20 FISH AND GAME COMMISSION 



been combined. The woi'k is now centralized at the Central Valleys 

 Hatchery near Elk Grove, which is nearing completion. This consists 

 of numerous stock and brood ponds of various areas, daphnia ponds, 

 a deep well capable of supplying ample water, residences for foreman 

 and aids, laboratory and ot¥iee, garages and storage buildings. These 

 are on a tract of 40 acres well located in relation to transportation, 

 being near the center of the region of sunfish and bass fishing. Desir- 

 able rescued fish may be held at this station until opportunity offers 

 to transport them to places where their introduction is most needed. 

 The operation of this new plant in connection with fish rescue is 

 intended to provide for growth and expansion while adding economies 

 and efficiency to both ])ro])agation and rescue. 



The recently adopted enumerating sy.stem which is a combination 

 of weighing and counting is now in effect. It has already proven its 

 worth in rnrnisliing fairly accurate statistics relating to growth, ])ro- 

 (luction, amount of food consumed, an account of losses and other items 

 relating to the cost and effectiveness of operation. Guesses and esti- 

 mates have given place to actual determinations. These begin with the 

 eggs and end with planting, each can of fish in transportation now 

 bearing a tag which declares the .species, actual weight and the calcu- 

 lated number of fish which it contains. 



Results of the stream survey are rapidly accumulating. Informa- 

 tion relating to areas of considerable extent is now being tabulated so 

 as to make it easily available, and its relation to a present and future 

 con>servation and stocking policy is becoming plainly evident. 



The bureau is now operating on what appears to be the most 

 promising program when its available personnel, equipment, funds, and 

 general knowledge of the situation are considered. However, the desire 

 for an expressed and published policy of conservation, involving the 

 mniicrous uame fishes of the State is very evident. Such a policy will 

 not be easily formulated, and it will of necessity be somewhat involved 

 and complicated, for it must reflect some of the unrivaled diversity of 

 natural and artificial conditions which California presents. 



The recent and great extension of irrigation and power installa- 

 tiojis is resulting in marked changes in river conditions. Artificial 

 lakes, in some cases of large size, are appearing Avhile stream flow is 

 being correspondingly changed. The original environment of the 

 native game fishes is being i)rofoundly altered while we are unaware 

 and entirely ignorant oF 1lie ])robable results. It appears desirable 

 that means be soon ])rovi(led for an extended study of the situation, 

 and so directed as to supply at least some desired information relating 

 ff) what is actually transpiring. 



Questions, opinions and suggestions rehitina- to the so-called rougli 

 fish in our waters are constantly appearing. We are lacking in aecu- 

 rate inloi-mal ion relaling to neai'ly all of these forms and until some- 

 thing more definite is known of their life histories and ecological inter- 

 i-elationshi|»s, mere speculations and recommendations relating to them 

 are futile, perhaps even harmful. Danger of their spread through the 

 use of minnows as bait shoidd be guarded against. A promising begin- 

 ning has been made in an investigation of some native minnows, and 

 one very creditable report lately appeared. 



