from either Manila or sisal. Manila was produced only in the Philippine Islands and by far the largest source of sisal supply was the Dutch East Indies. Both of these sources have been temporarily cut off from us due to the war and although new sources of supply have been found and developed in the case of sisal fiber, there is no other place than the Philippines where Manila can be produced. Our present sources of sisal supply are mainly located in Mexico, Central America and British East Africa. It is from Africa that by far the largest bulk is imported to this country. As you can well imagine, shipping difficulties connected with the importation of this fiber are considerable. Naturally, every means is used to protect the convoys bringing raw materials to this country but on the other hand, it is foolish to think that there will not be some portion lost through enemy action.

The total imports of sisal fiber are definitely not sufficient to take care of the wartime demands of this country. We must first of all consider the requirements of our armed services and it can be easily understood that these demands are increasing day by day in proportion to the size of our army, our shipbuilding program and new campaigns which have been launched in Africa and elsewhere throughout the world.

The situation is, of course, no different from that which is being experienced by our Allies who are in no better position than we are with regards to hard fiber raw material stocks. The raw material which they require is available to them only from the same sources from which we acquire ours.

Our Government is very concerned over the shortage of hard fiber ropes and twines and for some time now has demanded that various industries make all possible substitutes in order to conserve the supply of sisal and Manila fiber. Some industries have already been denied the use of sisal and Manila rope for a considerable length of time. It had been hoped that there would be sufficient stocks of Manila and sisal rope to permit other essential industries to continue their use. Unfortunately, the shortage of this material has been steadily growing more and more acute and it is, therefore, necessary that all industries be asked to share in this substitution program and make sacrifices in order that our armed forces be allowed to continue to receive the highest possible quality of material. Such a request is now being made to the fishing industry and it should be pointed out to the fishermen that there is an adequate supply of such substitutes as cotton, jute, and domestic soft hemp and to a certain extent, flexible wire rope that is sufficient to take care of their requirements. In many cases, the use of these substitute ropes will not cause any hardship at all. Ropes that are not required to run through definite sizes of pulleys may be increased in size in order to make up for their weaker characteristics. In cases where the pulley may limit the diameter of the rope, a substitute is practical, particularly if lighter loads are lifted. Every effort will be made by American industries to provide the fishermen with substitute ropes so treated and so especially constructed to provide the maximum degree of service and efficiency.

In response to this appeal from WPB, the Fish and Wildlife Service has developed the following program:

The Service has assigned several staff members to keep in close contact with problems of net and cordage substitute materials. An inventory of net and cordage requirements of the fishing industry is almost completed, and data have been supplied on request to WPB officials. Several net parts have been made from substitute fibers and are being tested by commercial fishermen under actual fishing conditions. Close contacts are being maintained with cordage and net manufacturers to learn quickly of new developments, and experimental gear will be made and tested as soon as possible thereafter. The Service would greatly appreciate close cooperation with the fishing fleet, and believes that much valuable information can be gotten for the good of the industry, if fishermen will let it know of their experience with substitute fiber gear. We have to make the best of a serious situation-let's work together. WPB promises to help us as much as possible, but we have to carry our share of the load.

RATES APPLICABLE TO FISHING VESSEL HULLS ESTABLISHED BY W.S.A.

In accordance with the provisions of General Order No. 6, the War Shipping Administration published the following rates applicable to fishing vessel hulls in Bulletin H-10 issued on January 11. The rates indicated took effect immediately, subject, however, to change without notice.

1.

New York Harbor

2.

New York Harbor

3.

Atlantic Waters

Jacksonville Range (Coastal Waters)

Mt. Desert Rock Range (Coastal Waters)

Georges Banks, Browns Banks including, but not beyond Seal Island 4. Coastal Waters Maine - Rockland

Cape Elizabeth Range

Gulf Waters

1. U. S. Gulf Waters

Pacific Waters

In accordance with Bulletin H-6, rates for trading waters other than those named above, will be issued by the War Shipping Administration upon application only, which must be filed in accordance with General Bulletin No. 1 (Revised).

