PROVINCE OF BRITISH COLUMBIA EEPOET OF THE COMMISSIONER OF FISHERIES FOR THE YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 81 ST, 1927 WITH APPENDICES PRINTED BY AUTHORITY OF THE LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY. VICTORIA, B.C.: Printed by Charles F. Banfield, Printer to the King's Most Excellent Majesty. 1928. To His Honour Robert Randolph Bruce, Lieutenant-Governor of the Province of British Columbia. May it please Your Honour : I beg to submit herewith the Report of the Provincial Fisheries Department for the year ended December 31st,. 1927, with Appendices. WILLIAM SLOAN, Commissioner of Fisheries. Provincial Fisheries Department, Commissioner of Fisheries' Office, Victoria, British Columbia, December Slst, 1927. TABLE OF CONTENTS. FISHERIES COMMISSIONER'S REPORT FOR 1927. Page. Value of Fisheries and Standing of Provinces 5 Species and Value of Fish caught in British Columbia 5 Salmon-pack in British Columbia in 1927 6 Salmon-pack by Districts 7 Digest of Reports from Salmon-spawning Areas 8 Production of Fish Oil and Meal 10 Contribution to the Life-history of Sockeye Salmon 11 The Halibut Investigation 14 APPENDICES. Contribution to Life-history of Sockeye Salmon. (No. 13.) By Drs. W. A. and Lucy Clemens - 16 Spawning-beds of the Fraser River. By John Pease Babcock 39 Spawning-beds of the Skeena River. By Robert Gibson „ 42 Spawning-beds of Rivers Inlet. By A. W. Stone 43 Spawning-beds of Smith Inlet. By A. W. Stone 46 Spawning-beds of the Nass River. By C. P. Hickman 48 The Salmon-pack Statement in Detail 50 Salmon-pack of Province, by Districts, 1912 to 1927, inclusive 53 Sockeye-salmon Pack of Entire Fraser River System, 1912 to 1927, inclusive... 56 Sockeye-salmon Pack of Province, by Districts, 1912 to 1927, inclusive 56 Production of Fish Oil and Meal, 1920 to 1927, inclusive 56 FISHERIES COMMISSIONER'S REPORT FOR 1927. VALUE OF CANADIAN FISHERIES AND THE STANDING OF PROVINCES, 1926. The value of the fishery products of Canada for the year 1926 totalled $56,360,633. During the year 1926 British Columbia produced fishery products of a value of $27,367,109, or 48 per cent, of Canada's total. In 1926 British Columbia again led all the Provinces in the Dominion, as has been the case for many years, in the value of her fishery products. Her output in 1926 exceeded in value that of Nova Scotia, the second in rank, by $14,861,187, and also exceeded that of all the other Provinces combined by $10,479,507. The market value of the fishery products of British Columbia shows an increase over that of any former year of nearly five million dollars, due chiefly to the large salmon-pack, which was marketed for almost four millions more than the high record, halibut and pilchard products making up the balance of the increase. The capital employed in the fisheries of British Columbia in 1926 was $31,862,753, or 53 per cent, of Canada's total of $57,906,684. Of the $31,862,753 capital engaged in the fisheries of British Columbia in 1926, $9,609,209 was employed in catching and handling the catches and $22,253,544 invested in canneries, fish-packing establishments, and fish-reduction plants. The number of persons engaged in British Columbia fisheries in 1926 was 20,598, or 26 per cent, of Canada's total of 78,779. Of the 20,598 engaged in British Columbia, 12,162 were employed in catching and handling the catches and 8,436 in packing, curing, and fish-reduction.* The following statement gives in the order of their rank the value of the fishery products of the Provinces of Canada for the years 1922 to 1926, inclusive:— Province. 1922. 1923. 1924. 1925. 1926. $18,849,658 10,209,25S 4,685,660 2,858,122 2,089,414 1,612,599 908,816 •245,337 331,239 10,107 $20,795,914 8,448,385 4,548,535 3,159,427 2,100,412 1,754,980 1,020,595 286,643 438,737 11,917 $21,257,567 8,777,251 5,383,809 . 3,557,587 '2,283,314 1,201,772 1,232,563 482,492 339,107 18,773 $22,414,618 10,213,779 4,798,589 3,436,412 3,044,919 1,598,119 1,466,939 494,882 458,504 15,370 $27,367,109 1,2,'50S,922 >5,32S,478 3,152,193 Quebec Prince Edward Island 3,110,964 1,358,934 '2,328,803 444,288 749,076 17,866 Totals $41,800,210 $42,565,545 $44,534,235 $47,942,131 $56,360,633 THE SPECIES AND VALUE OF FISH CAUGHT IN BRITISH COLUMBIA. The total value of each of the principal species of fish taken in British Columbia for the year ended December 31st, 1926, is given in the following statement:— Salmon $18,776,762 Halibut .: 4,543,720 Herring 1,528,734 Cod 336,759 Pilchards, oil, meal, etc 1,256,721 Clams, quahaugs 105,409 Black cod 89,371 Crabs 63,295 Soles ....' 45,675 Shrimps 13,125 Oysters 35,746 Carried forward $26,795,317 * As this report goes to press the Commissioner is in receipt ol a preliminary report on the fishery products of the Province for the year 1927, issued bv the Dominion P,ureau of Statistics, R. H. Coats, Statistician, from which the following data are taken : The value of the fishery products of British Columbia in 1927 totalled $23,227,904, a decrease of $4,139,205 compared with the production in 1926. N 6 REPORT OF THE COMMISSIONER OF FISHERIES, 1927. The Species and Value op Fish caught in British Columbia—Continued. Brought forward $26,795,317 Flounders, brill 6,303 Red cod 26,013 Perch 9,804 Smelt 17,161 Sturgeon 5,737 Octopus 3,052 Skate 4,290 Oolachans 2,086 Whiting 637 Trout 494 Bass 306 Whales 270,127 Fish-oils, grayfish, etc 88,031 Fish-meals 94,020 Fish-fertilizer 14,157 Fur-seals 29,550 Miscellaneous 24 Total $27,367,109 The above statement shows that the salmon-fisheries of the Province in 1926 produced $18,776,762, or 68% per cent, of the total of her fishery products. The total halibut landings were marketed for $4,543,720, and herring for $1,528,734. The foregoing data are derived from the " Fisheries Statistics of Canada," issued by the Bureau of Fisheries, Ottawa. PACK OF BRITISH COLUMBIA SALMON, SEASON 1927. Fraser Kiver District. Skeena Biver District. Rivers Inlet District. Nass River District. Queen Charlotte Islands District. Vancouver Island District. Outlying Districts. * Grand Total. Sockeyes Fancy Red Springs 61,393 5,032 2,893 10,528 10,621 37 24,079 102,536 '67,259 83,996 11,955 5,681 1,402 '65,269 SI 397 130 12,026 3,158 387 279 329 1,980 81 5 24,835 3,449 1,619 1,701 10,149 45 58,834 S'2,'561 220,270 60,204 2,103 2,463 1,194 30S.0S2 27,758 13,521 White Springs 15,239 20,770 i582 26,326 38,768 19,006 9 2,094 671 1,122 96 3,966 16,609 3,307 973 42,588 36,206 149,856 1,742 4,845 275 102,374 162,732 247,626 563,194 284,378 187,716 69,773 39,828 109,889 373,463 295,587 1,306,634 * Including Smith Inlet. MILD-CURED SALMON, SEASON 1927. The pack of mild-cured salmon in 1927 totalled 2,730 tierces, a gain over 1926 of 547 tierces. The 1927 tierced pack represented approximately 2,184,000 lb. of spring salmon. THE SALMON-PACK OF THE PROVINCE IN 1927. The salmon-pack of the Province in 1927 totalled 1,360,634 cases, as against 2,065,190 cases in 1926, 1,719,282 cases in 1925, 1,745,313 cases in 1924, and 1,341,677 cases in 1923. The pack of 1927 consisted of 308,052 cases of sockeye, 56,518 cases of red and white springs, 162,732 cases of cohoes, 247,626 cases of pinks, 563,194 cases of chums, and 22,512 cases of " bluebacks and steelheads." The sockeye-pack was 1,012 cases more than in the preceding fourth year. As in recent years, the bulk of the pack consisted of pinks and chum salmon. Their combined pack totalled 810,820 cases, or 59 per cent. BRITISH COLUMBIA. N 7 THE 1927 PACK BY DISTRICTS. The Fraser River System.—The catch of all species of salmon made in the Fraser River system in the Province totalled 284,378 cases. It consisted of 61,393 cases of sockeye, 18,453 cases of springs, 24,079 cases of cohoes, 102,536 cases of pinks, 67,259 cases of chums, and 10,658 cases classed, in pack statements, as " bluebacks and steelheads." The sockeye-pack in Provincial waters of the Fraser system in 1927 was 24,296 cases less than in 192-6 and 13,078 cases more than the average of the preceding four years. It was 29,738 cases larger than in the preceding fourth year. The sockeye-pack in the State of Washington waters of the Fraser system totalled 97,594 cases. It was 52,921 cases more than in 1926 and 50,192 cases more than in the preceding fourth year. The combined pack of sockeye in Provincial and Washington waters of the Fraser system in 1927 totalled 158,987 cases, the largest since 1917. It was 100 per cent, greater than four years ago. In this connection it is interesting to note that the present runs of sockeye to the Fraser River system now enter those waters much later in the seeason than was formerly the case. The following statement gives the approximate weekly pack of sockeye taken from the British Columbia waters of the Fraser River system for the year 1927:— Approximate Weekly Pack of Soclceyc, Fraser River, 1927.* Week ending. Gases. July 23 13,000 July 30 1,272 Aug. 6 1,832 Aug. 13 2,648 Aug. 20 3,261 Aug. 27 4,866—Cases packed up to Aug. 27 15,179 Sept. 3 6,824 Sept. 10 5,192 Sept. 17 13,490 Sept. 24 8,996 Oct. 1 2,986 Oct. 8 4,177 Oct. 15 2,587 Oct. 22 954 Oct. 29 1,008—Cases packed from Aug. 27 to Oct. 29 46,214 Total cases 61,393 Total cases 61,393 The foregoing tabulation shows that but 15,179 cases, or close to 25 per cent, of the total pacli of sockeye from Provincial waters of the Fraser River system, consisted of fish taken up to August 27th. The September pack was 34,502 cases, or 58 per cent., and the October pack 11,712 cases, or 19 per cent. Records up to 1914 show that the bulk of the sockeye-pack in Provincial waters of the system was made in July and August; that comparatively few cases were packed in September, and none in October. Data showing by weeks the pack of sockeye taken in the State of Washington waters of the Fraser River system in recent years are not obtainable. It is, however, well known that up to 1914 the bulk of the catches were made in July and August and that comparatively few cases were packed at a later period. This was due to the fact that in the earlier years the market was limited and the canners were able to meet demands with cans filled from the early run, and because the early-run fish were in better condition. When the early runs became depleted and finally almost destroyed it became necessary to draw on the late-running fish to supply the increased demand. As stated, up to 1913 most of the canners on the United States side of the line pulled oat their traps in August. Up to that period there was little demand for pinks and chums. With the war's development of a market for the latter the traps have been operated until late in the fall, with the result that they have drawn heavily on the late runs of sockeye. And that is true of the * Including pack at Esquimalt of fish caught in Juan de Fuca Strait. N 8 REPORT OF THE COMMISSIONER OF FISHERIES, 1927. Fraser fishery in British Columbia waters. Furthermore, the hatcheries on the Fraser, with the exception of the one on the Birkenhead, at the head of the Harrison-Lillooet Lakes section, being no longer able to secure sockeye-eggs from the waters above Hell's Gate, have drawn exclusively upon the Pitt and Cultus Lake runs for eggs. Since 1913 the hatcheries, with the exception already noted, have been propagating eggs collected from the sockeye which entered the Fraser in late September and in October and November, and some eggs have been collected in December. The results of such operations naturally produce late-running fish. The Skeena River.—The salmon-pack in the Skeena River District in 1927 totalled 187,716 cases. It consisted of 83,996 cases of sockeye, 19,038 cases of red and white springs, 26,326 cases of cohoes, 38,768 cases of pinks, and 19,006 cases of chums. In addition to the pack of spring salmon canned on the Skeena, 803 tierces of red springs were tierced. The pack of sockeye was distinctly disappointing. The run of 1927 was derived from the brood-years 1922 and 1923. It was 9,281 cases less than the pack of 1922 and 49,735 cases less than in 1923. The pack of 38,768 cases of pinks was the smallest recorded on the Skeena for many years; it was 139,799 cases less than the average pack in each of the preceding eight years. It was 91,317 cases less than that of its brood-year 1925. The catch of chums was also the smallest since 1923. It was 25,981 cases less than the average of the last four years and 69,387 cases less than in 1926. Rivers Inlet.