54 



FISH AND GAME COMMISSION 



It 



Figure 12. Fishing for sableflsh. Hauling in a long line from a depth of 400 fathoms, 

 with the aid of a line puller. Photoc/raph by J. B. Phillli^s, Monterey, California, 



March 1, 1950. 



Work is also being done to determine the rate of growth, weight- 

 length relationship, size at matnrity, and spawning season. 



The California landings of sablefish in no way reflect the abnndance 

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

 wanted by the markets, but during World War II 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 mainlv during the winter months. 



CRABS 



Thf crab fisliery. altliongh producing a luxury food, underwent a 

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

 lishnif'iit 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 Eni-oka in total poundage of crabs landed beginning with the 



