FLUCTUATION'S IN THE SUPPLY OF HERRING 
41 
It is hoped that by protecting this tiny remnant of a once numerous population 
that these areas may again become productive. Five years is entirely arbitrary. 
One should not entertain too optimistic hopes of restoring these areas to their former 
abundance in such a short period of time. 
Recommendation 2 prohibiting fishing in areas 14 and 15 (see C, fig. 26) except 
daring August is believed necessary. Tables 10, 11, and 12 show that entire closure 
of these areas would have but a trifling effect on the total catch. The proposed regu- 
lation would hardly more than halve the catch of these areas as the run occurs in 
July and August. As against fishing during July, it is felt that August is preferable 
as insuring a better quality of fish. 
Kecommendation 3 closing area 17 (see D, fig. 26) during July, may, in some years 
affect the total catch to the extent of 10 per cent. It would be better perhaps from 
the standpoint of quality of the fish to close this area during June instead of July, 
but on the other hand it is desirable to allow fishing in area 17 in June to counter- 
balance recommendation 5. 
Recommendation 4 extending the weekly closed season in areas 3, 4, and 16 (see 
E, fig. 26) to 48 hours is chiefly for the purpose of stimulating fishing in distant areas 
in order to equalize the strain on all areas. It will have but a slight effect on the 
catch in the areas in question; but, as these areas do not show as pronounced a decline 
as some of the others, it is not believed expedient to impose a seasonal closed period. 
Recommendation 5 extending the opening date in areas 19 and 20 (see F, fig. 26) 
from June 1 to July 1 is imposed for two reasons. One is that this area is subject to 
a considerable winter bait fishery, and it is felt that the use of herring for halibut 
bait ranks above its use for reduction. Another reason is that the herring taken in 
June in this area in the past are reported to be much smaller than those taken in 
July, and it is desirable to protect these smaller sizes whenever possible. 
Recommendation 6 allowing salmon trailers to take small quantities of bait needs 
no explanation. 
Recommendation 7 allowing the taking of bait in all but the permanently closed 
areas by boats of not over 50 feet official register length, takes cognizance of the fact 
that the use of herring for bait is of primary importance. Limiting the gear to boats 
of not more than 50 feet official register length will serve to prevent the large purse 
seiners of the reduction plants taking herring for reduction under the false plea of 
bait, and will thus make enforcement comparatively easy. 
Recommendation 8 allowing the commercial use of gill nets of not less than 2%- 
inch mesh, stretched measure, between knots from June 1 to December 31, both dates 
inclusive, in all areas, is designed to encourage this type of gear which is the least 
destructive to the herring population as it does not take the smaller sizes. 
Recommendation 9 is especially aimed at stopping the tremendous waste of large 
fat herring from area 20 that have in the past been used chiefly for reduction. 
DEFINITIONS OF AREAS FOR WHICH SPECIFIC RECOMMENDATIONS ARE MADE 
Area A . — All waters of Chatham Strait, Peril Strait, and contiguous waters 
embraced within the following lines : A line running from a point on the west shore 
of Chatham Strait about 3 nautical miles south of South Passage Point, at 57° 42' 
30" north latitude, thence easterly, to a point on the eastern shore of Chatham Strait 
in the vicinity of Marble Bluffs, at 57° 42' north latitude. A line crossing Peril 
Strait about one-half nautical mile north of Rapids Point from a point at 57° 27' 