—The salmon-pack in the Rivers Inlet District in 1927 totalled 69,773 cases, consisting of 65,269 cases of sockeye, 2,094 cases of cohoes, 671 cases of pinks, 1,122 eases of chums, and 508 cases of springs. The sockeye-pack of 65,269 cases should be compared with those of its brood-years 1922 and 1923. It exceeded the former by 15,381 cases and was 47,885 cases less than the latter. It wras 15,487 cases less than the average of its brood-years. The catch of al] other grades was, as is usual, very small. Smith Inlet.—The salmon-pack made from salmon taken in the Smith Inlet section totalled 29,366 cases, of which 22,682 cases consisted of sockeye, 732 cases of pinks, and 2,605 cases of chums. Up to last year pack statements have not shown the pack of this section separately, the pack having been credited to the Rivers Inlet District; hence dependable comparisons with previous years cannot be made. The Nass River.—The salmon-pack in the Nass River District totalled 39,828 cases, much the smallest pack made there in the last twelve years. It consisted of 12,026 cases of sockeye, 3,824 cases of springs, 3,966 cases of cohoes, 16,609 cases of pinks, and 3,307 cases of chums. Vancouver Island.—The salmon-pack on Vancouver Island totalled 373,463 cases. It was the largest recorded on the Island. It consisted of 24,838* cases of sockeye, 6,769 cases of springs, 58,834 cases of cohoes, 52,561 cases of pinks, 220,270 cases of chums, and 10,149 cases classed in pack statements as " bluebacks." With demands for pinks and chums the salmon- catch of Vancouver Island.shows a notable increase. Queen Charlotte Islands District.—The catch of salmon in the Queen Charlotte Islands produced a pack of but 109,889 cases, consisting of 102,374 cases of chums, 4,845 cases of cohoes, 2,060 cases of springs, and 329 cases of sockeye. The total pack was the second smallest made in this district in the last sixteen years. The pack for each of the last four years is as follows: 1923, 352,839 ; 1924, 408,934 ; 1925, 522,756; and 1926, 844,114. Outlying Districts.—The salmon-pack in outlying districts totalled 266,221 cases, of which 37,522 cases contained sockeye, 5,411 red and white springs, 39,598 cohoes, 35,474 pinks, and 147,251 chums. REPORTS FROM SALMON-SPAWNING AREAS OF THE PROVINCE. During the year 1927 the Department again inspected the salmon-spawning areas of the Fraser and Nass Rivers and Rivers and Smith Inlets. Unfortunately, Fishery Overseer Gibson, who has for some years annually inspected the spawning areas of the Skeena, was taken ill on the eve of his departure and, being laid up for several weeks, was unable to make an inspection. The following is a brief summary of the spawning-bed reports, which will be found in full in the Appendix of this report:— The Fraser River.—The inspection of the spawning-beds of the Fraser River was again made by Mr. Babcock, his twenty-fifth annual inspection. * The catch of sockeye by the traps in Juan de Fuca Strait and packed at Esquimalt is here credited to the Fraser River District, since they were taken from the run to thafriver. BRITISH COLUMBIA. N 9 As in previous years, the inspections of the spawning areas of the Fraser River basin were made in August, September, October, and November. Mr. Babcock says: " I saw and heard of fewer sockeye in the spawning area of the Fraser basin above Hell's Gate Canyon in August and September of this year than in any other of the preceding twenty-four years in which I have hunted there for them in those months. It was like hunting for a needle in a haystack. In most of the lakes in the Upper Fraser basin—which includes Stuart, Fraser, Francois, Quesnel, Seton, Anderson, and Shuswap—visited in August and September, I did not see or hear of more than a few hundred sockeye in any of them." Reports made to Major Motherwell indicate that a few thousand sockeye spawned in the Horsefly River, a tributary of Quesnel Lake, in October, but sockeye were not reported as having been seen in any other tributary of that great lake during the season. In this connection, Mr. Babcock states that it should be noted that in the big years, when the Fraser produced more sockeye than any other river in the world, the runs of sockeye to the Upper Fraser basin were always greatest in August and September and that, with the exception of Seton, Anderson, and Shuswap Lakes, comparatively few sockeye reached there after September. So few sockeye have reached the upper lake section of the Fraser since 1913 that it is being forgotten what vast numbers spawned in the tributaries and on the gravelled shoals of the great lakes in the big years, and that up to 1906 a considerable number spawned in them in the lean years. It should be remembered that over 4,000,000 sockeye were noted as they entered Quesnel Lake in 1909, and that the number which reached Chilko Lake that year was approximately as great. Even in 1913, the year of the disastrous blockade in Hell's Gate Canyon, over 550,000 sockeye were counted as they entered Quesnel Lake in August, and the reports of that year indicate that as great a number reached both Chilko and Shuswap Lakes. In view of the foregoing records it is apparent that there is little warrant for terming a run of a few thousand fish to any of those lakes as " a good run," or to forecast a good run from their spawning. There can be no considerable return four years hence from the sockeye which spawned in Quesnel, Chilko, Stuart, Fraser, Francois, Seton, or Anderson Lakes in 1927. Referring to the sockeye run to the Shuswap Lake section in 1927, Mr. Babcock states that no sockeye are known to have reached Shuswap area in August and September. However, a considerable number made their appearance in Little and Adams Rivers about the middle of October. The waters in both rivers, were much higher than in 1926, with the result that the fish were more widely scattered and it was more difficult to form an estimate of their numbers. The opinion is, however, expressed that their numbers were less than in 1926 and that approximately 100,000 spawned there this year. The fish seen there were strictly of the upper river- basin type—the type which formerly spawned in vast numbers in all the great lakes of the Fraser above Hell's Gate. The females were nearly as highly coloured as the males. They were much more highly coloured than any of the sockeye which spawned in the Birkenhead, at the head of the Harrison-Lillooet Lakes section, and they were very much larger and far more highly coloured than any of the sockeye which spawned in Cultus, Morris, or Pitt Lakes, or any other area in the Lower Fraser. In this connection it is recalled that in Dr. Gilbert's report for 1918, referring to the fish-lakes of the lower basin, it is stated that " we affirm without qualification that they are as distinctly populated as though located in separate streams independently entered from the sea." Mr. Babcock states that, notwithstanding the belief that very few sockeye spawned in the Shuswap or any other area of the Fraser above Hell's Gate four years ago, he is of the opinion that the fish seen in Adams and Little Rivers in 1927 were the product of fish which spawned in the upper river-basin four years ago. Referring to conditions in Hell's Gate Canyon in the Fraser River, Dominion Officer Scott is quoted as having reported to Major Motherwell that very few sockeye were seen there in July and August, and that but a limited number were seen there in September, but that a considerable number reached there early in October and passed through without delay. Presumably the latter were the fish that were later noted in Adams and Little Rivers, Shuswap area. Officer Scott reported that a very large number reached the Gate on October 25th, but that water conditions were unfavourable and that many of the fish, which appeared in njood condition, either had no inclination to or were not strong enough to pass above the Gate. That some of them did pass through the Gate at that time is evidenced by the fact that sockeye in numbers were seen shortly afterwards in both the Fraser and the Thompson above Lytton. N 10 REPORT OF THE COMMISSIONER OF FISHERIES, 1927. What became of the fish of the late October run that are supposed not to have passed through is problematical, as no dead were observed at the Gate or below it, and no dead or living fish were seen passing down-stream. Where the sockeye that passed through Hell's Gate late in October and in November, and which were seen in the Fraser and Thompson above Lytton, spawned is also unknown, notwithstanding that Provincial and Dominion officers tried to locate them. The early run of sockeye to the Birkenhead River, at the head of the Harrison-Lillooet Lakes section, was distinctly disappointing—the smallest September run in years. Some uneasiness was felt until October, when a good run of fish began, equal in number to those which have spawned in that section for many years. The Birkenhead is the only section in the Fraser River basin where the run of sockeye shows no sign of diminishing. The egg collection there totalled 37,000,000 and the beds were abundantly seeded naturally. The Skeena River.—Notwithstanding that Fishery Officer Gibson, who has for years annually inspected the spawning-beds of the Skeena basin, was through illness prevented from doing so this year, the Department has, through Major Motherwell, been supplied with information that shows that the sockeye runs to all the tributaries of Babine Lake, the main spawning area of the Skeena, were as abundant as in recent years. The fish were some ten days later in arriving than usual and ran some fifteen days later. The hatchery made the usual collection of eggs. The sockeye run to Lake Lakelse was very disappointing—not up to the average and not sufficient to warrant any considerable return from this year's spawning. The egg collection there totalled but 3,500,000, as against 15,000,000 in 1926. The collection in that year, however, was some 4,000,000 larger than usual. Rivers Inlet.—The inspection of the sockeye-spawning area of the Rivers Inlet run was again made by Fishery Officer A. W. Stone. He reports a very satisfactory seeding. With a few exceptions he found a greater number of sockeye in all the tributaries than in either of the brood-years 1922 and 1923 of this year's run. Smith Inlet.—Fishery Officer Stone again inspected the spawning area of the Smith Inlet run. In his report he states that the catch from the run was larger than in either of the brood-years 1922 and 1923 and that the escapement which reached the spawning area in 1927 was as good if not better than in either of those years. This is the more remarkable because of the fact that not less than 550 gill-nets were employed, 50 per cent, more than in either 1922 or 1923. After inspecting the spawning area Officer Stone expresses the opinion that the spawning this year should produce as great a return four and five years hence as this year. The Nass River.