ALASKA FISHERY AND FUR-SEAL INDUSTRIES, 1920. 87 
what with the commercial catch, were the salvation of the situation, for if but 
a slightly increased pack had been made the escapement would lave been 
practically nil and the beds would have been left nearly or wholly bare, with 
an absolutely discouraging outlook for the future. 
We are thoroughly convinced that the predatory fishes, together with the 
terns mentioned heretofore, constitute one of the most serious menaces facing 
the salmon industry. In small years, such as 1919 and 1920, they will practi- 
cally eliminate the cycle runs by their depredations, first on the eggs on the 
spawning beds, next on the young fish in the first year or two spent in the 
lakes, and last, but not least, on the migrating fish descending to the ocean. 
The only hope of curtailing this loss is by waging a constant, aggressive and 
extensive campaign against these marauders. In the performance of this work 
a close tally can be kept on the escapement and spawning grounds, which is 
the only method by which the industry can be advised with any degree of 
assurance and safety. Our work of extermination this year will surely be 
of invaluable aid to the future, and its continuance with an enlarged scope 
will show its value within the next cycle. We also feel at this time that it is 
one of the greatest hopes for the industrial future of the salmon industry. 
RECOMMENDATIONS, 
I would respectfully recommend that this work be continued on as extensive 
a seale as possible for the elimination of predatory fishes and birds. 
I recommend the purchase of three power boats of Columbia River type, 
one for each section operated, with living quarters aboard for three or four 
people. They would facilitate the work of transferring crews to different 
localities, and it would not then be necessary to embarrass the different can- 
nery superintendents with requests for the use of a launch when same is 
needed for cannery work. It would also insure comfortable living and sleeping 
quarters for the crew and thus eliminate the discomforts of tents and sleep- 
ing on the ground, which is nearly impossible in that section during heavy 
rains. With such a boat many localities could be profitably operated with 
seines, set and gill nets, and bait traps, necessitating but a small crew at any 
point of operation. Such a boat would also be of special value to stream 
watchmen. As efficient work at the different points would cease at about 
the time the commercial season began, I would suggest that the boats be 
utilized by some of our men who would be employed as stream watchmen. 
700d work can be effectively continued with jigger trolls and bait traps dur- 
ing the period the salmon are running. A small crew can profitably operate as 
much of this gear as can be efficiently utilized, thus releasing a portion of the 
crew with the power boats for stream police duty without detriment to the 
predatory fish work. 
Three new 20-foot fishing skiffs are needed, together with several gill nets 
of large mesh, and material for making a number of bait traps, and three 
larger and deeper seines, one for each locality. These added to our present 
equipment will meet any emergency pertaining to our work as outlined. 
I would further recommend that employees be engaged in the States and 
that they reach the different localities in Bristol Bay as early as possible in 
the spring months. They should be on the first boats reaching the region. 
Employees should go to the Upper Iliamna by the regular steamship line to 
Cook Inlet, thence to Dliamna Bay and Iliamna village, arriving about May 1. 
At that time the water is low and the trout schooling in large numbers. Seines 
can then be used to advantage, also the bait traps and gill nets. The necessity 
of reaching Iliamna by Cook Inlet is due to the fact that passage can not be 
made from Bristol Bay through the lower end of Iliamna Lake before late in 
the season owing to the ice in that locality. 
A fishway should be installed in Kokhonak River. 
These recommendations are made to meet conditions as they exist in the 
sections operated this season, but they can be enlarged in accordance with any 
plan formulated to broaden the scope of the work. 
AFOGNAK RESERVATION. 
Historical data have been published year after year showing the 
establishment of the Afognak Fishery Reservation by presidential 
proclamation in 1892 and the object that was hoped to be attained 
