The Daily Alaska empire., 1947-09-19
DRASTIC CURB PROPOSED FOR LOCAL SECTOR
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leXi ole season IS sound, as u lets everyone know well in advance when closures and opening might se expected. He concluded:
 Tn operation, though, we are convinced that this system has just opened the way for some trar and seine operators to fish ille- gally to the disadvantage of law abiding operators"
 Thompson called upon those present for their views on thai point, adding: With control ol the fishing season delegated tc local authorities, it is our opinion that extensions could be granted where warranted without providing for definite extension periods. Tht closing dates still would be flex- ible.'
 Other Fishing
 Other proposed 1948 fishery reg ulations affecting this area, a' submitted by Thompson, are.
 Use of both weight and lengti as the measure of minimum size of troll caught king salmon-tc meet the objection that some kings are short and chunky and would dress six pounds or more, but would measure less than 26 inches
 No proposals with regard to the herring fishery in Southeast Alaska at this time-though it may se necessary to reduce the quota be- low the 350,000 barrel limit now permitted, depending upon andy sis of the composition of the catch and relative abundance oi the various age groups.
 In the shrimp industry. restora- ton of the season which was eff fective during 1946 planning however, to keep Duncan Cana closed to shrimp fishing becaus' it is a nursery ground.
 Another matter upon whici Thompson called for expression although stating Southeast Alaski is not primarily concerned-is thu provision of law that permits thu unrestricted catching of salmon for local food requirements ant dog feed. He stated:
 This provision is seriously men acing the runs to certain stream! in Cook Inlet, on the Upper Cop per River and in Bristol Bay. Ever the Army this year, under thi' provision, planned to take abou 2,500 pounds of salmon a week oul of the small streams near An. chorage for the Fort Richardson mess. We do not propose to pro. hibit the taking of needed supple: of salmon from the streams. Btu we do feel that some control i. necessary to prevent complete de struction of some runs.
 Traps Excluded
 Thompson did not offer for dis cussion proposed regulations in other than Southeast Alaska un. less asked for by someone pres lent.
 Inviting free and open discus sion of the proposed rule changes and the underlying considerations upon which they are based, Thomp' son stated willingness of the F&WI to hear any alternative proposal or new proposals that those pres ent might wish to recommend Eut he excluded discussion of thu issues of fish traps and abori ginal claims-declaring:
 The purpose of these hearings as most of you know, is to ac quaint all interested parties witl ourforecast of the Alaska salmon lruns next year and the abundanc of other species of commercial i'm portance; also, to lay before yol 1 the changes in regulations whicl we consider necessary to protec and conserve the fishery resource These hearings will not cover tn controversial subject of fish trap that is under consideration b , Congress now-nor will they cove : the matter of aboriginal rights. First Hearing
 l The hearing here today was tn first of series to be held in tn