—The inspection of the spawning area of the Meziadin Lake section of the Nass River basin was again made by Fisheries Inspector C. P. Hickman. It was his twentieth yearly inspection. He reports that, on reaching the head of Meziadin Lake on September 10th, very little evidence of an early run of sockeye was found on spawning-beds where in former years he had noted considerable evidence. On some of these beds he could find no live or dead sockeye, and no dead were observed on the lake-shores. On reaching the falls in the Meziadin River, below the lake, he found a considerable run of sockeye that were in good condition. They increased in number up to the 21st instant, on which date eighty per hour were passing through the fishway. The run ceased on the 25th. By the use of a set-net in the Nass above the mouth of the Meziadin rt was demonstrated that very few sockeye were passing up that stream; but nine sockeye were taken in the net in the eight days it was set. Mr. Hickman expresses the opinion that the spawning-beds of the Meziadin were poorly seeded—that the late run was not large enough to offset the absence of an early run. PRODUCTION OF FISH OIL AND MEAL. The production of fish oil and meal in 1927 shows substantial increase over any former year. The nineteen pilchard-reduction plants on the west coast of Vancouver Island produced 2,673,876 imperial gallons of oil, a gain over that of 1926 of 775,155 gallons, and 12,169 tons of meal, a gain over 1926 of 4,221 tons. Whale reduction produced 437,967 imperial gallons of oil and 996 tons of meal. Herring and other fish produced 545,580 gallons of oil and 4,490 tons of meal. Total fish- and whale-oil production, 3,657,423 gallons. The reliable " Pacific Fisherman's Year Book for 1927 " gives the total fish-oil production on the Pacific Coast in that year as 7,867,063 gallons. BRITISH COLUMBIA. N 11 CONTRIBUTION TO THE LIFE-HISTORY OF THE SOCKEYE SALMON. The thirteenth contribution to the series of papers on the life-history of the sockeye salmon issued by the Department, which is contained in the Appendix of this report, is contributed by Dr. W. A. and Dr. Lucy S. Clemens. It deals with the constituents of the runs of sockeye to the principal rivers in the Province in 1927. The present paper, together with those which have preceded it, constitute one of the most detailed continuous records of any fishery in existence. They cover the runs of salmon to Provincial waters for the last fourteen years. The following is a brief summary of the present paper:— In this paper it has been deemed advisable to adopt a modification in the terminology for describing the age-classes comprising the sockeye runs to the various rivers. The terminology adopted was instituted by Dr. C. H. Gilbert in a recent extensive publication on the sockeye runs to Alaska, and Drs. Clemens have adopted it in their text and tabulations because of its simplicity and also in order to make these reports easily comparable with the Alaska ones. In the previous reports issued by the Department the various age-groups were distinguished at maturity and the years spent in fresh water as " four-years-old, one-year-in-the-lake," or " five- years-old, two-years-in-the-lake." In the new terminology these terms are used symbolically and are as follows: 4o and 5 •—in which 4 and 5 represent the age of the fish and the 2 and 3 the year of its life in which the fish left the fresh water. Fish which spend one year in fresh water migrate in their second year; hence the terms " four-years-old, one-year-in-the-lake " and " 4 " are synonymous. Likewise " five-years-old, two-years-in-the-lake " and " 5 " are synonymous, and so on. That age-group known as the sea-type, in which the fish go to sea as fry in their first year, are designated as 3 and 4 , according as they mature at the age of three or four years. The Fraser River Sockeye Run in 1927. In some respects the sockeye run to the Fraser River in 1927 was encouraging. The total pack amounted to 158,987 cases, of which 61,393 cases were packed with fish taken in Provincial waters and 97,594 in the State of Washington. The pack of 1927 was almost double that of 1923, from which it was largely derived. It is also to be noted that the increase is proportionately divided, in that both the British Columbia and the State of Washington packs are doubled. The increased pack was accomplished by a larger escapement to the spawning-beds of the Lower Fraser and, at least, tf> Shuswap Lake in the Upper Fraser basin. The run of 1927, Drs. Clemens state, would appear to arrest the alarming decline in the runs of 1911, 1915, 1919, and 1923 series. An apparently disconcerting feature in this year's run as well as that of 1923 is the fact that the increase was made up largely of very late-running fish. Large numbers even appeared throughout October and November. In view of the developments in the runs of the past two years it is impossible to predict the extent of the run in 1928. The packs of the recent years in this cycle—namely, in 1916, 1920, and 1924—have been slightly over 100,000 cases. There would therefore appear to be no reason to expect a pack of less quantity than this, especially since the report of the spawning-beds in 1924 as given by Mr. Babcock showed that there had been an exceptionally good seeding in the Birkenhead and fairly large runs to the Pitt and Cultus Lake areas. The material for this year's study consisted of data and scales from 1,371 sockeye salmon selected at random from April 20th to October 3rd and included in fifty-two samplings'. Characteristically, the .4 and the 5 age-groups were predominant in the run of 1927, being represented by 1,262 individuals, or 92 per cent, of the total of 1,371. No specimens three years of age (grilse) were recognized in the collection of 1927.- Those four years of age totalled 1,159 and those five years of age 103. The data as to length and weight are given in. Tables II. and III. (See Appendix.) The females in the 4 class slightly outnumbered the males. Their average lengths were considerably greater than those of the past three years and very slightly less than those of their progenitors in 1923. In the 1927 run there were but fifty-two individuals in the 5 and the 6 age-groups, forty-one of which were five years old and eleven six years old. The sea-type was represented by twenty- seven individuals three years of age and thirty individuals of four years of age. Quite a normal one. Drs. Clemens point out that the foregoing analysis applies only to the early portion of the run to the Fraser and that no means have yet been found to obtain samples of the late-running sockeye. N 12 REPORT OF THE COMMISSIONER OF FISHERIES, 1927. The Rivee s Inlet Sockeye Run of 1927. In dealing with the sockeye run to Rivers Inlet in 1927, Drs. Clemens give the pack as 64,461 cases and call attention to the fact that in their report for 1926 they pointed out that the indications were that the 1927 run would be composed largely of four-year-old fish, and that this prediction was borne out, as the run of 1927 consisted of 83 per cent, of four-year-old individuals and only 17 per cent, of five-year-olds. The average pack over the period of the past fifteen years has been 84,000 cases, so that the 1927 pack is relatively small and probably all that could be expected from the spawnings of 1922 and 1923. . The Drs. Clemens do not find much hope for a large run to Rivers Inlet in 1928. The escapement to the spawning-beds in 1918 was very poor and this was confirmed by the analysis of the run in 1923, when the five-year-old fish formed but 24 per cent, of the run. A large run of these fish cannot be expected in 1928. In 1924 there was an exceptionally good escapement and that year the samplings showed that the four-year-old fish constituted approximately 44 per cent, of the catch. There should therefore be a fair return of five-year-old fish in 1928. Data and scales from 1,224 fish were obtained from the 1927 run of sockeye to Rivers Inlet, secured between June 29th and August 3rd. The various age-groups were represented as follows : 991 individuals of the 4; group, 198 of the 5? group, 32 of the 5 group, and 3 of the 6 group. The average lengths of the four-year-old males was below that of four years previously, while that of the females was slightly above. The average length of the five-year-old males was exactly the same as that in 1922—24.2 inches. The average weight of the females of both the four-year and the five-year-olds was considerably above that of their progenitors in both 1923 and in 1922. There was no significant change in the proportion of the sexes in the age-groups in 1927. The Skeena River Sockeye Run of 1927. The pack of Skeena sockeye totalled 83,996 cases, somewhat below expectancy and may be associated with the failure of the run to Lakelse Lake. The failure of the run to that lake section cannot be accounted for and is puzzling in view of the fact that the reports from its spawning-beds in 1922 and 1923 indicated abundant seedings. As was anticipated, the four-year-old fish in the run predominated, amounting to 1,330 individuals out of a total sampling of 2,131 fish, or 62 per cent.. The run in 1928 will be derived from the seedings of 1923 and 1924. The packs in those years were very large and the reports from the spawning-beds state that they were very large and successful spawnings. These facts alone, Drs. Clemens state, would indicate a very large return in 1928, except that in 1923 the five-year-old fish formed but 34 per cent, of the run and in 1924 the four-year-old fish formed but 25 per cent, of the run. If, therefore,, the Skeena run is composed of two distinct races, one maturing at the age of four years and the other at the age of five, the run in 1928 should not produce a pack much in excess of 80,000 cases. The percentages of the various age-groups in the run of 1927 are practically identical with those of 1926—namely, 62 per cent, of the 4,o and 28 per cent, of the 52 group. The total number of fish examined in 1927 was 2,131, in seventeen samplings from June 21st to August 19th. In general the average lengths and weights of the various age-groups were very slightly above those of their progenitors. The females again outnumbered the males in all year-classes except the six-year-old class. Of the total of 2,131 fish examined, there were 937 males and 1,194 females. The Nass River Sockeye Run of 1927. The small pack of the year 1927, Drs. Clemens state, demonstrates most conclusively the trend of the sockeye run of the Nass River. However loath one may be to acknowledge that this run under present conditions is doomed, still the fact remains the same, and. can be interpreted in only one way ; that is, instability and decline. Last year they called attention to a few signs possibly indicative of a brighter future for this river, but they amount to nothing in view of the run in 1927. The brood-year pack was large, 31,277 cases—the greatest with one exception since 1916—and Inspector Hickman's report of the spawning-grounds in 1922 indicated a good seeding, yet the pack of 1927 of 12,026 is the second smallest on record. If some explanation for this and similar past occurrences could be found the outlook might be better. So far no suggestion of the nature of the conditions which bring about such contradictory results can be offered. The futility of predictions from year to year is evident. If expectations could be BRITISH COLUMBIA. N 13 relied upon, nothing but a very small pack can be looked for in 1928, both because the spawning- beds were poorly seeded in 1923 and also because the brood-year pack was small. In connection with the small run in 1927, it is interesting to note that when Mr. Hickman made his annual inspection of the Meziadin watershed of the Nass River in September he found very few indications of there having been an early run. He saw no dead spent fish collected along the shores or floating about Meziadin Lake. Apparently the run was very small and was practically fished out, so that no appreciable number of fish was left to reach the spawning-grounds. True, Inspector Hickman witnessed the arrival at Meziadin falls of a late run of large-sized sockeye, but did not think it was sufficient to offset the failure of the early run. The usual eight age groups were all present in the run of 1927. The 2,100 samples collected at regular intervals from June 20th to August 15th comprise the material upon which this year's analysis was made. In comparing the percentages of the principal age-classes of 1927 with those of 1926, one sees considerable increase in the 5 class and a decrease in the 6 group, but, as 3 3 ° mi Drs. Clemens pointed out last year, 1926 was unusual in having such a high percentage of older fish. In 1927, as in past years, the general averages in weights and lengths of the Nass run have been maintained. The maintenance of size is a racial characteristic and is not true of the runs of other river systems, in which a noticeable reduction in size occurs from year to year. Another racial characteristic of the Nass run is noted. The size of the fish seems to be directly linked with age; for instance, the smallest fish are three years old and the largest are seven, with the intermediate sizes arranged according to increasing age. In the Fraser, Skeena, and Rivers Inlet size apparently is not related to age, but to the number of years spent feeding at sea. For example, all Fraser fish having lived three years in the ocean are approximately the same in size, and similarly those having had four years of sea-life are of almost identical size. The average length of the 5 's of the 1927 Fraser fish is low and looks like an exception, but it is probably due to the fact that nineteen fish only were available for the basis of the average. Additional evidence is afforded, by Tables XXVI. and XXVIL, of the close relation between size and age in fish of the Nass. The average lengths and weights of the principal age-groups for the last nine years are tabulated according to age, and we find the corresponding size correlation; that is, generally speaking, the youngest fish are the smallest and the oldest are the largest. Drs. Clemens note that it is interesting to find year after