CANADIAN ORDER REQUIRES TAX DEDUCTION FROM PAYMENTS TO FISHERMEN

Tax deduction at the source from monies payable to certain Canadian fishermen is covered by Order-in-Council P. C. 8751 dated September 25, 1942. It provides as follows:

1.

Whosoever makes settlement in payment of the earnings of all Seine fishermen and Halibut crews shall withhold from such payments an amount equal to 20 per centum of such earnings, to be applied on the ultimate tax liability of such fishermen.

2. All first purchasers of fish from all other fishermen shall withhold from payment arising from the gross sales of such fish, 10 per centum of the amount paid for such fish, to be applied on the ultimate tax liability of such fishermen.

THE COVER PAGE

The scene shows fishermen drying and repairing soupfin shark gill-nets at Fishermen's Dock, Seattle.

An important fishery for soupfin shark has been developed on the Pacific Coast during the past several years. The principal value of these sharks lies in the high vitamin-content of their livers, and soupfin shark-liver oil has become the most important domestic source of vitamin A. In recent months, soupfin shark have taken on further importance as a food fish.

The use of submerged gill-nets in fishing for soupfin shark is a relatively new development. The method has proved especially effective. These nets are generally made up of shackles of 30 to 50 fathoms in length, and 1 to 5 shackles may be fastened together to make a set. They are weighted sufficiently to carry them to the bottom. The floats consist of bottles encased in a canvas sleeve. The nets are 20 to 35 meshes deep, made up of 9-to 11-inch mesh of 24-to 27-thread netting, and are generally hung in 30 percent, or 13 fathoms of netting to 10 fathoms of line.

Sectional Marketing Reviews

FISHERIES OF VIRGINIA

Hard Crabs.--The dredging season for hard crabs opened on December 1 in Virginia, and by mid-month, the catch indicated a plentiful supply, according to the mid-December report of the Service's field representative in that State. Although less than half the dredge boats were working, the catch was so heavy that most of the boats were placed on a twentybarrel daily limit. This limit was due to the decrease in the number of pickers available for the crab-picking plants, and the inability of the market to absorb all the crabs that could be caught and picked. In spite of advanced prices per pound for picking, plants were still unable to get the number of pickers needed.

It was reported that some boats owned and operated by packing companies have caught as high as 50 barrels in less than a normal day's work. In December last year, crabs were bringing $6.00 per barrel; the price this season has been $3.00 per barrel, another indication that crabs are abundant. Wages of the crews on the dredge boats are much higher than ever before. In the past, most of the boats were handled by all white crews, but this year, it is reported that a greater number are being captained and manned by colored crews.

Trawl Fishery. --After Christmas, the docks of the fishing companies in the Hampton Roads area usually are especially busy because 20 to 30 fishing vessels from Boston and Gloucester have arrived to trawl for the next two months. Reports from several of the local dealers indicate that the fleet of draggers making the trip south this year will be about one-half of the usual number.

Oysters.-There has been no dearth of oysters. Packers have been able to get enough labor either to dredge or tong a good supply. There has been, however, a definite shortage of shuckers which undoubtedly is going to reduce the output of the packing plants. All plants could probably market a larger volume than they are producing.

Hard Clams.--Very few clams have been taken. All available have been readily marketed.

Shad.--In 1942, the catch of shad in the upper James River was noticeably greater than in 1941. War conditions, which have so greatly affected the labor supply in other producing areas, did not appreciably decrease the number of men engaged in this section. Fishing operations generally were more intensive in 1942 because fish prices were higher.

THE FISHERIES OF VIRGINIA IN THE COUNTIES NORTH OF THE YORK RIVER

The fisheries of this section of Virginia produced somewhat less seafood in 1942 than in the previous year, according to the Service's representative in that area. Prices, however, increased sufficiently so that the total amount received by fishermen was probably equal or greater than in 1941. Although the number of commercial fishing licenses issued by the State decreased in 1942, it is probable that this decrease in operating units was offset to a considerable degree by increased intensity in the operation of the remaining gear.

