The Bismarck tribune. [volume] (Bismarck, N.D.) 1916-current, 1934-11-07
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THE BUREAU OF FISHERIES
81 By Frederic j. haskin j.
III Condensed Chapter from the Authors New Beck


THE BUREAU OF FISHERIES
Washington, Nov. 6.-Fishing IS
both an industry and sport, and
that the sport has a substantial busi-
ness end in itself is shown by the fact
that there are 9,5o0,000 anglers in the
United States who expend approxi-
mately $115,00O.o00 year. They pay
almost 100000 for licenses, $780,
100000 for transportation, live bait,
oil, boots, boat hire, guides, and hotel
accommo dations. and $8,5O0,0O0 for
fishing tackle. One item covered by
the last amount was 10000, 900 fishing
poles!
These are figures of the Bureau Of
Fisheries, which has within its ken
this. great sport Of Presidents and
commoners, seal skins for milady,
pearl buttons, and all of Neptunes
creatures, be they sardines or whales,
their condition fresh, canned, or froz-
en-. In other words, the conservation
and utilization Of the nations aqua
tic resources are charged to this gov
ernmental agency. Biological re-
search. statistical studies, technology,
law enforcement, and even interna-
tional relations are included in its
functions
The bureau had its beginning in 1871
when the office of commissioner of
fish and fisheries was created by
congress to discover whether there
was decrease in the supply of food
fishes, If so, why, and what to do
about it. Spencer Fullerton Baird. as
sistant secretary of the Smithsonian.
was the first to hold this office,
which grew into the bureau and be-
came part Of the department of COM
merce and labor in 1908.
Permanent and temporary labora-
tories and offices are now strategical-
iy located in various sections Of the
country and Alaska, two on river
households and several on ships at
sea. Headquarters are in the Depart
ment of Commerce building where, In
the basement, beautiful aquarium
with stock Of fascinating native,
fresh-water and tropical fish attracts
constant stream Of visitors.
Although the commercial fisheries
are an important industry in the
United States, and the most valuable
economic resource in Alaska, the gen.
eral public has enjoyed the conserva-
ton activities Of the Bureau. In
creased and improved road mileage,
making the hiding place of the trout
more accessible, is given as one rea-
son that favorite American pas
time is goin' fishin', although the
fact that recent Presidents have
adopted this form of recreation may
have something to do with it. Be
that as it may, it is certain that
without the propagation Of fishes and
the stocking Of popular streams, and
law enforcement, such as the regula-
ton in regard to transporting small
mouthed and large-mouthed bass, and
limitations on the salmon catch, sport
would have received quite setback
and important sources of food might
have joined the Diplodocus.
Seven Billion Eggs
Nearly half the appropriations Of
the Bureau are expended on cultural
operations. In order that the sup
ply of water products may not become
depleted, more than seven billion fish
and eggs were propagated and dis
tributed in 1888. About forty species
are propagated for both commercial
and sports uses, from twelve to fifteen
thousand applications for game fish
alone being filled. -Four railroad cars.
especially equipped for the purpose,
and automobile trucks are used In
distributing the fish and eggs from
the hatcheries. Eighty cultural units
are maintained where fish egg COL
lections are grown int fry and finger
ling-the formal names for young
fish. Cooperation Is extended to
states, clubs, and other organizations,
and to individuals wishing to stock
local waters. One important phase OF
the work makes this service a sort Of
piscatorial red cross which rusheS out
on disaster relief, for rescue work IS
carried on in time, Of flood. It has
been found that receding waters leave
millions Of fish stranded in pools. In
order to avoid this loss the fish are
collected and restored to the parent
streams or distributed where they
are needed. More than hundred mil
lion, among them bass, sunfish, GRAZ.
pie. and pickerel, have been rescued
in year.
Probably the most important service
to the commercial fisheries is one
rendered by the Office of Scientific
Industry where biological investiga-
tons are conducted. Experts are now
able to predict the size of the yield
Of fish during season. These prog
nostications enable the industries to
enlarge or cut down on their facilities
for handling fish I'D save ther1 enor-
NOUS cost in overhead. This work
is development of the original pro-
gram of the Bureau which was to
study depletion, conservation. and
agriculture.
AT the laboratories in Woods Hole,
Massachusetts,, Beaufort, North Car
DINA. Seattle, Washington, and Fair
port, Iowa, and in temporary estab-
lishments set up when and where
needed, studies are made into the
private lives of marine and fresh wa
ter fish and shellfish. Because Of
this research, what Is termed the
fluctuation Of abundance has been
worked out so that predictions are
possible. The rate of growth, time
and manner of spawning, habits Of
the young, feeding habits. migrations,
breeding, and enemies are some Of the
items investigated. Studies made in
Louisiana recently into the life his
tory, and habits of the shrimp will
make it possible to protect this in
dustry.
When Fishing Was Easy
Fasteners are prone to forget that
when Captain John Smith sailed up
the Potomac he was able to reach
over the side of his craft and pluck
fish from the water, that New Eng
land waters once foan1ed with the
salmon runs, end that the sturgeon
were plentiful. Control measures to
insure wise use Of aquatic resources