I3 3 PROBLEMS IN WILD LIFE CONSERVATION 



into the life habits of the salmon are of supplemental value 

 in forecasting the approximate runs in various rivers a year 

 in advance. 



The improvement of the streams which the salmon use, 

 the removing of log jams and boulders making possible a 

 clear passageway for the salmon going up stream to spawn, 

 is an important work of the division. In the past large 

 numbers of salmon were injured in attempting to get by 

 such obstacles. 



The territorial legislature, by the act which organized the 

 territory of Alaska, is empowered to alter, amend, modify, 

 or repeal laws in force in Alaska with certain exceptions, 47 

 which include the fur seal and game laws. The legislature 

 may, however, require additional licenses and collect fees 

 for the same. It may also appropriate money for the aid of 

 the fisheries although it is not bound to do so. In an act 

 of April 30, 1931, for example, the legislature appropriated 

 $25,000 to be expended in improving salmon spawning 

 grounds and in destroying predatory fish under the direction 

 of the governor in co-operation with the Bureau of Fish- 

 eries. 48 



In the main, however, the territory has been generously 

 treated by the federal government. Income from the terri- 

 torial fishing license fees amounted to over $600,000 in 

 1 93 1, 49 while the territory spent only a small part of it 50 in 

 the improvement of the fisheries and need have spent none 

 at all. 



The Secretary of Commerce is authorized to make regu- 

 lations setting aside certain areas and providing when and 



*7 37 Stat. L. 512. 



48 Report of the Commissioner, Bureau of Fisheries, op. cit., p. 25. 



49 Report of the Commissioner, Bureau of Fisheries, op. cit., p. 25. 



50 In 1931, only $25,500. 