year that, in spite of its instability and complexity, the Nass run exhibits remarkable uniformity in the seasonal succession of the various age-groups; 5 is the dominant group and is present throughout the entire run, but with varying intensity. Two other classes also found throughout the run are the 4,/s and 5 's. Their maximum numbers occur during the second and third weeks of July. The sea-type groups are found during the early part of the run and the six- and seven-year-old fish are present only in the latter weeks of the run. Referring to the Meziadin and Bowser Lake sockeye colonies in the Nass run, Drs. Clemens note that in September, according to the usual custom, Inspector Hickman gathered sockeye material from the falls of the Meziadin and from the Nass above the junction with the former. As was the case in 1926, although the Nass above the junction was fished with a set-net continuously for eight days, only a very small number of sockeye were taken. The data thus obtained are so very small in amount that a comparison between the two colonies is hardly warranted. However, Tables XXX. and XXXI. support one claim of difference between the two—that is, that the Meziadin fish are larger than the Bowser—and it is interesting to again note that this year these large late-running and older fish are especially associated with Meziadin Lake, for none of them were netted in the Nass above the junction. If Bowser Lake is an important spawning area of the Nass it must be for the early, and not the late, run fish. There appears, Drs. Clemens state, to be two general tendencies in the sockeye runs to the river systems of the Province. The first is a gradual reduction in the average size of the fish, especially marked in the case of the Fraser fish, but not evident in the Nass runs. This condition may have been brought about by the selective action of the gear used, since up to this time a regulation has been in force prohibiting the use of nets of smaller mesh than 5% inches. Reports from spawning-beds generally have indicated the presence of large numbers of small males, which doubtless had passed through the nets. The restriction as to size of mesh will be removed after 1928. If smaller mesh is used thereafter the smaller fish—mainly males— should be generally reduced in numbers. However, the capture of a greater proportion of the undersized fish will mean a smaller average size in the records in coming years and a new series of data will be recorded. A second tendency in the sockeye runs is toward the development of late runs, again particularly pronounced in the case of the Fraser River. It appears that the late-running fish are little, if any, interfered with by fishing operations and that they are gradually increasing in numbers. In concluding their report, which was filed May 1st, 1928, Drs. Clemens state that " We cannot bring this paper to a conclusion without reference to the untimely death of Dr. Charles H. Gilbert.* He will always be remembered as the pioneer worker in the sockeye-salmon investigations in British Columbia. To his detailed, laborious studies over a period of years—1912 to 1925, inclusive—we owe almost entirely our present knowledge of the life-history of the sockeye of our waters. He instituted and developed this series of annual reports of the runs to our principal salmon-streams. These studies constitute one of the most detailed continuous records of any fishery in existence. All of his reports are storehouses of most valuable knowledge, for to this work Dr. Gilbert brought his keen intellect and his broad biological training. His death is indeed a great loss and one which will be felt by all who are interested in the conservation of the salmon of the Pacific Coast." The entire text of Drs. Clemens's paper, together with its thirty-one tabulations, is reproduced in the Appendix of this report. It is a most valuable addition to the series which have been issued annually by the Department since 1912. THE HALIBUT INVESTIGATION. During the months of November and December, 1924, the International Fisheries Commission, created by the Halibut Treaty exchanged between Canada and the United States for the investigation of the life of the Pacific halibut and the condition of that fishery, held public meetings in Prince Rupert and Vancouver, as well as in Ketchikan and Seattle, in order to place before those interested in the industry the essential facts developed by its investigation, and that all interested might present to the Commission their views as to the measures which they deemed desirable for the conservation of the fishery. At these meetings the Commission presented the character and drift of the evidence that had been collected and which was being considered in the drafting of the report which the Commissioners proposed to submit to the Canadian and United States Governments early in 1928. The evidence disclosed by the Commissioners, like that developed by the Provincial investigations in 1914-16, showed an alarming depletion on all the halibut banks of the eastern North Pacific, and especially on the banks south and east of Cape Ommaney, in South-eastern Alaska, which includes all the banks off the British Columbia Coast. It was shown that, while the total catch of halibut by the Canadian and United States vessels as a whole is fairly well maintained, with production in 1927 10,000,000 lb. less than the high record of 1915, on all the frequented banks an alarming depletion has taken place and still continues at a rapid rate. The catch has been kept up only by a marked increase in the number of vessels and men engaged and in the intensity of fishing. The annual catch per skate of gear shows an amazing decline. The situation in a general way has been recognized for some time by those engaged in the industry. It was at their desire that the present treaty was exchanged and the present investigation undertaken—that the facts might be determined and measures adoped to correct depletion. At these meetings it was shown that the first aim of the Commission has been to determine beyond question the actual condition of the fishery; and, second, the conditions which must be met in applying remedial measures, and the nature of such remedies. The Commission has by every known statistical and biological method studied the past and present abundance of halibut, fishing conditions, and the movements of the commercial fleets on all the banks from Oregon to Behring Sea, as well as the migrations, racial differences, rates of growth, and spawning habits of the halibut. Though highly scientific in method, the investigation has been conducted along entirely practical lines and with a close adherence to facts and the avoidance of unsupported theory or speculation. The present condition on the banks has been disclosed largely through the study of statistics, which include remarkably complete records of commercial landings for the past twelve years, and by a digest of the logs of many fishing-vessels. Such records conclusively show a * Doctor Charles H. Gilbert, Professor of Zoology at Stanford University, California, from the opening in 1891 to his retirement at the age of 65 in 1925, died on April '21st, 1928. BRITISH COLUMBIA. N 15 general decline in the abundance on all the banks. The most striking examples of depletion are found in the southerly areas, which have been fished for the longest period. The banks south of Goose Island, off the northern coast of British Columbia, are so depleted as to be relatively of little importance, whilst those of the banks off Yakutat, in Alaska, indicate depletion. The situation there is so complicated by the effect of the closed season as to be open to discussion. Comparing present conditions in Hecate Strait with those disclosed by the Provincial investigations of eleven years ago, it is shown that the catch per skate in 1906 was close to 450 lb. In 1914 it dropped to 143 lb. and in 1926 was but 47 lb. per skate. Furthermore, the records show an undiminishing rate of decline. A somewhat similar decline is shown on the Portlock bank in Alaska. The records of halibut landings in Prince Rupert of fish taken in Hecate Strait in the twelve years for which data have been compiled show a marked decline which cannot be attributed to the effect of the closed season from November 15th to February 16th, because there has been a drop in every month of the year. A further evidence of depletion of the halibut is shown by the increase in the percentage of small and immature fish landed. This is particularly the case in the catches made in Hecate Strait region. The catches from that area now include not only large quantities of " chickens " under 11 lb. in weight, but also many " baby chicks " of less than 5 lb. each. Furthermore, the statistics of the commercial catches by no means tell the whole story of the destruction of small fish, because no record is kept of the large numbers of " baby chicks " that are fatally injured by being " shacked off " the hooks as the gear is taken aboard. At all the public meetings of the Commission it was emphasized that the purpose the Commission had in mind was the desire to maintain the fishery without destroying the future supply. The meetings throughout were largely attended, and marked by a spirit of harmony and an earnest desire on the part of all concerned to co-operate with the Commission in designing measures for the preservation of the halibut-fishery. As stated, the Commission will file its first report early in 1928. The Province is represented on the Commission by its chairman, Mr. Babcock. N 16 REPORT OF THE COMMISSIONER OF FISHERIES, 1927. APPENDICES. CONTRIBUTIONS TQ THE LIFE-HISTORY OF THE SOCKEYE SALMON. (No. 13.) By Wilbert A. Clemens, Ph.D., Director, Pacific Biological Station, Nanaimo, and Lucy S. Clemens, Ph.D. INTRODUCTION. It has seemed advisable to adopt a modification in the terminology for describing the age- classes comprising the sockeye runs to the various rivers. This terminology was instituted by Gilbert* in a recent extensive publication on the sockeye runs of Alaska, and we are now adopting it in text and tables because of its simplicity and also in order to make these reports easily comparable with the Alaskan ones. In the past the points mentioned in naming the various agegroups were age at maturity and the number of years spent in fresh water, as four-years-old, one-year-in-the-lake, or five-years-old, two-years-in-the-lake. In the new terminology the points selected are the age at maturity and the year of its life in which the fish migrate from fresh water. These are used symbolically as follows : 4' and 5 , in which the 4 and 5 represent the age of the fish and the 2 and 3 the year of its life in which the fish left the fresh water. Fish which spend one year in fresh water migrate in their second year; hence the terms four-years-old, one-year-in-the-lake and 4 are synonymous. Likewise five-years-old, two-years- in-the-lake and 5 are synonyms, and so on. That age-group known as sea-type, in which the fish go to sea as fry in their first year, are designated as 3 and 4 , according as they mature at the age of 3 or 4 years. 