The Wrangell sentinel., 1945-09-14
Chamber To Study
 Fish Laws


 Fish regulations were main topic of discussion Thursday noon at regular noon meeting of the Cham Der of Commerce. A. R. Brueger, local cannery man and George Gunderson, local trap owner, ap- peared to put in a plea for town help in working toward having the regulations changed before next fishing season.
 In the general discussion it was brought out that this year there was more trouble and confusion than usual and it was one of the largest runs of fish (after the sea son closed) that has been seen in many years.
 We generally say that every year. 1 know" Mr. Brueger said, ''but this year We have the facts to back it up."
 Consensus seemed to be that a ychange of policy is needed in the Fish and Wndilfe Service as per tains to Alaska fisheries. Either a flexible season instituted or more power be given to local Fisheries agents enabling them to open or close areas on their own judgment and observation of how the fish are running.
 Mir. Brueger stated that on the last day of the season this year, an extremely large body of fish was in evidence, showing the run was just approaching its peak but further extension was not granted. T am sympathetic with the Bur eau's desire to assure a proper escapement,' Brueger explained, but I could have gone in there and taken thousands of fish and there would have been plenty left. There certainly were more fish there than I could handle. Sumner Strait when closed was just reaching it's peak and in north Clarence Strait the largest run re- corded by our gear and equipment was on the last day of the extend- ed season.o His statement was -corroborated by George Gunderson who also personally observed the run.
 Brueger agreed that the early run, except reds, was badly de- pleted and said, in his opinion, there were two alternatives open as remedy to the situation; either open the season for catching the proper amount of reds, and then close it ito protect the pinks, or close the season entirely.
 Brueger pointed out that the run in north Clarence Strait was get ting later all the time, and the ting later all the time, an dthe same was true of Sumner Strait and suggested that both areas be given a four-day lengthening of the season which would make closing date in north Clarence Strait Sep tember l, and Sumner Strait Aug ust 26. He said this year the run built up into full force the day al ter Dr. Ira Gabrielson, who was here from Washington to watch the run, left the area, which was during the 24-hour extension, and added that he Gi6 not doubt that had Dr. Gabrielson been on the ground at the time further extea- sion would have been granted.
 It was pointed out during g1h- cl. L..sc..ssion that the fisheries Ill Alaska are operating under laV 5 and regulations made 20 years ago and are now entirely obsolete. Gel- eraI opinion seemed to be that tne Bureau should give local agehls more authc ity md rely on their judgment as they are on the grounds throughout the year ana better able to judge movement oI tne fish. President James Nolan po.nted out the loss of revenue to the toWh and Territory in pack tax where ], cannery is not allowed to put up it's full capacity of fish when Ilsn are plentiful. He appointed the .,ona Industries committee to meet with fishermen, of all branches o1 the industry and with canhery men and trap owners with the view of working out an equllaole solution and plan for future years to be presented to the flsh anu Wildlife Service for considerallo lloh'
 Wire from Gov. Gruenlng Was read which stated the hetchihah Chamber had requested him to ap- point a committee with mempels representative of all Alaska to study the pros and cons oi o" hood. Gruening asked an a&pres' sion from the Wrangen Champef and it, was voted to back the het- chikan Chamber in its request. Al, so. Governor asked in secohu wire Wranpell Chambers oplnloI