16 



FISHERIES OF THE PACIFIC COAST STATES IN 1904. 



strict enforcements of state laws for the protection of this species, 

 the catch continues to show an increase. Its fine qualities are fully 

 appreciated, and the demand is often difficult to fill. The fish vary in 

 weight from 5 to 60 pounds, and average 6 to 10 pounds. 



German carp are veiy plentiful in most of the fresh waters of the 

 coast. The dislike for them increases, and market men do not care to 

 handle them. When they do it is at 1 or 2 cents a pound, a price that 

 is no inducement to the fishermen, who, as a rule, destro}^ them. 



Catfish, another introduced species, meets with a constantly growing 

 demand, the catch of 1901 showing an increase of 271,232 pounds since 

 1899. 



Comparative Statement of the Catch of Introduced Fishes in the Pacific Coast 



States in 1899 and 1904. 



OYSTERS. 



Washington. — In Washington the yield of oysters has increased 

 since 1899, and native o} T sters show the benefit of cultivation by an 

 increase in size, improved quality, and greater abundance. All oyster 

 beds not owned by private parties are now reserved by the state for 

 seed oysters, which are sold for planting at 25 cents per bushel. The 

 state now holds 15,683,911 acres. Private oyster grounds are valued 

 at $200 to $1,000 an acre, or an average of $600. Natural grounds 

 exist chief!} 7 in Pacific, Thurston, and Mason counties. Eastern 0} r ster 

 seed are planted on the same grounds with the native, and also in 

 Samish Bay, Skagit County. 



The oyster beds are worked throughout the year, but least during 

 the summer months. The employees are Chinese, Indians, and a few 

 Japanese. Oysters are gathered mostly by hand when exposed at 

 low tide. House boats are anchored close by. and to these the oysters 



