Seward daily gateway., 1925-04-25
Propagation Salmon in Salt Water Has
 Prouen Successful

The theory advanced some time ago by the Territorial fish commis- sion that humpback salmon could be better in salt water is borne out by experiments conducted at the Ketchikan hatchery where salt water rearing and feeding pond was constructed. These fish were plac- ed in the pond on June 2, at maxi mum length of two and three quarter inches. Their growth was remark able. on August 21, the fish having at tained length of eight inches at which time they were released Ill the ocean. Ten thousand of these salmon were marked on August 12, before being loosened, by one of the fins being cut.
 A portion of the fry were retain ed in the feeding pond and will be reared to maturity in order to dem onstarte that they can be success fully raised in captivity.
 The primary object of these rear ing ponds is for the purpose of pro- lection. Instead of releasing finger lings the fish are retained in the pond until they attain a size which render them immune from predatory enemies, thus insuring less loss. An other object of the commission is that when there is shortage of the fish or fry in one section, fry or eggs can be taken from one hatchery to build up another.
 The idea of salt water feeding pond originated with the territorial fish commission in the face of seri- ous objection from experts in the Washington and British Columbia bu- reau of fisheries, but since the plan has been successfully demonstrated these bureaus are preparing to adopt the plan and coordinate with the To- cal bureau.
 At the present time a rearing pool is being constructed by the State of Washington, the pond being ten acres in extent Many prominent cannerymen are also thinking seri- ously of putting in their own hatch cries and rearing ponds, to insure a steady supply of fish.
 The growth of these fish in the Ketchikan pool was phenominal, those in fresh water attaining no growth to speak of in comparison with the salt water fish.
 Experiments in the Seward hatch cry will be conducted along these lines in red and chinook salmon, and if successful will insure a steady sup ply of fish from now on. A new practice will be put into effect in the territorial hatcheries that instead o1 releasing fingerlings, which are toe mics, the fish will be held as long as possible, or until they attain g growth enabling them self protection H. F. Ellsworth, local member of the commission plans to construct 2 pond near the road in the section near the old powder house, where these fish may be reared in sal water and can be viewed by the pub lie and a check kept upon theil growth.
 With the coming appropriation i is expected to give aid to the Yu kon and Tanana rivers this year by taking spawn from these rivers matching them in the local hatchery and releasing them in the Fairbanks district, to help build up the Yukor section
 Many improvements are contem plated at the local hatchery this year, a barrier being erected a Bear Lake, stream clearing in tht Knik Arm section, and stream clear ing in the Kenai lake district. Al appropriation of $SO,OOO has beer asked for, which will cover period of two years.
 A jar of humpback salmon and { chart showing their wonderful growth, was brought to Seward by MT. Ellsworth, who returned on the last boat from a meeting of the com mission at Juneau.