88 REPORT OF ALASKA INVESTIGATIONS. 



Afognak still feels the effects of the eruption of Katmai Volcano in June, 191 2. The deposit of ash is still 

 to be seen on the trees and hills and there is so much washed into the streams that the take of eggs is far 

 below the normal. It is likely that conditions from now on will improve rapidly. 



In regard to the Yes Bay hatchery, there is but little to suggest, except the extension of the feeding 

 pond system. This is a matter of great importance. There is a tramway half a mile long between the land- 

 ing and McDonald Lake. It is in bad repair and should be attended to at once, for an accident to the 

 trestle on which the track is laid might cause the loss of property as well as result in injury to some of the 

 employees. Another needed improvement is the construction of a branch of the present tramway, start- 

 ing at the power house and continuing through to the Yes Bay cannery, a distance of a mile and a half. 

 This would permit safe communication at all times of the year. The fact that there is no trail and that 

 the undergrowth is unusually dense, together with the deep snow, makes it almost impossible to get over 

 this ground, and on account of thin ice it is impossible during three or four weeks in the fall and spring 

 to get down to the cannery at Yes Bay, where the weekly mail boat stops, and if a physician or supplies 

 were needed in an emergency they could not be obtained. 



The question of the supply of fish at these hatcheries is of the greatest importance, in order to insure 

 a maximum take of eggs at the least possible cost. At the present time and under the existing law, the 

 cannery people have the right to encroach on the territory that should be exclusively reserved for these 

 hatcheries. The work of the hatcheries, both public and private, is so important that there should be 

 nothing to prevent the salmon having full sway in reaching waters where they will be available for use at 

 the hatcheries. 



The question of raising more humpback or pink salmon in southeastern Alaska is very important, as 

 over 90 per cent of the total pack of this variety is canned in that part of the Territory. In addition to 

 this, I would earnestly recommend that the custom of distributing fry should be modified, and the quantity 

 diminished each year until it is made possible to feed the entire output of hatchery fish to the fingerling 

 stage, so that when placed in the water they will have some real future value. The more I see of fish- 

 cultural work the more I am impressed with the fact that the fewer fry distributed and the greater the 

 number of fingerlings the more pronounced will be the practical results in the way of increased runs of 

 salmon. 



MORE HATCHERIES NEEDED. 



Beyond question there should be a number of new Government hatcheries. This is a valuable work, 

 if conducted along proper lines, and upon it will depend in no little measure the future supply of salmon 

 in Alaska. This matter should have immediate consideration, and the following locations are suggested 

 as suitable for these new hatcheries: 



Redoubt or Deep Lake. — This lake is 15 miles south of Sitka. The water supply is excellent, and about 

 55,000 sockeyes were taken there last year. 



Eyak Lake. — This lake is close to the town of Cordova and at the present time is protected by a closing 

 order of the Secretary of Commerce. This order should continue in force, and on account of the good run 

 of red salmon, the accessibility of the lake, and the fact that a splendid water supply is available, a hatchery 

 should be established on the lake. 



Chignik Lake. — This body of water is in central Alaska. Canning operations have been carried on 

 here extensively for years and the supply of salmon is growing less. There is great need for a hatchery 

 here. Chignik Lake was surveyed by the Bureau of Fisheries three years ago, having this purpose in 

 view, and favorable recommendations were made. There was no place in Alaska that appealed to me 

 more as a proper place for fish-cultural work. 



Chilkat Lake. — This lake is situated near the northern part of Lynn Canal and in the past has received 

 some consideration as a hatchery prospect. It is an admirable place for another Government hatchery 

 and reservation. 



MARKED FISH. 



Another interesting feature in connection with the hatchery work is the branding of salmon. At 

 Chignik a large number of sockeyes with a distinct V-shaped mark in the tail were taken. Another time, 

 at Boca de Quadra, a number of sockeyes with a V-shaped mark in the ventral fin were taken, and while 

 it is impossible to determine at present where they originated it is possible that they were marked at some 

 hatchery. 