1. THE FRASER RIVER SOCKEYE RUN OF 1927. (1.) General Characteristics. In some respects the sockeye run to the Fraser River in 1927 was very encouraging. The total pack amounted to 158,987 cases, of which 61,393 cases were packed in the Province of British Columbia and 97,594 in the State of Washington. Referring to Table I., it will be seen that this pack is almost exactly double that of 1923, from which it was largely derived. It will be further noted that the increase is proportionately divided, in that both the British Columbia and the Washington packs are double their respective amounts of 1923. This increased pack was accompanied by a large escapement to the spawning-beds of the Lower Fraser and at least to Shuswap Lake, in the Upper Fraser area. The run of 1927 would appear to arrest the alarming decline in runs of the 1911-15-19-23 series. An apparently disconcerting feature in this year's run as well as in that of 1926 is the fact that the increase is made up largely of very late-running fish. Large numbers even appeared throughout October and November. In view of the developments in the runs of the past two years it is impossible to predict the extent of the run in 1928. The packs of the recent years in this cycle—namely, in 1916, 1920, and 1924—have been slightly over 100,000 cases. There would appear to be no reason to expect a pack of less quantity than this, especially since the report of the spawning-beds in 1924 as given by Mr. Babcock showed that there had been an exceptionally good seeding in the Birkenhead and fairly large runs to Pitt and Cultus Lake areas. The material for this year's study consisted of data and scales from 1,371 sockeye salmon selected at random from April 20th to October 3rd in fifty-two samplings. (2.) Age-groups. Characteristically the 4 f and 5^ age-groups were predominant in the run of 1927, being represented by 1,262 individuals, or 92 per cent, of the total of 1,371. No specimens three years * Gilbert, Charles H., and Rich, Willis H., 1927. Investigations concerning the Red-Salmon Runs to the Karluk River, Alaska. Bull. U.S. Bur. Fish., Vol. XLIII., Part II. Wash. t See Introduction, above. LIFE-HISTORY OF SOCKEYE SALMON. N 17 of age (grilse) were recognized in the collections of 1927. Those four years of age totalled 1,159 and those five years of age 103. The data as to length and weight are given in Tables II. and III. It will be observed that the females in the 4^ class slightly outnumbered the males. The average lengths were considerably greater than those of the past three years and very slightly less than those of their progenitors in 1923. (See Table IV.) Because of an unavoidable accident it was impossible to obtain the weights of the fish after August 27th, but the data up to that time are given in Table III. In 1927 there were but fifty-two individuals in the 5 and 6 age-groups, forty-one of which were five years of age and eleven six years of age. The sea-type was represented by twenty-seven individuals three years of age and thirty individuals four years of age. The occurrence was thus quite a normal one. The data thus presented by the sampling of the run to the Fraser River in 1927 do not show any unusual features. It should be pointed out again that this analysis applies only to the early portion of the run. No means have yet been found of obtaining samples of the late fall- running fish. Table I.—Fraser River Packs, 1910-27, arranged in accordance with the Four-year Cycle. B.C 1910— 130,432 1914—198,183 1918— 19,697 1922— 51,832 1926— 85,689 Wash 248,014 338,230 '50,723 48,566 44,673 Total 398,446 533,413 70,420 100,398 130,362 B.C 1911— 58,487 1915— 91,130 1919— 38,854 1923— 31,'655 1927— 61,393 Wash 127,761 64,584 '64,346 47,402 97,594 Total 186,248 155,714 103,200 79,057 158,987 B.C 1912— 123,879 1916— 32,146 1920— 48,399 1924— 39,743 Wash 184,680 84,637 62,654 69,369 Total 308,5159 116,783 111,053 109,112 B.C 1913— 719,796 1917—148,164 1921— 39,631 1925— 35,385 Wash 1,673,099 411,538 102,967 112,023 Total 2,392,895 559,702 142,598 147,408 N 18 REPORT OF THE COMMISSIONER OF FISHERIES, 1927. ^ ■« ■8 S, p S5, 8 s 8 5 e 1^ ss B$ 8 8 ■MMtDHt-l>00t-9l0inia-t'QHO<0l-'*'*O,*Mrf riHrHrlHMMtOh^OiMOmBOi-?Nr| rH Ci Ci Ci rH '■ tO iO rti C\ rH Cl ■! ^ CO Cl !^rH^ ! Cl ^ H M H CI -tt CO Cl : ci h iq r# co ! rH !f)MH rH CO -ti a cc cc to i H rt CI IHrlCq^lO-O^Wt-^MH Cl w io ^ in ffl N ® N W *tt M M It |> b- GO -^ CO rH rlrtMrtOMrttOrt rtrt rt I ^ B < ^ i # * 'S . ,-js . hs . riN . t^n . ^s. . ^J- j ^ . rfN | ,_^ ; ^ ; r^ ; -t-f-MCOCJOJOOrtrttMCJMCOitiirtlOOCONI-CO rt rt rt rt rt iH CICICICICICICICICI^ICICICICICICICI LIFE-HISTORY OF SOCKEYE SALMON. N 19 73 C9 ¥OiMHrH0t'#t-O<MHQ0O'*WNri CO W M O IO C3 O t- IO H 9 I.O rH 00 Si o EH rH rH rH rH. 05 8. o "■5 CO 00 fe" rH sp 3 Si *£ Q El rt O (M 3 t^ V ■50 tfS Si Ol .a fe rH IO •e s e CO ^r rt CO C5 3 H IO © fe p. "3 ■a *tf IO fe ».o 8 -» ss Gfi 3 CO CD -fit P 0 > S Th >o CD Si Q ^D 3 "S © fe a o \ to rH ci : co Mio h : ri : : : : ! i : Ol 00 o Cl ffl - t> IO fe Ol •"*' oo a, e K ■ o i_o £ s r-i "# US 8 re r~t fe I !HMrlriniO®MIOHrlrl '. '. '. ', : ; .■. rH ; : : ; o CO rn § N .IO o 5 S - I : IHNWilrtiONNOlilNiiNWH CO CO -3 IS- s : : rH IO tr £ O «K OI QO io ©4 fe ^ if? cn CO .--■•■-:■ fe ^ B WCOHilO^N't<NNCOIOcON ', . '. \ \ 1-1 rH rt H H Ol N (N -61 IO iq CD CO <?q ; ; ; ; to to to o CQ ^ to 5 ■>3» Ki j. o ai oo XI -3 p p o Ph a 1 fl A >-I M) h +J "a; H -a be to "3 OJ * CQ od &H ed o H ^ s ^ rt s # ^ 1 3 1 M 1 C O rH c CN « cc ~t ^ \c i_r tt CO t» t- OC « c c T~ T- rH N 20 REPORT OF THE COMMISSIONER OF FISHERIES, 1927. Table IV.—Average Lengths, Fraser River Sockeyes, of the Age-group 4o, for a Term of Years. Males. Females. Average lengths for five years prior to 1919 25.0 24.1 Lengths in 1919 , 24.1 22.8 Lengths in 1920 24.1 23.2 Lengths in 1921 23.7 23.0 Lengths in 1922 24.0 23.0 Lengths in 1923 24.3 23.3 Lengths in 1924 23.8 22.8 Lengths in 1925 23.5 22.9 Lengths in 1926 22.6 22.3 Lengths in 1927 24.1 23.1 2. THE RIVERS INLET SOCKEYE RUN OF 1927. (1.) General Characteristics. The 1927 pack at Rivers Inlet amounted to 64,461 cases. In our report on the 1926 run we pointed out that the indications were that the 1927 run would be composed largely of four-year- old fish, and this prediction has been borne out (Table V.). The 1927 run consisted of 83 per cent, of four-year-old individuals and only 17 per cent, of five-year-olds. The average pack over the period of the past fifteen years has been 84,000 cases, so that the 1927 pack is relatively small, but probably all that could be expected from the spawnings of 1922 and 1923. There would not appear to be much hope for a large run in 1928. The escapement to the spawning-beds in 1918 was very poor, and this was shown by the analysis of the run in 1923, when the five-year-old fish formed but 24 per cent, of the run. A large run of these fish cannot be expected in 1928. In 1924 there was an exceptionally good escapement, and in that year the samplings showed that the four-year-old fish constituted approximately 44 per cent, of the catch. There should therefore be a fair return of these fish in 1928. ' (2.) Age-groups. Data and scales were obtained from 1,224 fish taken in twelve samplings from June 29th to August 3rd. The various age-groups were represented as follows: 991 individuals of the 42 group, 198 of the 52 group, 32 of the 5 group, and 3 of the 6 group (Tables VI. and VII.). The average lengths of the four-year-old males was below that of four years previously, while that of the females was slightly above. The average lengths of the five-year-old males was exactly the same as that in 1922 (Table VIII.). The average weights of the females of both the four-year and five-year-olds was considerably above that of their progenitors in 1923 and 1922 respectively (Table IX.). (3.) Distribution op the Sexes. There is no significant change in the proportion of the sexes in the age-groups. The four- year-old males outnumber the four-year-old females and the five-year-old females outnumber the five-year-old males. Since the five-year-old fish were comparatively few in numbers the percentage total of males was high—namely, 62 per cent.—and that for the females but 38 per cent. (Table X.). LIFE-HISTORY OF SOCKEYE SALMON. N 21 Table V.—Percentages of 4. and 5 Age-groups, Rivers Inlet Sockeyes, in Runs of Successive Years. Run of the Year. Percentage, Four and Five Years old. Brood-year from which derived. 1912 (112,884 cases) 1913 (61,745 cases) 1914 (89,890 cases) 1915 (130,350 eases) 1916 (44,936 cases) 1917 (61,195 eases) 1918 (53,401 cases) 1919 (56,258 cases) 1920 (121,254 cases) 1921 (46,300 cases) 1922 (60,700 cases) 1923 (107,174 cases) 1924 (94,S91 cases) 1925 (159,554 cases) 1926 (65,581 cases) 1927 (64,461 cases) 5 yrs. 79% 4 yrs. 21% 5 yrs. 20% 4 yrs. '80% 5 yrs. 65% 4 yrs. 35% ■5 yrs. 87% 4 yrs. 13% 5 yrs. 76% 4 yrs. 24% 5 yrs. 67% 4 yrs. 33% 5 yrs. 43% 4 yrs. 57% •5 yrs. 54% 4 yrs. 46% 5 yrs. 95% 4 yrs. 5% 5 yrs. 51% 4 yrs. 49% 5 yrs. 18% 4 yrs. 82% 5 yrs. 24% 4 yrs. 76% 5 yrs. S6% 4 yrs. 44% •5 yrs. 77% 4 yrs. 23% 5 yrs. 40% 4 yrs. 60% ■5 yrs. 17% 4 yrs. 83% 1907 (87,874 cases). 1908 (64,652 cases). 1909 (89,027 cases). 1910 (126,921 cases). 1911 (88,763 cases). 1912 (112,884 cases). 1913 (61,745 cases). ■ 1914 (89,890 cases). . 1915 (130,350 cases). ■ 1916 (44,936 cases). 1917 (61,195 cases). 1918 (53,401 cases). 1919 (56,258 cases). . 1920 (121,254 cases). 1921 (46,300 cases). 1922 (60,700 cases). 1923 (107,174 cases). N 22 REPORT OF THE COMMISSIONER OF FISHERIES, 1927. Table VI.—Rivers Inlet Sockeyes, Run of 1927, grouped by Age, Sex, and Length, and by their Early History. Length in Inches. Number of Individuals. M. F. M. M. M. F. Total. 19 19% 20 20% 21..., 21% 22 22% 23 23% 24 24% 25 25% 26 26% 27 27% 28 Totals Ave. lengths. 2 3 13 66 97 110 137 61 38 53 '39 17 10 3 1 670 22.1 2 8 19 48 74 62 60 28 10 321 22.4 11 7 11 17 1 1 3 8 16 14 22 22 16 11 7 4 1 72 126 23 24.6 24.2 22.5 23.2 2 3 16 76 122 16'2 217 138 140 112 82 59 48 22 15 8 1 1,224 Table VII.—Rivers Inlet Sockeyes, Run of 1927, grouped by Age, Sex, and Weight, and by their Early History. Number op Individuals. Weight in Pounds. 4 2 5 2 5 3 6 3 Total. M. F. M. F. M. F. M. F. 2% 1 5 36 136 139 83 66 59 ■ '58 ' 21 19 16 8 7 6 3 2 '5 2 22 43 •56 39 62 32 19 15 16 6 3 3 3 1 1 4 5 10 15 7 4 6 3 4 4 2 4 ■ 1 1 4 9 13 8 9 14 10 12 8 11 10 7 2 '6 3 1 3 3 4 4 2 1 3 1 1 1 2 1 4 1 .... 1 1 1 1 3 3% S 39 4 162 4% 191 158 5% 129 6 145 6% .:.:. 115 7 64 71/, 48 8 51 sy2 26 9 26 9% 10 24 12 10% 11 11 13 11% 3 12 1 Totals 670 321 72 126 23 9 3 1,224 Ave. weights 5.'3 io.S 7.3 7.6 5.7 6.8 LIFE-HISTORY OF SOCKEYE SALMON. N 23 Table VIII.—Average Lengths in Inches of Rivers Inlet Sockeyes for Sixteen Years. Year. Four-year Males. Four-year Females. Five-year Males. Five-year Females. 1912 23.2 22.9 23.0 22.9 22.9 22.5 22.3 22.4 22.9 22.5 22.4 22.3 22.2 22.8 22.1 22.8 23.0 22.8 22.8 22.8 22.3 22.5 22.3 22.6 22.4 22.3 22.3 22.2 22.9 22.4 25.8 25.9 25.9 26.0 25.8 25.0 24.9 24.8 26.0 25.2 24.6 24.6 24.9 25.5 25.1 24.'6 24.6 1913 25.2 1914.. 25.2 1915 25.1 1916 25.0 1917 24.4 1918 24.5 1919 24.4 1920 25.0 1921 24.2 1922 24.2 1923 24.1 1924 24.3 1925 24.8 1926 '24.6 1927 24.2 Table IX.—Average Weight in Pounds of Rivers Inlet Sockeyes for Thirteen Years. Year. Four-year Males. Four-year Females. Five-year Males. Five-year Females. 1914 5.4 5.3 5.5 5.0 4.9 4.9 5.2 6.0 5.0 4.9 4.6 5.2 5.3 ■5.2 5.1 5.0 4.9 5.1 4.8 4.9 5.9 4.8 4.8 4.4 5.2 5.8 7.3 7.3 7.6 6.6 6.7 6.3 6.9 7.4 6.5 6.6 6.9 «.9 7.3 6.8 1915 1 ..... 6.6 1916 6.7 1917 6.2 1918 6.7 1919 5.9 1921 6.0 1922 7.0 1923 5.9 1924 6.1 1925 6.2 1926 6.3 1927 7.6 Table X.—Relative Numbers of Males and Females, Rivers Inlet Sockeyes, of the h0 and 5^ Groups, 1915 to 1927. 1915. 1916. 1917. 1918. 1919. 1920. 1921. 1922. 1923. 1924. 1925. 1926. 1927. Average percentages— Four-year males 74 75 74 79 74 65 66 71 74 66 63 68 Four-year females... 26 25 26 21 26 35 34 29 26 34 37 32 Five-year males 40 42 49 45 48 38 3S 33 31 34 32 36 Five-year females.... 60 58 51 55 82 62 62 '67 '69 66 68 64 Percent, total females- 45 52 '53 66 ■58 49 51 61 62 50 41 51 62 Percent, total males . 55 48 47 34 42 51 49 39 38 SO 59 49 38 N 24 REPORT OF THE COMMISSIONER OF FISHERIES, 1927. 3. THE SKEENA RIVER SOCKEYE RUN OF 1927. (1.) General Characteristics and Age-groups. The pack of the Skeena River District amounted to 83,996 cases. This was somewhat below expectancy and may be associated with the failure of the run to the Lakelse area. The failure of the run to this region cannot be accounted for at the present time, and is puzzling in view of the fact that the reports from the spawning-beds in 1922 and 1923 indicated abundant seedings (Table XL). As was expected, the four-year-old fish predominated in the run, amounting to 1,330 individuals out of a total sampling of 2,131 fish, or 62 per cent. (Table XII.). The run in 1928 will be derived from the seedings of 1923 and 1924. The packs in these years were very large and the reports from the spawning-beds state that there were very large and successful spawnings. These facts alone would indicate a very large return in 1928, except that in 1923 the five-year-old fish formed but 34 per cent, of the run and in 1924 the four-year-old fish formed but 25 per cent, of the run. If, therefore, the Skeena run is composed of two distinct races, one maturing at the age of four years and the other at the age of five, the run in 1928 should not produce a pack much in excess of 80,000 cases. The percentages of the various age-groups in the run of 1927 are practically identical with those of 1926. (See Table XII.) Sixty-two per cent, of the run was composed of fish of the 4^ age-group and 28 per cent, of the 5 age-group. (2.) Lengths and Weights. The total number of fish examined in 1927 was 2,131, taken in seventeen samplings from June 21st to August 19th. The details of the examination are given in Tables XIII. to XVIII. It will be seen that in general the average lengths and weights of the various groups are very slightly above those of the progenitors. (3.) Proportions of the Sexes. The females again outnumber the males in all the year-classes except in the six-year-old class. Out of the total of 2,131 fish, there were 937 males and 1,194 females (Table XIX.). LIFE-HISTORY OF SOCKEYE SALMON. N 25 Table XI.