4 
BULLETIN OF THE UNITED STATES FISH COMMISSION. 
Besides the canned salmon, the livers of Alaska yield annually nearly 7,000 bar- 
rels of 200 pounds each of salt salmon. When we add to the above production the 
enormous quantities of salmon which are consumed by the natives, in the fresh and 
dried condition, we shall be able to form some adequate idea of the immense value of 
the Alaskan salmon, and the importance of fostering and establishing conditions of 
permanence for this great resource. 
In 1889 the salmon fishery gave employment to 66 vessels, including 13 steamers, 
13 barks, 2 brigs, and 1 ship. Thirty-six canneries were in active operation, not 
counting a number of small establishments whose pack was light, and incidental to 
general trading with the natives. The capital stock of these canning companies 
ranged from $75,000 to $300,000. The estimated capital was $4,000,000, and the value 
of the pack $3,375,000. 
PRESENT CONDITION OF THE FISHERIES. 
OBSTRUCTIONS IN THE RIVERS. 
Early in April, 1890, information reached the Commissioner of Fisheries in regard 
to a salmon trap, the construction of which had been determined upon by four can- 
nery firms located on the Nushagak River. About 25 miles from the mouth of this 
river is a tributary known as Wood River, into which most of the salmon entering 
the Nushagak make their way for the purpose of spawning in the two large lakes at 
its head. Believing that such action was a violation of the act of Congress approved 
March 2, 1889, providing for the protection of the salmon fisheries of Alaska, the 
Commissioner transmitted the information to the Secretary of the Treasury with the 
suggestion that the necessary steps be taken by some of the Treasury officials in that 
region. The matter was referred to the chief of the Revenue-Marine division with the 
recommendation that if possible the captain of one of the Revenue-Marine steamers 
cruising in Alaskan waters be directed to make an investigation, and, if necessary, 
have the obstructions removed and the guilty parties arrested and prosecuted. 
On April 12 the chief of the Revenue-Marine division returned the correspondence 
to the Commissioner of Fisheries with the information that the commanding officers of 
the Revenue-Marine steamers cruising in Alaskan waters during the ensuing season 
would be instructed to enforce the law for the protection of the fisheries as far as cir- 
cumstances would permit. He suggested also that the commanding officer of the Fish 
Commission steamer Albatross be instructed to investigate the complaint and enforce the 
law if found necessary. Inasmuch as the Commissioner of Fisheries did not have 
authority' to give directions for the enforcement of the law, he wrote to the chief of the 
Revenue-Marine division on April 17 that if the Secretary desired to confer the neces- 
sary authority upon the commanding officer of the Albatross , Lieut. Commander Z. L. 
Tanner, FT. S. Navy, he would take pleasure in forwarding the same. On the follow- 
ing day, therefore, the acting Secretary of the Treasury, Hon. George S. Batcheller, 
forwarded to the Commissioner of Fisheries the following order, clothing the com- 
mander of the Albatross with the necessary authority to act in the matter, inclosing 
at the same time copies of Treasury circular of March 16, 1889, in relation to the 
matter. 
