REPORT OF THE FISH AND GAME COMMISSION. 11 
the fisheries must depend upon accurate data as to the individual 
boat cateh of each variety of fish. Although a law passed by the 1917 
legislature provided for the securing of data, it was not until the Food 
Administration demanded information on the catch of fish that a suit- 
able system for securing it was worked out. Now two carbon copies of 
the receipts issued to fishermen by dealers are made, and one of these is 
the property of the state. From these receipts a record as to the catch 
of each boat is made available. To facilitate the gathering of statistics, 
branch offices have been established at San Pedro and San Diego, and 
additional help secured. 
The need of a patrol boat for southern California, in order that the 
fisheries laws might be properly enforced and investigations of the 
fisheries made, quickly became evident. As a result, the 60-foot sea- 
going patrol boat ‘‘Albacore’’ was constructed (Fig. 6). Important 
scientific investigations are also made possible with this fully equipped 
boat. ; 
Scientific investigations of the fisheries have been begun, with Mr. W. 
F. Thompson in charge. Valuable light on the habits and life history 
of the albacore (tuna) has been the result. Investigations of the 
herring and the sardine industry are now being undertaken. The need 
for a wider utilization of fish other than those commonly used for food 
is needed in war times. A publicity campaign to induce people to eat 
the less-known fish has formed a part of the work of the fisheries depart- 
ment. Emphasis must be placed on reforms in handling the fish if 
people are to be induced to eat more fish. 
The kelp industry continues to grow. A. satisfactory method of 
apportioning the beds has been worked out and the income from the 
tax is being utilized largely in investigational work. It seems probable 
that this new industry will be able to continue even after the price of 
potash falls at the end of the war. 
During the past biennial period the sardine industry has taken the 
leading place among the fisheries of our state. The catch of sardines 
in 1917 was a little over 106,000,000 pounds, which was 10,000,000 
pounds more than the total catch of all fish in 1916. Over 1,000,000 
cases of sardines were packed in 1917 as the output of 30 canneries. 
It ean be seen, therefore, that the fisheries of our state are growing 
rapidly and that care must be taken that the supply is kept up by 
judicious administration. 
Education and Publicity. 
No better evidence of the results to be expected from a well organized 
educational and publicity campaign has come to our notice than the 
activities of the United States Food Administration. Even without 