—Percentages of 4 and 5 Age-groups, Skeena River Sockeyes, in Runs of Successive Years. Run of the Year. Percentage, Four and Five Years old. Brood-years from which derived. 1912 (92,498 cases) 1913 (59,927 cases) 1914 (130,166 cases).... 1915 (116,553 cases).... 1916 (60,923 cases) 1917 (65,760 cases) 1918 (123,322 cases).... 1919 (184,945 cases).... 1920 (90,869 cases) 1921 (41,018 cases) 1922 (96,277 cases) 1923 (131,731 cases).... 1924 (144,747 cases).... 1925 (77,784 cases) 1926 (82,360 cases) 1927 (83,996 cases) o yrs. 4 yrs. 5 yrs. 4 yrs. 5 yrs. 4 yrs. 5 yrs. 4 yrs. '5' yrs. 4 yrs. 5 yrs. 4 yrs. 5 yrs. 4 yrs. 5 yrs. 4 yrs. 5 yrs. 4 yrs. 5 yrs. 4 yrs. 5 yrs. 4 yrs. 5 yrs. 4 yrs. 5 yrs. 4 yrs. 5 yrs. 4 yrs. 5 yrs. 4 yrs. 5 yrs. 4 yrs. 43% 57% 50% 50% 75% 25% 64% 36% 60% 40% 02% 38% 59% 41% 69% 31% 82% 18% 24% 76% 19% 81% 34% 66% 75% 25% 47% 53% 30% 70% 31% 69% 1907 (108,413 eases). 1908 (139,846 cases). 1909 (87,901 cases). ■ 1910 (187,246 cases). 1911 (131,066 cases). 1912 (92,498 cases). 1913 (52,927 cases). 1914 (130,166 cases). 1915 (116,'553 cases). -1916 (60,923 cases). 1917 (65,760 cases). ■ 1918 (123,322 cases). . 1919 (184,945 cases). . 1920 (90,869 cases). 1921 (41,018 cases). 1922 (96,277 cases). 1923 (131,731 cases). N 26 REPORT OF THE COMMISSIONER OF FISHERIES, 1927. Table XII.—Percentages of the Principal Year-classes, Skeena River Sockeyes, from 1916 to 1927. One Year in Lake. Two Years in Lake. Year. Four Years old. Five Years old. Five Years old. Six Years old. 1916 34 57 51 27 15 69 70 56 23 51 02 62 38 29 34 60 71 22 16 29 '69 45 26 28 13 9 9 9 6 6 12 8 7 3 9 9 18 1917 191S 6 1919 4 1920 8 1921 3 1922..... 2 1923 7 1924 1 1925 1 1926 3 1927 1 Table XIII.—Skeena River Sockeyes, 1927, grouped by Age, Sex, and Length. Number of Individuals. Length in Inches. 4 2 8 5 3 6 3 Total. M. F. M. F. M. F. M. F. 20% 1 6 13 18 49 69 SO 120 108 74 36 17 3 11 48 109 172 187 124 62 17 '6 2 5 12 19 45 55 34 32 25 8 3 2 2 14 '25 65 63 67 61 32 15 5 1 3 8 18 17 21 13 3 1 1 2 12 24 26 21 10 2 . 1 1 3 2 3 3 2 1 1 1 1 3 2 3 1 21 6 211/. 24 22 69 22% 175 23 291 23% -"■ 24 24% 342 361 287 25 25% 223 166 26 26% 27 90 52 81 27% 28 28% 8 3 2 Totals 394 736 242 349 86 97 15 12 2,131 Ave. lengths 23.9 23.3 25.7 24.8 24.1 23.5 25.2 24.9 LIFE-HISTORY OF SOCKEYE SALMON. N 27 Table XIV.—Skeena River Sockeyes, 1927, grouped by Age, Sex, and Weight. Number of Individuals. Weight in Pounds. 4 2 5 2 5 3 e 3 Total. M. F. M. F. M. F. M. F. 31/, 4 31 89 104 170 116 54 17 8 1 41 200 237 175 69 11 2 1 3 16 31 62 47 35 23 12 8 4 1 15 50 92 83 00 29 11 3 5 11 17 27 19 4 2 1 3 ■28 36 20 2 2 1 1 3 5 3 1 1 1 1 6 2 2 1 4 4 4% 5 5% 80 348 468 529 6.- 6% 7 71/0 358 183 87 44 8 8% 9 17 8 4 9% 1 Totals 1594 736 242 349 80 97 15 12 2,131 Ave. weights 5.4 5.1 6.5 5.9 5.4 5.0 0.0 5.8 Table XV.—Average Lengths of Skeena River Sockeyes, 4 and 5 Age-groups, for Sixteen Successive Years. Year. Four-year Males. Four-year Females. Five-year Males. Five-year Females. 1912 24.6 23.5 24.2 24.2 23.9 23.6 24.1 24.3 23.8 23.8 23.6 23.7 24.1 23.6 23.8 23.9 23.5 22.9 23.4 23.5 23.6 23.2 23.3 23.4 23.2 23.1 23.2 23.1 23.3 22.8 23.4 23.3 20.4 25.5 26.2 25.9 26.2 25.5 25.9 25.7 26.2 ,25.2 25.3 25.5 26.2 25.6 25.6 25.7 25.2 1913 24.7 1914 25.1 1915 25.0 1916 25.0 1917 24.7 1918 ,. 25.0 1919 24.8 1920...., 25.3 1921 24.2 1922 1923 : 24.5 1924 25.2 1925 24.7 1926 24.8 1927 24.8 Table XVI.—Average Lengths of Skeena Sockeyes, 5 and 6 Age-groups, for Twelve Successive Years. Year. Five-year Males. Five-year Females. Six-vear Males. Six-year Females. 1916 24.1 23.9 23.9 24.3 24.1 24.2 23.8 23.9 24.7 24.1 24.6 24.1 23.8 23.8 23.4 23.4 23.4 23.4 23.3 23.2 23.6 23.3 23.8 23.0 26.2 25.4 25.2 25.8 26.2 24.9 24.6 25.6 25.8 25.8 26.0 25.2 24.8 1917 25.0 1918 24.7 1919 24.7 1920 25 1 1921 24 2 1922 24 1 1923 24.4 1924 24 8 1925 24 8 1926 25 0 1927 24 9 N 28 REPORT OF THE COMMISSIONER OF FISHERIES, 1927. Table XVII.—Average Weights of Skeena River Sockeyes, 4 for Fourteen Successive Years. and 5 Age-groups, Year. Four-year Males. Four-year Females. Five-year Males. Five-year Females. 1914 5.9 5.7 5.4 5.3 5.8 6.1 5.6 5.7 5.4 5.3 5.6 5.1 5.3 5.4 5.3 5.2 5.1 5.0 5.3 5.5 5.1 5.1 5.1 4.9 5.0 4.7 5.1 5.1 7.2 6.8 7.1 6.4 6.9 7.0 7.2 0.4 0.5 6.3 7.0 6.5 6.5 0.5 6.3 1915 6.2 1916 6.3 1917 6.0 1918 6.4 1919 .. . 6.2 1920 0.4 1921. 5.7 1922 5.7 1923 5.7 1924 6.3 1925 5.8 1926 5.8 1927 5.9 Table XVIII.—Average Weights of Skeena River Sockeyes, 5 and 6 Age-groups, for Thirteen Successive Years. Year. Five-year Males. Five-year Females. Six-year Males. Six-year Females. 1915 5.9 5.8 5.5 5.7 6.1 6.3 5.8 5.5 5.3 5.9 5.5 5.9 5.4 5.2 5.4 5.2 5.3 5.4 5.1 5.1 5.1 4.8 5.1 4.9 5.2 5.0 6.6 7.1 6.3 0.6 6.9 7.3 6.0 6.2 6.3 6.6 6.9 6.9 6.0 6.0 1916 5.9 1917 5.8 1918 6.1 1919 6.3 1920 6.3 1921 5.6 1922 5.7 1923 5.4 1924 5.8 1925 5.4 1926 6.2 1927 5.8 Table XIX.—Percentages of Males and Females in each of the Different Year-groups, Skeena River Sockeyes, in a Series of Years. Year. 4 2 I 2 5 3 6 8 M. F. M. F. M. F. M. F. 1912 54 69 60 55 70 65 63 53 41 44 52 60 50 57 40 45 46 31 40 45 30 35 37 47 59 56 48 40 50 43 60 55 42 47 47 45 43 48 46 46 37 44 41 37 43 42 43 41 58 53 53 55 57 52 54 54 63 56 59 63 57 58 57 59 56 65 61 52 43 50 52 56 46 45 48 47 44 35 39 48 57 50 48 44 54 55 52 53 54 58 56 45 41 43 53 40 46 47 49 56 1913 1914 1915 1916 46 1917 42 1918 44 1919 55 1920 59 1921 57 1922 47 1923 60 1924 54 1925.. 53 1926 51 1927 44 LIFE-HISTORY OF SOCKEYE SALMON. N 29 4. THE NASS RIVER SOCKEYE RUN OF 1927. (1.) General Characteristics. The small pack of the year 1927 demonstrates most conclusively the trend of the run of the Nass River. However loath one may be to acknowledge that this run under present conditions is doomed, still the facts remain the same, and can be interpreted in only one way; that is, instability and decline. Last year we called attention to a few signs possibly indicative of a brighter future for this river, but they amount to nothing in view of the run of 1927. The brood-year pack was large with 31,277 cases, the greatest, with but one exception, since 1916, and Inspector Hickman's report of the spawning-grounds in 1922 indicated a good seeding, yet this pack of 1927 is the second smallest on record (12,026 cases). If one could find some explanation for this and similar past occurrences the outlook might be different, for possible remedy might be found. So far no suggestion of the nature of the conditions which brings about such contradictory results can be offered. The futility of predictions from year to year is evident. If expectations could be relied upon, nothing but a very small pack could be looked for in 1928, both because the spawning-beds were poorly seeded in 1923 and also because the brood-year pack was small. In connection with this small run of 1927, it is interesting to note that when Mr. Hickman made his annual inspection of the Meziadin watershed in September he found very few indications of there having been an early run. He saw no dead, spent fish collected along the shores or floating about Meziadin Lake. Apparently the run was very small and was practically fished out, so that no appreciable number of fish was left to reach the spawning-grounds. At Meziadin Falls, Inspector Hickman saw the arrival of a late run of large-sized sockeyes, but he does not think it was sufficient to offset the failure of the early run. (2.) Age-groups. The usual eight age-groups are all present in the run of 1927 and are indicated in Tables XXI. and XXIII. Two thousand one hundred samples collected at regular intervals from June 20th to August 15th comprise the material upon which this year's analysis has been made. There is nothing of unusual interest to which attention should be called. Table XX. gives the percentages of the principal age-classes for each year from 1912 to 1927. In comparing the percentages of 1927 with those of 1926, one sees considerable increase in the 5 class and a decrease in the 6 group, but, as was pointed out last year, 1926 was unusual in having such a high percentage of older fish. A glance at the following tabulation, in which the data of Table XX. have been combined into three time intervals of five years each, shows that 1927 conforms rather closely to the general averages for the last five-year period, 1922-26. One Year in Lake. Two Years in Lake. Four Years old. Five Years old. Five Years old. Six Years old. 1912-16 1917-21 11 13 11 22 15 7 62 65 77 5 7 1922-26. (3.) Lengths and Weights. Except for the very small size of the run, that of 1927 is normal in all respects and a study of it adds nothing new, but simply confirms the analyses of former years. The lengths and weights are fully tabulated in Tables XXI. and XXIII. In 1927, as in past years, the general averages have been maintained. (See Tables XXII. and XXIV.) This maintenance of size is a racial character and is not true of the runs of the other river systems, in which a noticeable reduction in size occurs from year to year. Another racial characteristic is brought out in Table XXV. In the Nass, the size of the fish seems to be directly linked with age; for instance, the smallest fish are three years old and the largest are seven years old, with the intermediate sizes arranged according to increasing age. In the Fraser, Skeena, and Rivers Inlet, size apparently is not related to age, but to the number of years spent N 30 REPORT OF THE COMMISSIONER OF FISHERIES, 1927. feeding at sea. For example, all fish having lived three years in the ocean are approximately the same size, and similarly those having had four years of sea-life are of almost identical size. The average length of the 5 's of the 1927 Fraser River fish is low and looks like an exception, but it is probably due to the fact that nineteen fish only were available for the basis of the average. Tables XXVI. and XXVII. give additional evidence of the close relation between size and age in fish of the Nass River. The average lengths and weights of the principal age-groups for the last nine years are tabulated according to age, and we find the corresponding size correlation; that is, generally speaking, the youngest fish are the smallest and the oldest fish are the largest. (4.) Seasonal Changes during the Run. It is interesting to find year after year that, in spite of its instability and complexity, the Nass run exhibits remarkable uniformity in the seasonal succession of the various age-groups; 5 is the dominant group and is present throughout the entire run, but with varying intensity. Two other classes also found throughout the run are the 4 's and 5 's. Their maximum numbers occur during the second and third weeks of July. The sea-type groups are found during the early part of the run and the six- and seven-year-old fish are present only in the later weeks (Table XXVIII.). (5.) The Meziadin and Bowser Lake Sockeye Colonies. In September, according to his usual custom, Inspector Hickman gathered sockeye material from Meziadin Falls and from the Nass River above its junction with the Meziadin. As was the case in 1926, although the Nass was fished with a set-net continuously for eight days, only a very small number of sockeyes were taken. This Bowser material is so very small in amount that a comparison between the two colonies is hardly warranted. However, Tables XXX. and XXXI. support one claim of difference between the two; that is, that the Meziadin fish are larger than the Bowser. It is interesting to note again this year that these large late-running and probably older fish are especially associated with Meziadin Lake, for none of them were netted in the Nass River. If Bowser Lake is an important spawning area it must be for the early, and not the late, rim of fish. The second distinction between these colonies—namely, that the Meziadin population remains longer in the fresh water than does the Bowser colony—is true as far as the data go, but they are altogether too incomplete to make satisfactory interpretations. (See Table XXIX.) Table XX.—Percentages of Principal Age-groups present in the Nass River Sockeye Run from 1912 to 1927. Year. Percentage op Individuals that spent One Year in Lake. Four Years old. Five Years old. Two Years in Lake. Five Years old. Six Years old. 1912 (36,037 cases). 