The menhaden industry experienced one of its poorest years in 1942; fishing was extremely unsatisfactory in June, July, and early August as far as abundance and availability of fish was concerned. Although catches improved during late August and September, operators of reduction plants estimated that total production in 1942 decreased 60 percent below the catch in the previous year.

Hard crab production in this area probably decreased by at least 50 percent compared with 1941. Although crabs were plentiful, it was exceedingly difficult for dredgers to obtain crews for their vessels, and crab houses experienced the same difficulty as far as pickers were concerned. The price received by crabbers for their catches was somewhat less. than in the previous year.

Oysters in this area were plentiful during the fall season, with quality as good or perhaps a little better than in 1941. Prices paid to oystermen were especially good, Labor

As a

for shucking houses, however, was hard to obtain, although wages advanced sharply. result of this, demands for marketable oysters for shucking purposes decreased, and production declined.

Net fisheries in general, in both the Potomac and the Rappahannock Rivers, showed smaller catches of most species because of a decline in the quantity of gear used; the exceptions were in the production of rock, striped bass, and croakers, which were more than normally abundant in these waters. Prices paid to fishermen for most species showed increases of from 50 to 100 percent.

Potomac River alewives were normally abundant, but production fell off because of the less intensive fishing operations conducted; market prices were more than twice those of 1941.

Potomac River shad were more abundant than in 1941, however, prices received by fishermen for their catch was less than in 1941.

FISHERIES OF THE GREAT LAKES

In early December, a storm struck the southern shore of Lake Erie, according to the Service's representative in that area. The pound-net fishermen in Pennsylvania were heavy sufferers, since practically all of the poles were still out in the lake. Fishermen did not believe it was possible to salvage them before heavy ice set in. A tide of some 5 feet above normal was caused by the storm at Erie, Pa., and a good deal of damage was done to shore installations. Some damage was also experienced by the gill-netters. Most of the gill nets and pound nets were located after the storm, but about 25 percent were badly ripped and torn. Most of the damage was in the eastern end of Lake Erie where the Northwest winds have a full sweep. Normally, the fishermen plan to finish up their operations about December 15, but this storm occurred so early, they were not able to fish during the month.

Filleting of sheepshead has been revived by one firm at Sandusky, Ohio. The fillets have gone mainly to the armed forces. In addition, a large quantity has been frozen in the round.

Inquiry among the fishermen from New York to Michigan, indicates that smelt are beginning to appear in some quantities in the spring in the small rivers and creeks on the south shore. The fishermen are keeping a sharp outlook for these little fish and plan to be ready with dip nets when the "runs" appear.

FISHERIES OF WASHINGTON AND OREGON

Fishing activities in the Pacific Northwest were dormant during the latter half of December, according to the Service's Seattle Fishery Market News office. Closed seasons in the halibut and salmon fisheries, and stormy weather conditions off the Coast kept most of the fleets in port. About half of the Seattle halibut fleet was engaged in the soupfin shark fishery off Washington and Oregon during December. Aside from a few substantial deliveries of soupfin shark livers, most of the vessels experienced very poor returns. In mid-December, 30 trips averaged 665 pounds each, a number of vessels taking less than 100 pounds each. However, Seattle landings of soupfin shark livers totaled 55,700 pounds during December 1942, as compared with 22,000 pounds during December 1941.

Nearly all vessels delivering soupfin shark livers to Seattle also retained the carcasses. They brought 4 cents per pound when dressed with heads off. During the month, 130,000 pounds of soupfin shark carcasses were delivered to Seattle dealers. Most of the se soupfin sharks were filleted, packed in 10-pound cartons, and frozen.

