FISHERY INDUSTRIES. 25 
requested to remove the structure. The company refused to do so, 
alleging that it had acquired vested rights in the net and that the 
proclamation had been issued without authority of law. Proceedings 
were instituted through the Department of Justice to cause the 
removal of the net. It was completed and fished for a few days, but 
on June 2 a temporary injunction was issued by Judge Brown of the 
United States district court, restraining the owners from using it. On 
July 7, Judge Jennings, of the same court, rendered a decree ordering 
the removal of the pound net and permanently enjoining the company 
from trespassing in or upon the waters of the reserve. Upon repre- 
sentations by the Alaska Pacific Fisheries the circuit court of appeals 
for the ninth circuit granted a supersedeas which allowed temporary 
operation of the pound net under bond. Near the end of the fishing 
season, on August 19, the court dissolved the supersedeas which it 
had issued. The Alaska Pacific Fisheries filed an appeal to the 
circuit court from the decree of the district court of July 7. On 
March 19, 1917, the court of appeals affirmed the decision of the 
lower court. 
INJURY TO SALMON BY BIRDS. 
Definite conclusions in regard to the effect upon the salmon sup- 
ply caused by destruction of salmon fry and eggs by birds, especially 
gulls. and terns, can not at present be formed. The making of 
accurate and reliable observations at the spawning grounds is at- 
tended with many difficulties. Such observations as have been 
made have been in connection with other work which demanded a 
large portion of the time of the employees concerned. 
Observations made in regard to the habits of gulls on Afognak 
Island do not indicate that these birds are particularly destructive 
under ordinary conditions to salmon fry or eggs. Observations 
made in 1915 at the spawning grounds at Lake Aleknagik, Nushagak 
region, indicate that two of the principal enemies of the young 
salmon are gulls and terns. An examination of the stomachs of a 
- number of these birds showed them filled with small salmon, the 
terns especially. The stomach of one tern contained six recently 
caught fry and a small quantity of partly digested fish. 
The Bureau plans to continue investigations in 1917 in regard to 
the subject whenever opportunities are presented. 
THE COPPER RIVER FISHERY. 
In view of the unusual development of the Copper River salmon 
fishery in 1916, and as there are certain conditions peculiar to this 
stream which may have a most important bearing on the future of 
the fishery, it seems timely to review the situation at some length 
and make suggestions in regard to the best course to pursue in 
handling the matter. 
