100 REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES. 
ities of counteracting this influence by seeking other markets, etc., are 
discussed elsewhere. 
Present status and importance of the cod fishery. — Compared with for- 
mer years, when the fleet sometimes numbered upwards of twenty ves- 
sels and the products aggregated more than 2,000 tons, the Pacific cod 
fishery is now unimportant, while it appears at still greater disadvan- 
tage if compared with the great cod-fishing industry of the Atlantic 
States. A particularly unfavorable change in its status took place be- 
tween 1888 and 1889, as will be seen by reference to the historical notes 
and tabulated statements given elsewhere. Considered, however, from 
the standpoint of the needs of the population of the Pacific Slope, the 
capital invested, the excellent curing stations, and the experience 
gained, the cod fishery is by no means an unimportant factor in the 
industries of the far West, and if not abandoned may ultimately attain 
a status that its present condition gives little reason to hope for. 
According to Alexander, “Lynde & Hough were the only firm of 
San Francisco that had vessels actually engaged in fishing for cod iu 
the season of 1889.” They sent the barkentines Jane A. Fallcenburg and 
Fremont to the Okhotsk Sea (the former sailing May 23 and the latter 
Mz,y 6) and the schooners Dashing Wave and Arago to Alaskan waters. 
The barkentines both arrived home on the 25th of September. Their 
fares aggregated 327,000 fish, equal to 491 tons, valued at $24,550. The 
combined catch of the two schooners amounted to 195,000 fish, weigh- 
ing 293 tons, valued at $14,650. These fish were caught about the 
Shumagin Islands. The Dashing Wave landed two fares, the first on 
June 28 and the second October 8. The firm has a station at Sand 
Point, Popofif Island, devoted to salmon fishing and outfitting; this is 
connected with the cod fishery only to the extent that the vessels can, 
if necessary, land their fares here and refit for another cruise with salt, 
dories, provisions, etc., which are kept for this purpose as well as for 
supplying the resident population. This sometimes saves a vessel from 
making the long trip to San Francisco and back in midsummer, when 
the fishery is at its height. 
During 1889 the McOollam Fishing and Trading Company prosecuted 
the cod fishery from their shore stations as usual, and had employed 
the schooner TJnga (of 20 tons and with a crew of 5 men) as a tender 
between stations, aud the schooner Czar, which carried the products to 
market. The latter made three trips (sailing, respectively, February 
11, May 2, and July 10, and arriving home April 16, June 25, and Sep- 
tember 1), aud brought home an aggregate of 325,000 fish, weighing 
490 tons, with a value of $24,500. 
The total catch of cod for 1889 amounted to 847,000 fish, weighing 
1,274 tons, with a first value of $63,700. The business employed 6 
vessels (including 2 used as tenders and freighters), with an aggregate 
registered tonnage of 1,097.68, and valued at $51,000. 
Fishermen , lay , etc. — There have always been a greater or less number 
