20 
BULLETIN OF THE UNITED STATES FISH COMMISSION. 
Absolute prohibition of the capture of salmon by the use of any kind of nets or 
traps within 100 yards of the mouths of the rivers would assure that some proportion 
of each run of salmon would succeed in entering the streams and reach the spawning- 
grounds. 
The prohibition of the use of more than one seine in the same berth would prevent 
that actual and effective obstruction of the approaches to the rivers which is now 
accomplished by the use of seines in pairs sweeping the same area, and succeeding 
each other so continuously as to capture every fish coming within the seine berth. 
The above requirements, reasonably and uniformly enforced, would probably be 
sufficient to maintain regular conditions of production and render permanent this 
great food resource. Should they be supplemented by recourse to artificial propaga- 
tion on an adequate scale, it will be possible not only to maintain the present supply, 
but probably greatly to increase the annual production. The enforcement of the regu- 
lations and requirements, above indicated, would, however, demand constant and min- 
ute supervision and the employment of a large personnel and a difficult administration. 
It is believed that better results and more satisfactory administration could be 
accomplished by limiting the catch in each stream to its actual productive capacity 
under existing conditions, and by leasing the privileges of taking the salmon to the 
highest bidders. The lessees of any river would see that there was no trespassing 
upon privileges for which they paid. The limitation of the catch being kept safely 
within the natural productive capacity of the stream, greater care would be exercised 
by the canners, the quality of the products would be improved, and stability of prices 
assured by reason of the fact that the total production would be approximately known 
in advance of the season. 
The number of cases packed would be a matter of easy and accurate ascertainment 
by the Government agent charged with that duty. Should the funds obtained from 
the lessees be applied first to the administration of the regulations of the fishery, and 
the balance devoted to systematic fish-culture, it is probable that the revenues from 
these fisheries will not only suffice for their rational management, but will permit and 
provide for such extensive fish-cultural operations as will not only maintain present 
conditions and production, but also greatly increase the annual output. 
Very respectfully, 
Marshall McDonald, 
Commissioner. 
