THE FISHERIES OF ALASKA IN 1906. 



The history of the fishmg grounds, methods of fishing, and statistics 

 for the period of this government's ownership of Alaska were treated 

 at lengtn in a preceding report. The present purpose, therefore, is to 

 deal with the conditions and extent of the fisheries of the district in the 

 year 1906 only, taking up no details but such as are necessary to show 

 changes that have occurred since the previous year. 



As in the reports for 1905, the district is considered in the four geo- 

 graphic sections which are generally recognized, as follows: Southeast 

 Alaska, embracing all that narrow strip of mainland and the numerous 

 islands adjacent, from Portland Canal northwestward to and including 

 Yakutat Bay"; Central Alaska, everything on the Pacific, or south 

 side, from Yakutat Bay westward, including the Aleutian chain; 

 Western Alaska, the shores of Bering Sea and islands in this sea; and 

 Arctic Alaska, from Bering Strait to the Canadian border. 



The fisheries of Western, Central, and the greater part of Southeast 

 Alaska were canvassed by the assistant agent. A considerable part of 

 the statistics relating to the salmon fisheries was compiled from the 

 reports sent in by the canneries and salteries ; statistics of the yield of 

 fur seals from the Pribilof Islands were obtained through the courtesy 

 of the agent at the fur-seal islands, while figures for the remainder of 

 the fur seals and the other aquatic furs (except sea otter) and skins, 

 also the whalebone, walrus ivory, heads, and hides, and shells were 

 obtained from the customs-house records at Juneau. 



THE FISHERIES IN GENERAL." 



Heretofore almost all the fishery products of Alaska have been 

 marketed outside the district, the natives and few white residents con- 

 suming but a small portion. During the last few years, however, there 

 has been a steady increase in the white population, and for certain 

 products, such as fresh and smoked salmon, trout, black cod, redfish, 

 and crabs there is now a considerable local demand. Salmon has 

 always been and is yet the principal element in the yield, but more 

 and more attention is being paid each year to the other resources. 

 Many of these, however, are still totally neglected. 



"In the 1905 report Yakutat Bay was included in Central Alaska, l)ut as this 

 arrangement created a little confusion it has been changed. 



