The Alaska daily empire., 1923-01-08
THE WORK OF THE BUREAU OFF
 FISHERIES IN ALASKA.
(By E. NJ. Ball. Assistant Agent at Large. Bureau of Fisheles.)

Alaska in 1905 by authority of Congress to begin the artificial propagation of salmon. Money was appropriated for that purpose. and, in accordance with the recommendations of special com mission appointed in November, 1902, by direction of the President. to inquire into the needs of the salmon fisheries of Alaska, site for the first Federal salmon hatchery in the Territory was selected at the head of Mcdonald Lake, then known as Yes Lake. The outlet stream of this lake empties into Yes Bay. small arm of Behm Canal, in- denting the mainland of Alaska at q point about 50 miles northeast of Ket- chikan.
 The hatchery was built in 1905 and in 1906 the work of propagaiing. salmon was begun. Two years later similar plant was constructed on Litnik Lake. Afognak Island. These hatcheres are in operation today. Millions of young sal mon have been liberated from them into the waters of Alaska to aid in maintaining the most commercially im- portant fishery of the Pacific Coast
 Before 1906 the enforcement of the laws of Alaska was lodged in the Treas ury Department and administered largely by the Customs Service through the courts of the Territory and those of Washington. oregon and California. By the AtI or June 70, lJbb obflETtSS ptSStu the first strictly fishery law of Ala ska, thereby investing the Secretary of Com merce and Labor with authority to en- force it. The Bureau became and con tinues to be the agency through which that authority is exercised. This act is the present fishery law of Alaska. It was passed primarily for the protection and regulation of the salmon fisheries, then and now the most valuable fishery of he. Nn,.fhWast In mn was also made applicable to all other Territorial fisheries
 As time went on. the fishery business expanded until it became the chief in4 dustry of Alaska; it maintains that pre- eminence today This rapid development and growth of fishery activities soon rendered the law of 1906 inadequate II failed to accomplish the object of its enactment as the escapement of salmon into the streams beyond the reach of fishing apparatus was insufficient to maintain the runs. Fortunately, pro- vision was made in the law whereby the Secretary could extend protection to the fisheries by departmental regula- tions adding to the prohibi ions of the statute by closing streams and in other cases by extending the zone of protec- ton at the mouths of streams. The Bureau supplies the Secretary with in- formation regarding the condition of the fisheries at such places and their needs. thus enabling him to promugate the necessary orders and regulations for their better protection. When this ac- ton is insufficient to save the fisheries from depletion and ultimate exhaustion recourse is had to more drastic measures such as the creation of fishery reserves by Presidential orders giving the Sec retary absolute control through the Bureau.
 Aside from this phase of the Bureaus activities, encouragemnt is given to the fullest development of all the fisheries consistent with a continuing supply of fish. The Bureau also aids in the in- troduction of improved methods of pre- pairing fishery products and by giving to interested persons the results of laboratory tests and experiments in the prepara ton of food products and other articles of commerce obtained from the sea- 4 notable example of it's work along this line was the introduction of the Scotch cure of herring. The quan- tity and value of this Alaskan product is now exceeded only by the quantity and value of it's canned salmon.
 In addition to the enforcement of the fishery laws. the Bureau is also charged with the enforcement of the laws and regulations for the protection of fur seals, sea otters, walruses and sea lions. Its work with the seal herd of the Prib- ilof Islands Is too large subject to be discussed at this time but the out standing facts may be mentioned.
 From 1870 to 1910. sealing on the islands was carried by commercial companies under contract with he United States to pay a certain royalty for each pelt taken. killings being linn ited to animals not more than three years old. During the same period, pelagic sealing was carried on by Am ericans. Japanese and Canadians op- erating vessels in Boring Sea and the North Pacific Ocean. Seals of both sexes and all ages were killed indiscriminately and large. percentage of them were never recovered. As a result of the killings on land and sea before 1910, the herd was seriously depleted and it's complete extermination seemed lnevit- able if such operations were not dis continued. An effective remedy had to be applied promptly if the herd sur yived As Q step in that direction. the United States refused to consider a further leasing of sealing privileges on the Pribilof Islands. It followed this ac- ton by entering into negotiations with the governments of Great Britain. Japan and Russia to conclude a treaty for the effective protection and preservation of the fur seals and sea otters, which cui- minated in the convention of July ', i5li- III uut tifIlc TdtincatlOnS were eA- changed at Washington. The treaty be- came effective December 15. 1911 and it specifically continues in effect for 15 years and thereafter until terminated by twelve months' written notice given by one or more of the High Contracting Parties to all of the others Upon it's adoption, pelagic sealing ceased and the preservation of the herd was reasonably assured.
 lsHRtnnlntr hn charge of the Pribiof Islands and the seals that annually resort there to breed
 On August 2i, 1912. Congress passed an Act giving effect to the Convention of July '. 1911. In it's larger aspects. it is administered by the President but under him authority on the Pribilofs Is ta4