MARINE FISHERIES 



Beach seining to capfure surf fish for tagging 



(Fish and Game Photo by Charles F. Crawford) 



The long continuous shoreline of California, stretch- 

 ing more than 1,200 miles from Oregon on the north 

 to the Mexican international boundary on the south, 

 is playing a major part in the development of agricul- 

 ture, industry and the recreational life of the inhabit- 

 ants of this State. 



From the sea comes basic wealth— protein and 

 nourishment for the inhabitants of the State and the 

 Country. From contact with the Pacific comes the 

 health-giving opportunity for marine recreation and 

 fishing. 



The commercial fishing industry is one of the major 

 segments of the economic life of our State. The State 

 of California alone supplies over 90 percent of the 

 canned tuna of the Nation. Sportfishing in the ocean 

 is an additional important factor in the economic wel- 

 fare of the citizens of this State. 



California has one of its biggest stakes in its ocean 

 fisheries, both commercial and sport. The orderly de- 

 velopment and utilization of these fisheries for the 

 major enjoyment and benefit of all is the responsibility 

 of the Marine Fisheries Branch. 



Marine Fisheries Commission 



The Pacific Alarine Fisheries Commission was 

 formed in 1947. It is the result of a compact between 



the States of California, Oregon, and Washington, and 

 was created to promote the better use of those fisheries 

 which are of mutual concern to the three states and 

 to recommend parallel conservation legislation. 



General meetings are held once a year usually in 

 November or December. The meeting place is ro- 

 tated among the three states. Attendance includes the 

 commission, advisers from the fishing industry, re- 

 search staff members from the three states and the 

 general public. 



Canada, Alaska, and the U. S. Fish and Wildlife 

 Service send representatives to the general meetings 

 and to the research stafi^ meetings, which are also held 

 once a year. Wherever possible the study and man- 

 agement programs of these groups are coordinated 

 with those of the three states. 



Slate Projects Coordinated 



A research coordinator employed by the com- 

 mission assists in coordination of the state research 

 agencies, elimination of gaps in the work and in the 

 development of joint programs of management which 

 can be applied along the entire Pacific Coast of the 

 United States and including Canada and Alaska when 

 possible. 



:47] 



