12 FISH AND GAME COMMISSION 



During the biennium it was found advisable to abolish the former 

 Bureau of Engineering. This was effected on October 15, 1945. The con- 

 struction work formerly under the jurisdiction of this bureau has been 

 transferred to the Department of Public AVorks, Division of Architecture. 

 The fish screen and ladder maintenance was transferred to the Bureau 

 of Fish Conservation. 



The Bureau of Patrol and Law Enforcement was faced with a most 

 disheartening task. The fish and game resources under supervision of 

 the bureau are widely scattered over the 155,652 square miles comprising 

 the State. California's population approximated 9,000,000 during the 

 war, and bureau functions were impeded by shortages of personnel, gas 

 and oil, tires and other items essential to the effective patrol opera- 

 tions. However, an exceptional showing w^as made by the meager force 

 of some 125 employees, as evidenced by the tabulation of arrests, fines 

 and seizures to be found in the appendix of this report. (See Appendix, 

 page 95.) 



Wartime restrictions regulating the operation of boats placed the 

 Bureau of Marine Fisheries in a very undesirable position. The Bureau 

 of Marine Fisheries is charged with the management of the marine life 

 in that portion of the Pacific Ocean adjacent to the State of California. 

 With the operation of boats in these waters minimized, it was extremely 

 difficulty to carry on the research activities necessary to manage this 

 fishery. However, the bureau was able to maintain sufficient research 

 activities to carry on the continuity of the majority of their studies. 



A review of the happenings of the past five years which affect the 

 fish and game resources, include the following : 



The population of California has increased by approximately 

 2,000,000. 



The population of California has become more outdoor minded, 

 with a greater percentage buying hunting and fishing licenses each year. 



Present day trends toward a shorter work week not only allow 

 greater numbers to go hunting and fishing but those who in the past 

 participated in these sports, now have more time to spend afield. 



Higher prices and available markets have increased the demand 

 on the commercial fishery. 



Virtually no additional fish and game propagation facilities were 

 acquired during this period. 



Maintenance of existing fish and game propagation facilities has 

 been almost nil. 



Scientific and field studies have in many cases been suspended or 

 greatly curtailed. 



As an aftermath of the war there is an upward trend in fish and 

 game violations. 



The State Division of Fish and Game faces a tremendous task in 

 bringing its services to a point of prewar effectiveness, but the future 

 is bright. 



The war and most of the reconversion is behind us. 



Trained personnel has returned to the department. 



Investigations and studies interrupted by the conflict can now be 

 resumed. 



Equipment and supplies again are available. 



Programs already outlined indicate that the division will, during 

 the next year, enjoy one of the most productive and worthwhile periods 

 in its history. 



