The Cordova daily times., 1917-05-04
ALASKANS URGED I | P U I UP
 M0RE FISH

Secretary William C. Redfield, of the department of commerce, sends the following interesting communica- tion to the Cofdova Daily Times:
 In his recent letter to the American people the president has eloquently and clearly presented the duty and privilege of every citizen to rally to the support of the country in the em- ency confronting it. He laid particu- lar stress upon the opportunities af- forded those, whose for various req sons may not be able to join the fight ing forces, to render other service no less necessary and laudable, espec- ially in increasing the supply of food stuffs of which under the stress of war there is a likelihood of a dearth. It is necessary that the present sources of food supply should be main tained and the new sources created and developed in order to provide well fed men for the conduct of actual mili- tary operations. The success of the unselfish undertaking in which the country has embarked is dependent on each one of us performing his full patriotic duty in the field in which he can be used most effectively.
 Alaska came under the flag at the close, and largely as a result, of one great conflict, and it has just com pleted it's first half century of useful Americanism on the eve of another. It is peculiarly fitted by reason of its great natural resources and the en- terprise of those who do business within it's borders for rendering fur ther and inestimable service at this critical time is eaantgxs hii hififoFg Fg spond to the call of duty and oppor- tunity.
 It is probable that there will be diff ficulty in materially increasing the yield of some of the fisheries of the Atlantic coast on account of the de- mand for small vessels for military purposes. Alaska's duty arises from the fact that it is absolutely necessary to increase the total yield of the fisheries and her opportunity lies in her possession of vast unutilized fish cry resources. The salmon fisheries in many places are being prosecuted as intensively as is permissible with due consideration to the danger of everlasting and the maintenance of the future supply, and moreover are so we'll organized that they will un- doubtedly be conducted vigorously dur ing the coming season, but there are other fishes in abundance which are not used as they should be.
 The most important of these is the herring, which is widely distribu- ted and in quality is equal to that of the Atlantic. The demand for this fish, pickled, is growing rapidly. The sablefish (black cod) for which the bureau of fisheries is establishing a large market, fresh frozen and kip pered, is one of the finest American food fishes and exceedingly abundant in southeastern Alaska and contigu- ous waters. The atkfish, frequently | called "Atka mackerel" and "Attu mackerel," is regarded by many as | superior to the true mackerel when pickled in the same manner.
 | All of these fishes lend themselves to preservation by salting and in view of the dearth of tin plate, which may interfere with any large increase in the pack of fish, l can not too strong ly urge that large quantities of all of them be cured during the coming sea son. There is no doubt that the de. mand for them will be heavy next win ter, and the bureau Of fisheries will take steps to make the public ac- | quainted with their merits. The bu- reaus agents in Alaska will lend | fishermen and salteries all possible assistance and information concern. ing methods of curing will be furn. ished to those desiring it.
 Aside from service rendered to the country, there is now presented an unusual opportunity to enlarge and
 broaden the fishery industries of Alas. ka, for market established at this time is certain to be maintained when peace comes. Now is the time to act.