EEPOET OF THE COMMISSIONER OF FISHERIES. 69 



southern and southwestern States, where desirable food fishes 

 suitable for pond culture can be produced in almost unlimited num- 

 bers, for the stocking of waters in all parts of the country. The 

 demand for the black basses and other fishes of similar habits is so 

 great and insistent that the Bureau is becoming more and more 

 embarrassed by its continued inability to meet it, owing to lack of 

 suitable stations. A number of additional hatcheries for the migra- 

 tory food fishes of the coastal rivers could be operated to excellent 

 advantage in various sections, including Alaska, where, in the 

 Bristol Bay region, there is urgent demand for one large station, 

 while in southeastern Alaska a number of smaller plants are required. 



One of the most important services that Congress can now render 

 to the fisheries is to give to the Bureau the means of carrying on 

 comprehensive studies of fish diseases and fish breeding. The 

 establishment of a fishery experiment station for this purpose can 

 not be too strongly advocated, and the representations on tliis 

 subject contained in last year's report of the Bureau are repeated. 



There is likewise need for a biological station on the Pacific sea- 

 board, with suitable facilities for the study of important fisher}'' 

 problems and for marine fish culture, and previous recommendations 

 hereon are renewed. 



In the estimates submitted to Congsess, provision has been made 

 for a new steam vessel for use in connection with the fur-seal, salmon, 

 halibut, and other fisheries of the Pacific coast, where the Bureau's 

 operations are rapidly becoming more important and extensive. 

 This vessel, to cost approximately $225,000, is required in order to 

 properly carry out the duties imposed by law. 



The successful condition and outcome of the Bureau's work in its 

 various fields and phases may be attributed largely to the faithful 

 and efiicient service rendered by the administrative and technical 

 employees in Washington, at stations, on vessels, and in the field. 

 In commending to the Secretary the chiefs and subordinates for their 

 loyal support and cooperation, the Commissioner renews this fre- 

 quently repeated recommendation: That the salaries paid throughout 

 the Bureau be readjusted, to the end that present inconsistencies 

 and injustices may be corrected, and that every employee may 

 receive the compensation demanded by changed economic conditions 

 and merited by individual capacity and responsibilit}^. 

 Respectfully, 



Geo. M. Bowers, 



Commissioner.. 



To Hon. Charles Nagel, 



Secretary of Commerce and Labor. 