On Monday, January 11, dressed soupfin shark were listed on the board of the Seattle Halibut Exchange for the first time since the recent development of this fishery. Two vessels listed a total of 6,000 pounds for which they received 6 and 6-5/8 cents per pound. During the remainder of the week, a total of 66,200 pounds of dressed soupfin shark was sold over the Seattle Fish Exchange at prices ranging between 6 and 7 cents per pound, and 46,800 pounds were sold direct to Seattle fish dealers,

A considerable increase in the receipts of soupfin shark livers at Seattle occurred during the week ending January 16, fishing craft delivering 34,657 pounds as a result of 38 trips. The price advanced from $3.50 to $3.90 per pound.

Another new trend in utilizing fish formerly wasted as a source of food was noted in the marketing of artificially spawned out chum or fall salmon for human consumption. The State of Washington Hatchery Department has sold approximately 25,000 pounds of these fish to Seattle dealers, at a price ranging between 7 and 8 cents per pound. The fish are taken from a hatchery at Hoods Canal, and trucked to Seattle in the same condition as when spawned out, that is, the female salmon are eviscerated and the male salmon stripped. One fish company has handled most of these salmon. It has prepared them as frozen skinless fillets, in 10-pound cartons, which compare favorably with fillet of "Sole" or "Lingcod". Another Seattle firm has used about 8,000 pounds of these fish for Indian-style smoking--a hard smoke. It is expected that considerable quantities of artificially spawned out salmon will be utilized for human consumption in the future. The procedure is feasible mainly for chum salmon, since they normally spawn near salt-water. Other species of salmon seek spawning grounds near the headwaters of streams, and are in too poor a condition to be utilized for food when near the spawning stage.

During the fall season, there has been no production of canned oysters in Washington or Oregon, as a result of abnormally high prices paid for fresh oysters in the shell. Oysters which sold at approximately 40 cents per bushel a year ago now bring from $1.25 to $1.35 per bushel on the fresh market. At this level, it is impossible to can oysters at a profit since the ceiling price on canned oysters is less than the cost of fresh oysters required to pack a case. Since it takes approximately 8 bushels to pack one case, the oysters alone would cost about $10, as compared with a price ceiling of $9 a case.

The same condition appears to be true in the case of canned crab meat. With a ceiling price of $16 per case for crab meat, packers report that a maximum price of about $1.75 per dozen can be paid for fresh crabs. The fishermen have been receiving $2.25 per dozen for crabs in the fresh market as the demand has been much greater than the production. There probably will be no production of canned crab meat in Washington and Oregon during the spring season unless prices are revised.

Fresh Fish Trade

ELEVEN-MONTH THREE PORTS LANDINGS 84,700,000 POUNDS BELOW SAME PERIOD OF '41

Fishing vessels delivering their catch to the ports of Boston and Gloucester, Massachusetts, and Portland, Maine, during November landed 23,896,363 pounds of fishery products, valued at $1,535,140, according to Current Fishery Statistics No. 47, released by the U. s. Fish and Wildlife Service. This was a decrease of 25 percent in the volume landed and 17 percent in the value received by the fishermen compared with October. Compared with November 1941 when 37,044,313 pounds were landed, it was a decrease of 36 percent in landings, but an increase of 11 percent in value. Considering the November landings by ports, 11,663,669 pounds, valued at $941,336, were landed at Boston; 11,251,805 pounds, valued at $557,536, at Gloucester; and 980,889 pounds, valued at $36,268, at Portland, Gloucester landings dropped more than 6 million pounds under the previous month.

During the month, 201 vessels of 5 net tons or over made 956 trips, to the fishing grounds and were absent from port 3,048 days. Of the total vessels, 103 landed 254 trips at Boston, 108 landed 648 trips at Gloucester, and 12 landed 54 trips at Portland. Unfavorable weather hampered operations for periods throughout the month. There were good landings of mackerel during the first part of the month, but then, light nights and poor weather kept the seiners inactive.

The over-all weighted average price per pound received by fishermen for their catch during November was 6.42 cents as compared with 5.78 cents during October and 3.75 cents during November 1941, while that for the 11 months of 1942 was 5.07 cents as compared with 3.18 cents for the similar period of last year.