70 



PISHEKY AND FUR INDUSTRIES OP ALASKA IN 1912. 



considerable attention on Puget Sound early in the season by reason 

 of efforts to get a clearance for a whaling voyage. There is no pro- 

 vision for clearing a vessel of foreign registry from an American port 

 to engage in whaling operations, hence the request was denied. The 

 Kit finally cleared for the high seas, and cruised in northern waters, a 

 fair catch of walrus skins, oil, and ivory resulting. No whales were 

 taken. 



STATISTICAL SUMMARY. 



The total sum invested in the shore-station whaling operations was 

 $1,140,831, the largest ever shown in this industry. The total number 

 of persons engaged, including those employed on the auxiliary vessels, 

 was 302, including 22 Japanese and 12 Indians. The value of the 

 product was $293,295. 



In addition, whalebone was produced in western and Arctic Alaska 

 to the extent of 11,317 pounds, valued at $18,012. This whalebone 

 is from the right or bowhead whale and is much more valuable than 

 the ordinary baleen of commerce. The price, however, has been low 

 this year. 



The number of whales taken in the shore operations in 1912 by the 

 three important companies was as follows: 



Whales Taken in Shore Operations in 1912. 



Companies. 



A.laska Whaling Co 



United States Whaling Co 

 TyeeCo 



Total 



Hump- 

 back. 



148 



163 



4 



315 



Fin- 

 back. 



162 



72 



1 



235 



Sulphur 

 bottom. 



112 



Sperm. 



Total. 



310 

 314 

 61 



During the season's operations it has been noted that the average 

 number of barrels of oil per whale, according to species, is as follows: 

 Sperm, 80; sulphur bottom, 78; finback, 30; and humpback, 25. 

 By reason of the quality of oil produced, the sperms are much more 

 valuable in proportion than the other species named. 



Figures relating to whaling, other than the shore-station operations, 

 are not included in the statistical tables. 



Investment in the Whale Fishery in Alaska in 1912. 



