38 



FISH AND GAME COMMISSION 



Figure 16. California landing's of flatfish, rockflsh, and sablefish, 1938-1947. Flatfish 

 includes all species except halibut ; i.e., various .species of sole, sand dabs, starry floun- 

 der, and turbot. The flatfish have once again become the most important factor in the 

 trawl fishery, having regained the lead held briefly by rockflsh. The decline in the sable- 

 fish catch has caused much concern, as this valuable species has been subjected to too 



intensive fishing 



The sablefish (black cod) fishery underwent a serious decline (see 

 Figure 16). This fish, valuable for smoking, filleting, and vitamin oil, has 

 been the object of heavy fishing effort, and has become badly depleted. 

 Concern for the future, expressed by fishermen and by the Pacific Marine 

 Fisheries Commission, has resulted in our commencing an investigation 

 for obtaining the facts required to ensure a sustained yield. 



Catches of ling cod (cultus) have increased to a marked extent (see 

 Table 6), to compensate partially for the drop in sablefish production. 



The soupfin and dogfish sharks continued to be the objects of an 

 intensive fishery for Vitamin A products. The yield of soupfin had so 

 diminished by 1948 that many of the former operators were leaving the 

 industry. As a price level was maintained that somewhat compensated 

 for the decrease in production, the decline Avas not felt by the industry 

 until the level of abundance became so low that it was no longer masked. 

 Many of the individuals wlio are now engaged in the fishery are doing 

 so only until the gear that they ])ossess is worn out. The expense of gear 

 is such that the return to the fisherman is not sufficient to defray the costs 

 of replacing the gear at current prices. Legislation was enacted which, 

 although beneficial, is not sufficient in itself to enable the fishery to 

 recover under present fishing levels. The only solution to the problem 

 is a reduction of intensity. 



