REPORT OP THE FISH AND GAME COMMISSION. 



61 



species. The rapidity of ^rowtli, ilio distribution of pelagic ova or larvfc by currents, 

 liip response of tlie species to cliauKes in siirroi:ndins conditions, all affect both the 

 conclusions of the naturalist and those to whom tiio apparent abundance of fish is 

 vitally imiwrtant. Above all, iiowever, our program will be most vital to the 

 progress of hydrographical science in its relation to the food supply of man, through 

 what is in reality the most essential purpose of our work — the measurement of the 

 actual aliuiidanco of lisli in the ocean. The effect of hydrograpliical conditions on 

 tish can not he measured witliout a knowledge of the real aljundance of fish, of the 

 rate of growth, and the habits. So, in addition to being dedicated to the service 

 of competent legislation for conservation and utilization, the laboratory will be in a 

 very real way an essential part in the progn^ss of more general scientific knowledge." 



FISHERIES PATROL. 



IMost of the fislK'i'io.s conservation laws of the state apply to the 

 Sacramento and San Joaqnin rivers and to the San Francisco Bay 

 region where intensive fishing has been longest carried on and where 

 more species of fish are in need of protection. For the enforcement 

 of these laws we have five patrol boats. San Francisco Bay and the 

 near outside waters are covered by the boats "Quinnat" and ''Steel- 

 head", the river fishing districts by the boats "Rainbow," "Barracuda" 

 and "Sliad." The first two boats are directly in charge of this depart- 

 ment. Tito other three come under the head of general patrol as they 



Fig. 17. Commercial Fisheries patrol boats, a. The "Albacore." June 3, HUs. 



Photograph by E. M. Nielsen, b. The "Steelhead" patroUing the lower Sacramento 



c. The "Quinnat." Photograph by N. B. Scofleld. d. The "Rainbow" at time of 

 launching in 1919. Photograph by A. M. Fairfield. 



