel is apparently slower to near-by streams 

 and faster to more distant regions, such as Bristol Bay and Cook 

 Inlet. On these longer journeys the rate of travel approximates 20 

 miles per day, though this is subject to much variation and at cer- 

 tain times averages much higher. The examination of the scales 

 has not yet been completed, but enough has been done to indicate 

 that interesting and valuable results will be obtained, 



SALMON FOR FOX FEED 



The raising of foxes in Alaska has developed into a considerable 

 industry, as approximately 200 farms are now established and 

 many suitable islands from Dixon Entrance to the western end of 

 the Aleutian Chain are occupied as fox farms. In addition, a num- 

 ber of farms have been established along the mainland coast of 

 Alaska by the use of corrals. 



Those engaged in this industry require large quantities of fish for 

 feed for their animals, and, as the business grows, demands on the 

 fisheries will increase correspondingly. Salmon enter largely into 

 this feed supply because of the comparative ease with which they 

 are obtained. 



In southeast Alaska, where more than 100 farms are established, 

 it is estimated that at least 500,000 salmon and 500,000 pounds of 

 fish heads from the canneries are used annually for fox feed. In 

 central Alaska, where there is about an equal number of farms, 

 approximately 250,000 salmon are used each year. Most of the 



