Aberdeen herald. [volume] (Aberdeen, Chehalis County, W.T.) 1886-1917, 1903-03-19

Washington, March 1.-THE full re-
port OF Howard NJ. kutchin, special
treasury agent at the salmon fisheries
in Alaska, has been made public.
In his report Mr.. Kutchin. in addi-
ton to showing that the industry is
growing by leaps and bounds, has some
remarks to make about the observance
OF the laws and regulations by the own
ers and suggests some notifications OF
both. He says in part;
Regulations Violated.
1.-The regulations of the department
requiring the operation OF hatcheries at
every cannery and saltery have not
been conformed to in the fullest extent.
In my judgment they never can be.
Nevertheless, there has been encourag-
ing progress in this direction.
In relation to violations of existing
laws for the preservation of the fisher
les, it is my belief-the result of long
extended and careful observation-tbat
disregard of the same is exceptional
and relatively trivial in effect, and that
were there no greater threat against the
perpetuity of these fisheries their last
ing quality would not be seriously en-
dangered. In the main, such viola
tions as were found this season were
technical and unimportant, and large
ly confined to natives and irresponsible
fishermen with nothing at stake.
'Tho larger companies recognize that
their own lasting interests are depend
oh Of ha 10
show sensible readiness to protect
their property privileges. The real
danger comse from an unrestricted null
tiplication of packing plants and from
fierce competition disassociated from
all unity OF interest. How long the
present supply of salmon can Withstand
the stupendous drain of existing lawful
methods is too acute question to be
indefinitely postponed"
Recommendations Submitted.
Mr.. kutchin's recommendations are
as follows:
THAT modification be made in the
regula tons regarding hatcheries. to re-
lieve email saIters OF pink salmon ex-
clusivelv, who shall put up, say, not to
exceed 500 barrels, from the require
ment to maintain hatcheries or other
wise supply red salmon fry to the wat
ers fished. This class of packers do
not deplete the red salmon streams,
casion to assist nature in the propaga.
tion of the inferior kinds Of salmon.
That suitable appropriation be adj
vised for the building and operation of
two or more government salmon hatch
cries in Alaska. with the provision
that packers who would not elect to
maintain hatcheries shall procure and
pay for their quota OF fry, to be plant
ed in the waters fished by each, under
the supervision OF government officials.
THAT limitation of the fishing
season for Southeastern Alaska, say
from and including the waters OF Cross
Sound southwark to DiXon's entrance,
be fixed to begin not earlier than July
OF each year.
THAT existing laws be amended to
change the closed season from midnight
on Friday to Is a. m. OF sunday, so that
it shall be from midnight OF Saturday
to a. m. OF Monday. Also that the
use OF fixed or stationary obstruct' ons,
such as traps, not only in or at rivers
! and streams but in all the waters be
! forbidden.
"That some plan he formulated to
protect and encourage those who engage
in salmon culture, such as reservlng
streams for that purpose and insuring
to the propagators the sole benefits OF
their efforts IN this direo ton.
THAT a definition be made as TO the
stage OF tide at which--Nhether high
or low water-the mouths OF rivers and
streams shall be established. The un-
certainty as to this question should be
removed to obviate recurring compli.
cations.
THAT regulation be adopted re-
stricting the minimum size OF ne'
mesh to ga inches. When smaller
than this the effect is to catch fist
practically unfit for use, and result. il
a waste.
THAT a regulation be adopted for
bidding the packing OF salmon tina
have been out OF the water longer thai
forty eight hours. In the warmer por
tions OF the season fish become too stale
to be wholesome even sooner thai
that, and the long distances they ar
often transported operates to make then
too foul for food.
"That a request be made OF all de
partments OF the government that thu
: Alaska officials OF each be instructed t
cooperate with the salmon tisherie
r officials, when practicable, in the en-
forcement of the fisheries law"
1 Venice Consul to BE Removed.