258 REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES. 

 FISHERY RESOURCES. 



The fishery resources of this region comprise a wide variety of prod- 

 ucts belougiug to both the sea and its tributary fresh waters, many of 

 which are exceedingly abundant and some of high commercial value. 

 As is naturally to be expected, however, in a comparatively new country, 

 still having a small population, the development of these resources has 

 so far been directed mainly toward a few forms especially adapted for 

 export trade. 



In this respect the activities have been very marked during recent 

 years and substantial progress has been made in building up a remu- 

 nerative industry whose permanency may be insured by wise and con- 

 servative measures of control, even though its further growth should 

 cause somewhat heavy drafts upon the stock. Still other lines promise 

 good returns for the successful preparation of certain products suited 

 for distant sale, but not until the region shall have become much more 

 thickly settled can its rich fishery opportunities be measured at their 

 full value. There is a host of species requiring near markets to be 

 utilized, whose abundance is sufficient to contribute in due proportion 

 toward the sustenance of an extensive population. As the time when 

 such conditions may be expected to prevail is probably far distant, a 

 large share of these resources must continue long in reserve, a guaranty 

 for the future. 



Besides its local resources the legion should also have credit for its 

 advantageous position in regard to fishing-grounds farther north along 

 the coast, for which it is the nearest outlet, and with whose development 

 it Is sure to become niost intimately associated. Its convenient harbors 

 and railroad facilities give it superior facilities for the handling and 

 transshipment of any catch that may be landed on its shore. 



The salmon here, as elsewhere along the northwest coast, are the 

 principal objects of fishery, no other group of species comparing with 

 them in the extent and value of the catch. This results from their 

 phenomenal abundance, the perfection to which their preparation has 

 been carried, and, above all, from the firm hold which the canned product 

 has secured in the markets throughout the world. Five species of 

 Oncorhynchus and one of Salmo are represented, the quinnat, sockeye, 

 silver, humpback, dog, and steelhead salmon. The quinnat is first in 

 quality and, with the steelhead, stands most in favor for the fresh 

 trade. Canners prefer the sockeye, and would use no other species 

 could this one be obtained in sufficient numbers to satisfy their wants 

 The remaining forms, after the common understanding of to-day, should 

 probably be graded in the order given above. The silver salmon is 

 most sought after, but all are utilized for canning — especially on the 

 Washington side — and in other ways. It is a peculiarity of the sockeye 

 or blueback salmon that it enters very few of the rivers of this region, 

 while the other species distribute themselves quite generally and may 

 be taken nearly everywhere. 



The halibut should probably be accorded next place after the salmons, 



