54 



FISH AXD ga:me com:s[isstok 



Figure 12. Fishing- for sableflsh. Hauling- in a long- line from a depth of 40n fathoms, 

 with the aid of a line puller. Photoyraph hy J. B. Phillips. Monterey. California. 



March 1, 19n0. 



Work is also beiii^' done to determine the rate of orowth. weialit- 

 length relationship, size at maturity, and spawning season. 



The California landings of sablefish in no way reflect the abundance 

 of the species. As a rule small individuals (under five pounds) are not 

 wanted by the markets, but during World War TT the markets were able 

 to sell such fish and the drag net boats brought in great quantities. The 

 postwar drop represents a return to normal marketing conditions. 



Sablefish are marketed fresh, filleted and frozen, smoked, and salted, 

 and some recent canning of fillets has proved successful. The flesh is 

 oily and of pleasing texture. This species is found from Southern Cali- 

 fornia to Alaska. It is caught on baited long lines and is also caught by 

 use of drag nets. It has been taken commercially in water as deep as 

 400 fathoms and in shallow water, close to shore. In the winter, there 

 appears to be a greater concentration of larger individuals in deeper 

 water, while in the spring and summer there is a shifting into somewhat 

 shallower water, with the smallest fish in the shallowest water. Spawning 

 occurs mainly during the winter months. 



CRABS 



The crab fishery, although producing a luxury food, underwent, a 

 tremendous expansion during the last few- years. Shortly after re-estab- 

 lishment of the industry after the war, the total seasonal landings rose 

 to more than double those of prewar years. San Francisco has been sur- 

 passed by Eureka in total poundage of crabs landed beginning Avith the 



