THIRTIETH BIENNIAL REPORT 



53 



During the latter part of April and the first part of May, Dr. George 

 A. Coleman made a special study of conditions at Kern River Hatchery 

 and Ave quote from his report as follows: 



"A thorough examination of this water was made from the 

 intake at the head of the ditch, through the flume, settling tanks 

 mid head troughs and hatching troughs. The ditch was found to 

 be literally alive with blue green algae of several species which 

 caused a disagreeable odor. This algae caused a heavy growth on 

 the sides of the tanks and troughs and a scum or mould formed. 

 Xo matter how often it was removed, a new growth would develop 

 in 24 hours after a thorough cleaning. The fish w|ere found to be 

 suffering from a heavy infestation of the gills with algae, fungus, 

 and a peculiar desmid (Ankistrodesmus) which is finer than a 

 cambric needle. It penetrates the gills and causes an irritation 

 that is followed by a bacterial infection that soon causes death. 



Fig. 19. West Walker River Experimental Hatchery. Typical of experimental 

 stations is this one, a tent with eight troughs. Photograph by George McCloud. 



On a great many fish in the last stages, a peculiar amoeboid pro- 

 tozoan parasite was found on the gills by the hundreds, seem- 

 ingly eating the algae, but also obtaining blood from the gills." 



The above shows the general condition of the water in Kern River 

 during the summer months. This season, 1928, the algal growths 

 started unusually early. The writer has examined the Water several 

 times during the summer and fall in years past and found the algae 

 in great quantities but owing to the passage of the water through the 

 tunnel, together with the dry season, it was worse this season than in 

 former years. It never was considered good water for hatchery pur- 

 poses. Often persons not familiar with fish cultural operations, get 

 the idea that because trout are found in a stream the water is good 

 for hatchery use. This is not the case, particularly in California where 

 we have such long dry seasons that affect the streams. 



It was hoped the fish could be held until large enough to plant by 

 using ordinary remedies, but owing to the drought and other condi- 

 tions, the fish nearly all- perished ; We- are still holding a few to finish 



