30 FISH AND GAME COMMISSION 



San Francisco Bay area during days of peak operation, has only been 

 effected to a minor degree, the principal improvement being removal 

 of fish scales and large fish particles from purse seine bilge water and 

 plant effluents. Greater oil recovery and reduction of solids in press 

 liquor has also been provided at a few plants. However, steps to elim- 

 inate pollution from all plant effluents are progressing with research 

 under way by the City of Los Angeles, various fish plant operators and 

 private engineering concerns. 



SEWAGE AND GARBAGE 



Pollution of State waters from sewage is still a serious problem. 

 Data contained in a recent Federal bulletin reveals that 10 per cent 

 of the investment needed throughout the Nation for abatement of 

 sewage pollution is required here in California. While laws relative 

 to sewage disposal do not come under the jurisdiction of the Division of 

 Fish and Game, the Pollution Detail indirectly has been active in 

 advocating, requesting and securing sewage pollution abatement in 

 a number of instances. Complete treatment units have been installed 

 at several smaller communities and the cities of San Diego, Los 

 Angeles, Oakland and Sacramento have plans and programs well under 

 way for sewage disposal improvements. 



Garbage and similar refuse which periodically pollutes many water 

 areas in California, causing severe complaints, is not specifically pro- 

 hibited under the pollution act enforced by the Detail. Certain sec- 

 tions of the Public Health Code cover this matter adequately, but 

 the Department of Public Health does not have the personnel for 

 enforcement. A plan is therefore being considered, whereby officers 

 of the Pollution Detail would be authorized to enforce these sections of 

 the Health Code, and if adopted a marked decrease in harbor, beach 

 and stream pollution from this source can be anticipated during the 

 coming biennium. 



MISCELLANEOUS 



Definite aquatic improvement has also been effected during the 

 biennium from control measures installed at the request of this Detail 

 at many plants of other types such as sa■v^^nills, chemical and manufac- 



turing concerns. 



COURT CASES 



During the biennium, under the efficient supervision of "Warden 

 C. L. Towers, 134 cases were prosecuted with fines totalling $26,355, 

 of which amount $20,280 was paid in cash. In this connection the 

 installation of short wave radios has been of great value in answering 

 calls immediately and securing proper evidence. The use of motion 

 picture cameras has also greatly aided in collecting convincing evidence. 



