REPORT OF BOARD OF FISH AND GAME COMMISSIONERS. 
25 
one lot of nearly 500,000 eggs, 95 per cent of hatch was achieved; in 
another 81 per cent. 
During the past two seasons much attention was given to the move¬ 
ments of the striped bass before and after spawning, to trace the migra¬ 
tion of both adult and young fish, which involved considerable explora¬ 
tion work. This, together with the scientific work, was under the 
direction of Mr. N. B. Scofield, a scientist, formerly of Stanford Uni¬ 
versity, assisted by Mr. George A. Coleman, a biologist of experience. 
The station was supplied with a sufficient laboratory outfit to carry on 
a series of scientific investigations and studies, the results of which are 
shown in the Appendix, together with considerable data on the hatching 
of striped bass eggs, food of young striped bass, ‘ 4 Explorations made 
in connection with the work at Union Island, San Pablo Bay, and 
tributaries thereto,” and the general report on the work for the season 
of 1909-10 by Mr. Scofield. 
AVe recommended the establishment of a close season against the use 
of nets during the principal spawning months, May and June, but 
leaving the season open all the year so far as taking these fish with 
hook and line is concerned. We have been well satisfied with the 
results that U^ve followed these amendments. 
In the line of further recommendation, we would again call attention 
to the recommendation in the nineteenth biennial report of this Com¬ 
mission as follows: 
Another plan offered to offset the drain on the striped bass industry of this 
State is the passage of a non-export law, and there is much to be done in its favor. 
Our streams do not increase in volume; in fact, from the demands made by irrigating 
systems, it is possible to conceive that they will be reduced. It may then be the 
part of wisdom to conserve these valuable fishes for the citizens of our own State. 
Undoubtedly such a recommendation would meet with fierce opposition from the 
fish dealers in this city and Sacramento, who ship outside of the State thousands 
of pounds of striped bass each month. We feel that if these shipments may continue 
without impairment of the industry, and yet not run the local market value of these 
fish to a prohibitive figure, it would be an unwise move to prohibit their exportation. 
Since this report was made the price of striped bass in our markets 
has reached a figure that is almost prohibitive to the man of small 
means. To supply the demand of the markets outside of this State we 
can offer an unlimited supply of a most delicious and valuable fish—the 
shad. 
We believe that if the shipment of striped bass out of the State is 
prohibited, and the work of artificial propagation further developed, 
the result would show not only a decided increase in the supply, but a 
reduction in price to the average consumer of from 25 to 50 per cent. 
In the line of distribution, a car load of these fishes ranging in size 
from 6 inches to 4 pounds in weight was collected in the Straits of 
Carquinez, at Port Costa, within two miles of where the original plant 
of bass was made twenty-seven years ago. They were transported 
