The Wrangell sentinel., 1940-08-30

by closing deadline.
 These were the major suggestions made here this morning by local packers and fishermen at the fish hearing in the Elks hall held by representatives of the fisheries div ision of the Department of Fish and Wildlife Service including Charles E. Jackson, Seton Thomp- son, Clarence Olson and Reporter Doyle Tripp.
 The early run in July has appar- eutly vanished, the local fishermen pointed out. but a few days on the end of the present season. which closed this year in this district We'd nesday, would give opportunity toI make a fair earning. The season should be at least five days longer Fred Gunderson, Johnson Cove trap operator, pointed out. There are plenty of fish now, he said, and the escapement is adequate. He sug- gested opening around July 20 and closing five days later
 Urge Month of July
 Packers Frank s. Barnes and 4. R. Brueger urged the opening of the season during the month of August, stressing the same lack of fish in the beginning of the season and al heavy show as the season closed.
 Question of the two-day closing brought response from local men that it wasn't particularly aiding the escapement of fish.
 Councilman J. E. Roaming sug- gested a definite closed period in the middle of the fishing season to allow for escapement. Dr. E. J.I Wheeler also a member of theI Council and a boat owner declared i the season now was far too short for fishermen to make a living. He stressed the economic side must be | considered. If fishermen can't make a living the cost for relief goes up, | pointing out that little relief mon- ey will be available this year due to the defense program. ]
 Fishermen Stuck
 Plea for clarification of the reg | ulations was almost universal among those attending the hearing, pack CTS and fishermen alike w. G. Wies cited a case this season where gear | was measured on the grounds and found to be short. Later it was proven to be the right dimensions, | but the fishermen had been hauled | into town and lost time and paid a fine as the result of the confusion | Barnes cited a similar instance on | the West Coast where fishermen | were hauled in, pleaded guilty in or der to get back fishing. One of the crew hung tough Result: Court | turned him loose. But the other fellows were stuck Barnes explain ed that shrinkage on a seine was about 10 per cent, thus the regul- ations should say where and when | the seine measurement should be taken. Question of the amount of license also figures in size of gear, it was brought out by Pat Kelly.
 More authority vested in the AL aska offiicals of the department, es- pecially during the closing days when time is precious was stres- sed by Brueger, instead of having to wait for Washington to make up its mind. Chairman Jackson said the fish division was pointing in that direction.
 Going To Ketohikan
 Others testifying at the hearing were A. W. Willard, John Olson, W. c. Arnold of Ketchikan, represent ing the Canned Salmon Industry, George Gunderson. The latter brought out that may dead fish had been found in some areas this sea- son, due to some unknown cause. and Scientist Thompson said al thorough study was being made. Consensus was that something in the water in some areas was bring ing about the loss.
 From here the fisheries men con-I tinue on to Ketchikan aboard the Brant for a similar hearing in Ket- chikan.