FISHERY INDUSTRIES. 
As in corresponding reports for previous years, the Territory of 
Alaska is here considered in the three coastal geographic sections 
generally recognized, as follows: Southeast Alaska, embracing all 
that narrow strip of mainland and the numerous adjacent islands 
from Portland Canal northwestward to and including Yakutat Bay; 
central Alaska, the region on the Pacific from Yakutat Bay westward, 
including Prince William Sound, Cook Inlet, and the southern coast 
of Alaska Peninsula, to Unimak Pass; and western Alaska, the north 
shore of the Alaska Peninsula, including the Aleutian Islands and 
Bristol Bay and the Kuskokwim and Yukon Rivers. 
Detailed reports and statistical tables dealing with the various 
fishery industries are presented herewith, and there are also given the 
important features of certain subjects which were the objects of spe- 
cial investigation or inquiry. 
WATERS CLOSED TO COMMERCIAL FISHING. 
Section 6 of the act approved June 26, 1906, for the protection and 
regulation of the fisheries of Alaska, is as follows: 
Sec. 6. That the Secretary of Commerce may, in his discretion, set aside any 
streams or lakes as preserves for Spawning grounds, in which fishing may be 
limited or entirely prohibited ; and when, in his judgment, the results of fishing 
operations in any stream, or off the mouth thereof, indicate that the number 
of salmon taken is larger than the natural production of salmon in stich stream, 
he is authorized to establish close seasons or to limit or prohibit fishing entirely 
for one year or more Within such stream or within five hundred yards of the 
mouth thereof, so as to permit salmon to increase: Provided, however, That 
such power shall be exercised only after all persons interested shall be given a 
hearing, of which due notice must be given by publication ; and where the inter- 
ested parties are known to the Department they shall be personally notified by 
a notice mailed not less than thirty days previous to such hearing. No order 
made under this section shall be effective before the next calendar year after 
same is made: And provided further, That such limitations and prohibitions 
shall not apply to those engaged in catching salmon who keep such streams 
fully stocked with salmon by artificial propagation. 
Pursuant to the provisions of this section, action was taken in 1920 
in regard to waters of southeastern Alaska; waters between Cape 
Spencer and Cape Newenham, including Bering and Copper Rivers, 
Kuskokwim River, and Yukon River. 
Under date of May 22, 1920, announcement was made of a hearing 
to be held to consider the necessity or desirability of making changes 
in the regulations in regard to the Yukon River. The text of the an- 
nouncement was as follows: 
It having been recommended that the Secretary of Commerce amend the order 
of December 14, 1918, limiting or prohibiting fishing for salmon in the Yukon 
River, Alaska, its tributary waters, and the waters of its delta, notice is hereby 
given under the provisions of section 6 of the act of Congress approved June 26, 
1906, entitled “An act for the protection and regulation of the fisheries of 
Alaska,” that a hearing, for the purpose of eliciting information as to what, 
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