ANNUAL REPORT, 1944-45 25 



jointly by Overseers and Provincial Constables. 



In connection with the 44 cases in which the charges were dismissed the 

 information was laid in 42 of these cases by Game and Fisheries Overseers, in one 

 case by Provincial Constable and in the one remaining case jointly by Game and 

 Fisheries Overseers and Provincial Constables. 



Game and Fisheries Overseers were responsible for the 6 actions in which 

 the charges were withdrawn, and were also responsible for the one action in which 

 the defendant was warned. 



REPORT OF THE FISH CULTURE BRANCH 



Fish culture may be defined as any procedure for increasing the stock 

 of fish. One of the procedures used extensively in Ontario, is the planting of hatch- 

 ery raised fish. In the majority of cases this procedure is a supplement and not a 

 substitute for nature's means of replenishment. 



A study of the complex series of events which occur from the time the 

 fish egg is fertilized until the end product, the fish, reaches sexual maturity dis- 

 closes useful facts for developing advantageous procedures in fish culture. For 

 example, fundamental fish culture research may result in the establishment of im- 

 portant principles governing successful planting. 



During the year twenty-seven hatcheries and rearing stations were oper- 

 ated. In keeping with prevailing wartime restrictions, no new plants were estab- 

 lished. The introduction to the report of the Fish Culture Branch for the year 

 1943-1944, contains information on the classification of the hatcheries and rearing 

 stations, and the kinds and sizes of the fish cultured. Since this classification is 

 substantially the same for this year it is unnecessary to report the details of it 

 here. 



THE CULTURE AND DISTRIBUTION OF FISH 



Speckled Trout: 



The distribution of speckled trout during the year was approximately 

 as follows: 



2,877,000 yearlings 

 493,840 fingerlings 

 4,360 adults 



It is not the policy of the Department to plant fingerlings (under-yearlings) 

 unless the accommodation at our rearing stations is taxed beyond their proper 

 capacities. On account of crowded conditions at Chatsworth, Sault Ste. Marie, Dorion 

 and Hill Lake, distribution was required until crowded conditions were alleviated. 



Brown Trout: 



The department is careful to avoid planting brown trout in streams that 

 continue to support native speckled trout satisfactorily, or in streams that may be 

 susceptible to improvement for the latter. The distribution of brown trout is con- 

 fined to streams where there'is scant possibility of their rehabilitation for speckled 

 trout on a practical basis ; the lower reaches of a number of streams cut off by dams 

 from the upper reaches, where speckled trout still thrive, have been stocked with 

 browns advantageously. 