1913 (23,574 cases). 1914 (31,327 cases). 1915 (39,349 cases). 1916 (31,411 eases).. 1917 (22,188 cases).. 1918 (21,816 eases).. 1919 (28,259.eases). 1920 (16,740 cases). 1921 (9,364 cases)... 1922 (31,277 eases). 1923 (17,821 cases). 1924 (33,590 cases). 1925 (18,945 cases). 1926 (15,929 cases). 1927 (12,026 cases) 15 4 19 9 10 30 7 8 10 6 11 4 23 12 8 27 12 41 14 17 15 16 22 14 7 2 6 3 8 12 7 63 71 45 59 66 71 45 65 72 75 91 77 91 67 63 81 2 2 10 1 6 2 2 13 4 LIFE-HISTORY OF SOCKEYE SALMON. N 31 e 3 •a 8 e 8 to 05 ri 05 a^ s H ■a Eh rf i-i CO KS (0 TH r^ CO to -tH fc- to 1- o o 4a ai ca i-l r-l ~ CiCOCOCOCOiOtr-rHCSiCOrH o rH Ci CO •* -^ Ci rH H oi fe -t rH rti 01 a : : : ; : co ! m i> to >o ri n h cc to IO ?1 o .o fe CO Ol CO . fc. « S Ol fe' - a « 1 3D &' J < OO a a 03 : a 3r, 33, O a or fe P CD tt <N 0 to 3D S3 ,: CD p rH rH :■■' ^ 3 ■■* Ol fe :: : iqococdcooicjoscothoi H CD : : ; : ^ t- w oi w © co IO rn Ol rH (M cc Ol S • ; ; -H©HN«HiOiMCOiOCO CO ; : i : rH ■* co th io co to oi cc CO Ci rH rH fc. ot : : iTricocDriior-i-^co^ i ri r- Ol fe : : : hh ri h : 5C IO ot ■ : I ! ', -rH ', ! t- O O H 1- M •* i-i Q CO a : : : : ; ; h a th th Ot CD Ol fe lit Ol ■* 01 ■M a rH Ci rfi Ol rP 4-) M> CC Sa V « bnoi a a ■f- 01t-t J E- -4 s ^ ^ tf! tf! tf! tf! tf ! ! tf ! i ^ rH Ci Cl ?0 CO -HH rH IC IO CD tD h h 00 Of CO cr o o Ci a CM Ol Ol o Pi Ci (M o §* Ol $i IN OJ CN CN co o- N 32 REPORT OF THE COMMISSIONER OF FISHERIES, 1927. Table XXII.—Nass River Sockeyes, Average Lengths of Principal Classes from 1912 to 1927. 4o 8 2 5 3 6 3 M. F. M. F. M. F. M. F. 1912 (inches) 1913 24.6 24.1 24.6 24.0 24.5 23.4 25.0 24.9 24.0 24.3 24.2 24.3 24.7 24.4 24.9 24.9 23.3 23.5 22.7 23.5 23.3 23.2 24.3 24.1 23.4 23.5 23.4 23.7 23.8 23.8 24.1 24.2 26.5 25.6 26.1 25.9 26.4 25.5 25.7 26.2 26.3 25.5 25.6 25.9 26.2 , 25.9 26.1 25.3 25.1 24.8 25.1 25.2 25.0 24.7 24.7 25.2 25.0 24.3 24.6 25.3 24.9 24.7 25.3 25.2 26.2 26.0 26.3 26.5 26.5 25.3 25.9 26.5 26.7 26.2 25.7 26.2 26.3 25.9 26.1 26.3 25.4 25.2 25.5 25.9 25.6 24.7 25.0 25.'8 25.9 25.6 25.0 25.5 25.4 25.0 25.3 25.9 27.0 26.0 26.9 26.6 27.9 26.5 27.2 27.9 27.4 27.9 28.0 27.2 28.0 26.9 27.9 27.6 25.6 26.6 1914 „ 25.6 1915 „ 25.3 1916 „ 25.7 1917 25.5 1918 „ 25.2 1919 „ 26.7 1920 „ 25.9 1921 „ 26.2 1922 „ 25.9 1923 „ 26.5 1924 „ 25.4 1925 „ 25.4 1926 „ 27.0 1927 ,, 26.5 LIFE-HISTORY OF SOCKEYE SALMON. N 33 ■a § f as 55 CO 03 to fe I i-i &! H H 8 to o. CO cc i- C- cc cr Tt « -t r- 5 Ht-cOffilOHOliXM 4 O 01 t}h io TtH rH H H ^ fe Th CO IO H a \ rH rH tO Ci CO rH rti \ rH '. ', co 00 CO CD fe H CO fc- CO s >o fe rt :::::::: h : rH : PJ fe ?* J < p CD 0 3 M W fc o fe Cl t- ffl CO fc a j ; ipicDt-tD-xtp^mH CO CO coiooco-^cocooi : : : : rH Ol CO rti Oi tO rH Ci \ 1 \ I cn cp IO H6| fl H GO £ IHCOWHOIOOJffiM j : o OS : rH Qi a co co To i : CD ri Ol H p- i^oio-^to-^rH : : : • t- CO : tfiriri : : : ; cO to ri IriflCOOfc-CSOSCO \ ', \ cO rH : a rH th : : : 00 fc- fe rti ci p n « H h ; : : : : lO 00 id Cl 3 ri w o t-cj o ci : : : : : rH Ol * p A M •a p > r% > o < H tf! ^ tf! tf! * ^ 1 «* tr tr cc tc t- t- OC a c c N 34 REPORT OF THE COMMISSIONER OF FISHERIES, 1927. Table XXIV.—Nass River Sockeyes, Average Weights of Principal Classes from 1914 to 1927. 4 2 5 2 53 63 M. F. M. F. M. F. M. F. 1914 (pou 1915 , 6.2 5.6 6.0 5.3 6.3 6.0 5.6 6.0 5.9 5.8 5.9 5.9 6.0 6.2 5.0 5.2 5.3 5.3 5.8 5.5 5.2 5.4 3.4 5.2 5.4 5.4 5.4 ■5.8 7.4 6.9 7.2 6.8 7.2 6.6 7.4 6.9 6.8 6.7 7.2 6.8 6.9 7.1 6.5 6.4 6.3 6.2 6.3 5.9 6.3 6.1 6.2 6.1 6.1 6.1 6.2 6.3 7.2 7.0 7.2 6.3 7.2 6.7 7.4 6.9 6.8 6.6 6.8 6.7 6.7 6.9 6.5 6.6 6.2 5.8 6.4 6.1 6.7 6.3 6.3 6.0 6.1 6.0 6.0 6.2 7.9 7.2 8.1 7.3 8.3 7.8 7.9 7.7 8.1 7.2 8.0 7.4 7.8 7.8 6.8 6.5 1916 , 6.4 1917 , 6.4 1918 6.7 1919 , 6.7 1920 , 7.0 1921 , 6.6 1922 , 6.6 1923 , 6.8 1924 , 6.5 1925 , 6.3 1926 7.1 1927 7.0 Table XXV.—Nass, Fraser, and Skeena Rivers and Rivers Inlet Sockeyes, 1923, 1926, and 1927, grouped by Number of Years spent on the Sea-feeding Grounds. Age. Nass. Fraser. Skeena. Eivers Inlet. M. F. M. F. M. F. M. F. 3 Year 1923. Three years at sea— Inches. 23.1 24.3 26.2 25.5 25.9 27.2 Inches. 22.4 23.7 25.5 24.3 25.3 26.5 Inches. 23.0 24.0 23.5 25.5 25.8 ,25.4 Inches. 22.6 23.0 22.7 24.2 24.1 24.3 Inches. 23.7 23.9 25.3 25.6 Inches. 23.1 23.2 24.5 24.4 Inches. 22.4 23.0 24.6 Inches. 4 5 4 One-year-in-lake type Four years at sea— 22.3 23.0 24.1 6 Two-years-in-lake type Year 1926. 3 Three years at sea— 23.7 24.9 .26.1 24.5 26.1 27.9 22.3 24.1 25.3 24.0 25.3 27.0 23.4 22.6 23.2 25.4 24.6 25.5 22.5 22.3 22.4 24.6 24.0 23.7 23.8 24.6 25.6 26.0 23.4 23.8 24.8 25.0 22.8 22.9 25.1 25.6 4 22.9 5 4 Two-years-in-lake type .. Four years at sea— 23.1 24.6 6 Two-years-in-lake type 26.8 Year 1927. 3 Three years at sea— 23.4 24.9 26.3 25.6 26.3 27.6 23.5 24.2 25.9 24.1 25.2 26.5 23.4 24.1 21.7 25.1 26.1 25.3 22.2 23.1 22.0 24.5 24.6 24.6 23.9 24.1 25.7 25.2 23.3 23.5 24.8 24.9 22.1 22.5 24.6 4 5 4 One-year-in-lake type Two-years-in-lake type , Four years at sea— 22.4 23.2 5 6 One-year-in-lake type Two-years-in-lake type .. 24.2 24.3 LIFE-HISTORY OF SOCKEYE SALMON. N 35 a. S Tj I a Vi ■"J aa n* H H ■3 El •d © © o fe CO : t» tn 01 0* u ai 9 p . 01 : oi © t* r% t^ : cd os <U oi Ol Ol m IO t- IO Th IO r# CO 00 Q rH fe CD CO CD to IO CD id id t- O101OlOl£l01O3OlOl CO 01 ■* CD 2 ri C!C£>05Olrir-1C0t-CC COCOCDCO'cOt^CDCOCD CO CO o oif4oioioioioioioi 01 03 h t-- OS Ol OS IO tH ?h © lp 01 fe to" id cd to co id id t-^ co co' tfi CO CO OlOlOlOlOlOlOlOlOl 01 OSThOSp^<P<7SCSCC CD ri t^t^t^COt^COCDt^t- oioioioioioioioioi Ol B3 A, O O i cc os cp o to ^h o co o: UP fe to td to to to id id td io id pioioioioioioioioi 01 & o CO ra n 2 lpt>Oll>01COOSriC0 01 o ri CDCOCDidcDCDIOCOrty; CO ^ Oioioioioioioioioi Ol rH *-. •z. a CD M tH w CU C^ocotoeocst^cooi OS w t> fe IO IO rf Th IO Th Th id io rf fe eioioioloioioaoioi <M K M S IO h5 H ^ OlCOIOCpOSOIOSriCO © O eo eo »d id id cd id co to CD *<1 ffl oioioicioioioiojoi 01 s -fl] rH '. CO IO CO : © ^ rH fe to : co cd rf I Th Th rf a ■ m oi oi ■ * oi oi 01 V 13 O t-h : oi to to : io co H ri eo : Th -^ io ; ^ ic id CO o? ■ oi oi oi • ' Ol Ol Ol Eri (rf (H P o riThVOTht-COCOriOJ 00 fe* Thcocdcdcococo Th*Th CO fe T*1 ^i^ioioioioioioioi 01 csocooicot-Thoso: to £5 010101C<1010101010 Th" 01 2 i ^ : co ic: 3 fe" : oi i oi co tn u a • ' ci ' ' • • Ol Ol • r-l CO £ <D rH t-; Tf ; U ri CO CO o- : rP ' ' oi ■ • ■ ■ Ol OJ 1 H DO rP H-i M u P a 0> <D \* CO OSOriOlCO^IOCOt- $ riOlOlOlOlOlOlOlO aciCiaciCiCiCic i t* i- T- 1- 1- T- i- r- r 1 N 36 REPORT OF THE COMMISSIONER OP FISHERIES, 1927. x\ to :::::: co : o GO fe t- t- ■ 9 3 p at ri > <D fc- b- os 00 X/l a. S o ©tfsiococoto©oioi CO fc. fe t^COCOC0©©©CDt- © to ** ^ to ■a x\ ^ t-;CO©lOt^cO00p0© ^t*l^^©t^cpcp^ Ol ■g tn u ■1 W H b>©oepootocorio b^ m fe cot^cpcocococdt^t^ © on CO CD r& to to • C00St-;ri01©ThC0Q0 b- l«=i t-^t-t-odi>o6t^t-t> t- 03 h ■& p e O t- a rib-C0C0©ri©©O! 01 to O fe C0©CO©CO©CD©CD CO "I '33 « o M IO s a to a 2* ri b-Tj*o:cocpcot^t-.os CO 8 o o "3 Ot"*©©©©©©© © to Ph m =0 a cd to" EH e» VI cu > OSCOriOlriririOlcO rH ^ w fe* id CO CO © CD cc CO © CD to Sa fe -to 3 IO to a. s tos a < ffl > ri ©■«hO500t^O100CSri ©t^opai^cDot^ Qi co fc < si 1 fe t» : to to to : : t> © ira • to to to ' • io io CO Os >H ■^ or? to T3 ri Th : os ri © ! ; os co CO *o © ! to © t^ • ■ to © CD to to to od 0) O PH CQ (J o )OOlTh^ciTh'Th-*(/3 th &. fe td id to to id id id id to >d ' fe s V 00 00 . ©©©oscoososooi OS e & cd to co id id id id © © id 1 £ rd ::©:::: io : o fe • • rti • • ' • rti ■ N tn U H to CD ccH tO at : : © : : : : io m e 6i fH S ' 'to ■ • ■ ' 1(? IO GO rP by u "<u CD r3 M CO OS©ri01CO-hlO©t- 5 rioioioioioioioioi ■< osososososcscscsos I- I- I- r- r- i- i- rH LIFE-HISTORY OF SOCKEYE SALMON. N 37 Table XXVIII.- -Number of Individuals of each Class of Nass River Sockeyes running at Different Dates in 1927. Date. 4 2 52 5a 63 % \ \ \ Number of Individuals examined. June 20 3 4 4 7 9 12 16 17 9 24 14 9 '13 2 8 3 2 12 8 1 13 8 7 9 8 12 14 17 15 8 6 1 3 4 1 70 65 39 148 86 112 97 98 87 58 112 86 93 95 56 152 95 62 1 2 2 1 2 3 2 7 5 9 6 5 10 7 9 2 2 2 5 2 2 30 33 13 13 6 1 2 1 1 120 June 21 113 June 24 55 June 28 . 182 July 1 108 July 4 129 July 8 122 July 12 122 120 July 19 83 July 22 161 July 25 120 July 29 119 120 64 175 113 74 156 147 1,611 71 4 2 9 .100 2,100 Table XXIX.—Percentages of Meziadin and Botvser Lake Runs, showing Different Number of Years in Fresh Water. Years in Lake. No. of Specimens. One Year. Two Years. Three Years. Meziadin, 1922 13 2 6 40 33 18 16 27 22 80 84 76 93 94 60 64 79 80 '5>o 78 20 3 24 ■5 3 3 4 18 10 Meziadin, 1923 63 160 43 Meziadin, 1927 85 Bowser, 1922 * 15 Bowser, 1923 Bowser, 1924 41 34 45 Bowser, 1926 Bowser, 1927 11 9 Table XXX.- -Average Lengths of the Meziadin and Bowser Lake Sockeyes for the Years 1924-27. Year. Meziadin Lake. BowsEtt Lake. M. F. M. F. 1924 .... 26.8 28.1 27.1 25.7 26.3 25.8 25.5 23.8 25.9 24.7 23.6 1925 23.3 1926 24.8 1927 23.7 N 38 REPORT OF THE COMMISSIONER OF FISHERIES, 1927. Table XXXI.—The Lengths of Individuals comprising the Meziadin and, Bowser Lake Runs in 1927. Length in Inches. Ndmbek of Individuals from Meziadin Lake. Bowser Lake. M. F. M. F. 3 1 5 13 7 5 3 2 1 5 1 1 2 11 8 6 3 3 3 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 22 % . 1 23% 1 24 1 24% 25 25% . 26 26% 27 1 27% 28 28% 29 ■29 JA Totals 45 40 4 27.1 25.8 24.7 23.7 GENERAL REMARKS. There appear to be two general tendencies in the sockeye-salmon runs to the river systems under consideration. The first is a gradual reduction in average size of the fish, especially marked in the case of the Fraser River fish but not evident in the Nass River runs. This condition may have been brought about by the selective action of the gear used, since up to this time a regulation has been in force prohibiting the use of nets of smaller mesh than 5% inches. Reports from spawning-beds generally have indicated the presence of large numbers of small males which doubtless had escaped the nets. The restriction as to size of mesh will be removed after 1928. If smaller mesh is used thereafter the smaller fish should be gradually reduced in numbers. However, the capture of these smaller fish will mean a smaller average size in the records during the coming years and we shall be entering upon a new series of data. A second tendency is toward the development of late runs, again particularly pronounced in the case of the Fraser River. It appears that late-running fish are little, if any, interfered with by fishing operations and they are gradually increasing in numbers. The situation merits careful consideration. We cannot bring this paper to a conclusion without reference to the untimely death of Dr. Charles H. Gilbert. He will always be remembered as the pioneer in the sockeye-salmon investigations of British Columbia. To his detailed, laborious studies over a period of years we owe almost entirely our present knowledge of the life-histories of the sockeye of our waters. He instituted and developed this series of annual reports of the runs to our principal salmon- streams. These studies constitute one of the most detailed continuous records of any fishery in existence. All of his reports are storehouses of most valuable information, for to this work Dr. Gilbert brought his keen intellect and his broad biological training. His death is indeed a great loss and one which will be felt by all who are interested in the conservation of the salmon of the Pacific Coast. SPAWNING-BEDS OF FRASER RIVER. N 39 THE SPAWNING-BEDS OF THE FRASER RIVER. Hon. William Sloan, Commissioner of Fisheries, Victoria, B.C. Sib,—I have the honour to submit the following report of my twenty-fifth yearly inspection of the sockeye-salmon fishing and spawning areas of the Fraser River, made during the year 1927 :— The Catch in the Fraser River System.—The catch of all species of salmon in the Provincial waters of the Fraser River system this year produced a pack of 284,378 cases, as against 274,951 cases in 1926, 276,855 cases in 1925, 212,059 cases in 1924, and 226,869 cases in the fourth preceding year, 1923. The pack consisted of 61,393 cases of sockeye, 18,453 cases of springs, 24,079 cases of cohoes, 102,536 cases of pinks, 67,259 cases of chums, and 10,658 cases classed in pack statements as " bluebacks and steelheads." The pack of sockeye was the second largest made since 1917. It was 24,296 cases less than in 1926 and 29,738 cases greater than in the preceding fourth year. The pack of pinks—it was a " pink " year—was 2,736 cases greater than in the brood-year 1925. The pack of chums was 21,206 cases less than in 1926 and the cohoe-pack was 2,668 cases greater than in the brood- year 1924. The catch of sockeye in the State of Washington waters of the Fraser River system in 1927 produced a pack of 97,594 cases, as against 44,673 cases in 1926, 112,023 cases in 1925, 69,369 cases in 1924, and 47,402 cases in 1923. The total catch of sockeye in the entire Fraser River system in 1927 produced a pack of 158,987 cases, the largest since 1917. It was 50,192 cases greater than in the preceding fourth year. The catches of sockeye made in Provincial waters of the Fraser River system in 1927 again illustrated the tendency towards a late run. Of the 61,393 cases packed this year, 2,412 cases were packed in July, 13,381 cases in August, 37,565 cases in September, and 8,035 cases in October. Over 70 per cent, consisted of sockeye caught after September 1st. Before the sockeye run to the Fraser was so depleted the pack was made from fish caught before August 25th, and comparatively few were caught later. Only in a few of the big years were sockeye in numbers taken from the Fraser in September and October. The Spawning Areas of the Fraser River.—As in previous years, the inspections of the sockeye-spawning areas of the Fraser River basin were made in August, September, October, and November. In addition to the information gained from personal observation, I am greatly indebted to Major J. A. Motherwell, Dominion Chief Inspector of Fisheries in the Province, for furnishing me copies of the spawning reports made him by his many assistants stationed at important points in the Fraser basin, and I am also indebted to members of the Provincial Police and to many white and Indian residents on the Fraser and its numerous lake-fed tributaries for valuable information. I saw and heard of fewer sockeye in the spawning area of the Fraser basin above Hell's Gate Canyon in August and September of this year than in any one of the preceding twenty-four years in which I have hunted there for them in those months. It was like hunting for a needle in a haystack. In most of the lakes in the Upper Fraser basin, which includes Stuart, Fraser, Francois, Quesnel, Seton, Anderson, and Shuswap, visited in August and September, I did not see or hear of more than a few hundred sockeye in any of them. The reports made to Major Motherwell indicate that a few thousand sockeye spawned in the Horsefly River, a tributary of Quesnel Lake, in October, but sockeye were not reported as having been seen in any other tributary of that great lake. In this connection it should be noted that in the big years, when the Fraser produced more sockeye than any other river in the world, the runs of sockeye to the Upper Fraser basin were always greatest in August and September, and that with the exception of Seton, Anderson, and Shuswap Lakes comparatively few sockeye reached there after September. So few sockeye have reached the upper lake sections of the Fraser since 1913 that it is being forgotten what vast numbers spawned in their tributaries in past big years, and that up to 1906 a considerable number spawned in them in the lean years. It should be remembered that over 4,000,000 sockeye were noted as they entered Quesnel Lake in N 40 REPORT OF THE COMMISSIONER OF FISHERIES, 1927. 1909, and that the numbers which reached Chilko Lake that year were approximately as great. Even in 1913, the year of the disastrous blockade in Hell's Gate Canyon, over 550,000 sockeye were counted as they entered Quesnel Lake in August, and the reports of that year indicate that as great a number reached both Chilko and Shuswap Lakes. Those which entered Quesnel and Chilko in August of 1913 consisted of fish which passed through Hell's Gate during high water in July before the blockade became effective, and those which reached Shuswap consisted of fish that were assisted over the blockade late in the season. In view of the foregoing records it is apparent that there is little warrant for terming a run of a few thousand to any of those lakes " a good run," or to forecast a good return from their spawning. There can be no considerable return four years hence from the sockeye that spawned in the Quesnel, Chilko, Stuart, Fraser, Francois, Seton, or Anderson Lakes this year. The Sockeye Run to Shuswap Lake Section.—As already stated, no sockeye are known to have reached the Shuswap area in August and September this year. However, a considerable number made their appearance in Little and Adams Rivers about the middle of October. In company with Dominion Fishery Officer Shotton I saw them spawning in those waters on October 25th. The waters in both rivers were much higher than in 1926, with the result that the flsh were more scattered and it was more difficult to form an estimate of their numbers. I formed the opinion that the number there was less than in 1926—that approximately some 100,000 were seen spawning there this year. The fish we saw there were strictly of the upper river type, which formerly spawned in vast numbers in all the great lakes of the Fraser above Hell's Gate. TEey were large, strong fish with carmine-red bodies and green heads and tails. The females were nearly as highly coloured as the males. They were much more highly coloured than any of the sockeye which spawn in the Birkenhead River, at the head of the Harrison-Lillooet Lakes section, though they were about the same in size. They were very much larger and far more highly coloured than any of the races of sockeye which spawn in Cultus, Morris, and Pitt Lakes, or any other area in the Lower Fraser. In this connection it is well to recall that in Dr. Gilbert's report of 1918, page 13, referring to the fish-lakes of the lower basin, he states that " We affirm without qualification that they are as distinctly populated as though located in separate streams independently entered from the sea." Notwithstanding that it was believed that every few sockeye spawned in the Shuswap or any other area in the Fraser above Hell's Gate four years ago, I am of the opinion that the fish that we saw spawning in Adams and Little Rivers this year were the product of fish that spawned in the upper river-basin four years ago. Hell's Gate.—Conditions at Hell's Gate Canyon in the Fraser were under constant observation throughout the season. Dominion Fishery Officer T. E. Scott, who has been stationed there since 1913, advised Major Motherwell that very few sockeye were seen there in July and in August, that but a limited number were to be seen there in September, and that a considerable number of sockeye reached the Gate early in October and passed through with no delay. Presumably the latter were the fish that were later noted in Adams and Little Rivers, Shuswap area. On October 25th Officer Scott reported that a very large run—" the largest run seen there in some years "—reached the Gate. Water conditions were, however, unfavourable, and many of the fish, which appeared in good condition, were not seen passing through—" either the fish had no inclination to do so, or they were not strong enough." That some of them did pass the Gate at that time is evidenced by the fact that sockeye in numbers were seen shortly afterward in both the Fraser and the Thompson above Lytton. What became of the fish in this late October run that are supposed not to have passed through the canyon is problematical, as no dead were observed at the Gate or below it, and no dead or living fish were seen dropping down-stream. However, Officer Scott reports that from the end of November to December 10th some thousands of sockeye flsh which closely resembled those seen at the Gate entered and spawned in Kawkawa Lake, a small lake near Hope. They differed notably from those which ordinarily spawn in that lake in August and September. He had never known sockeye to enter that lake so late in the year. The number of females greatly outnumbered the males. Where the sockeye spawned that passed through Hell's Gate late in October and November, and which were seen in the Fraser and Thompson above Lytton, is unknown, notwithstanding that Provincial and Dominion officers tried to locate them. They were not seen in either Shuswap or Seton Lakes, or reported from any other lake section. SPAWNING-BEDS OF FRASER RIVER. N 41 The Run to the Birkenhead.—The early run of sockeye to the Birkenhead River, at the head of the Harrison-Lillooet Lakes section, was distinctly disappointing—the smallest September run in years. Some uneasiness was felt until October, when a good run began and equalled in numbers those that have spawned in that section for many years. The Birkenhead is the only section in the Fraser basin where the run of sockeye shows no sign of diminishing. The egg collections at the Birkenhead totalled 37,000,000 and the beds were naturally abundantly seeded. All but in colour the sockeye which spawn in the Birkenhead closely resemble the fish that have spawned in Adams and Little Rivers in each of the last two years—fine, large, well- conditioned flsh. I am indebted to Major Motherwell for the following statement showing the number of salmon-eggs collected from the Fraser and other streams this year:—■ Salmon-egg Collections, British Columbia Hatchekies, 1927. Hatchery. Sockeye Salmon. Spring Salmon. Cohoe Salmon. 8,550,170 7,800,000 3,860,000 3,301,500 37,000,000 5,249,000 20,649,000 3,526,000 5,000,000 1,134,000 525,000 Rivers Inlet Totals 94,935,670 1,134,000 525,000 Respectfully submitted. Victoria, December 30th, 1927. John Pease Babcock, Assistant to the Commissioner. N 42 REPORT OF THE COMMISSIONER OF FISHERIES, 1927. THE SPAWNING-BEDS OF THE SKEENA RIVER. Hon. William Sloan, Commissioner of Fisheries, Victoria, B.C. Sir,—With reference to conditions on the spawning-beds of the Skeena River this year, I beg to forward the following information kindly supplied by the Hatchery Superintendents at Babine and Lakelse Lakes :— Babine Lake.—The sockeye run to all creeks in this area was good, every creek being well seeded and up to the average in numbers. The fish were about ten days late in making their appearance and the run lasted till fifteen days later than usual. The run to Hatchery Creek was large in comparison to the average year. The fences were removed in this creek on September 24th and the sockeye continued to enter the creek in numbers until October 15th. The last sockeye were seen spawning on October 26th. Some 7,800,000 sockeye-eggs were collected for the hatchery, of which 750,000 were planted in Salmon Creek, at the head of Morrison Lake. Weather conditions were ideal during the spawning season, the water being low, which ensures protection from freshets later. The run of pinks and cohoes was also good to this area, a larger number of cohoes than usual being seen in Hatchery Creek. Lakelse Lake.—The sockeye-spawning season in the Lakelse Lake District was a very disappointing one. The total sockeye-eggs collected for the hatchery only amounted to 3,500,000, nearly all of which were taken at Schullabuchan and Williams Creeks. The fish were much later than usual in appearing off the fences. Spawning operations continued well into October until a severe freshet washed away the fences, allowing about 800 fish to proceed to the upper waters. Little results are anticipated from this natural seeding, however, owing to the many severe freshets encountered later. Apparently there is no known reason for such a poor run of sockeye and it would appear that something out of the ordinary has been responsible for such a small return to Lakelse Lake District this season. The Dominion authorities have, however, placed 6,000,000 sockeye-eggs in the hatchery, being forwarded from the South, which will supplement to some extent the small natural collection of 3,500,000. I have, etc., R. Gibson, Constable i/c Port Essington Detachment. SPAWNING-BEDS OF RIVERS INLET. N 43 THE SPAWNING-BEDS OF RIVERS INLET. Hon. William Sloan, Commissioner of Fisheries, Victoria, B.C. Sir,—I have the honour to submit my report upon the inspection of the Rivers Inlet watershed for the year 1927. In my report for 1922, one of the brood-years from which this year's run of sockeye was derived, attention was drawn to the unsatisfactory state of the head rivers, comprising the Indian, Cheo, and Washwash. An improvement had been noted in 1923, but the combined spawning of both years hardly warranted looking for a big return; yet such did happen, as will be shown by the following, and is largely due to the measures adopted by the Dominion Fisheries in planting eyed eggs from the hatchery and liberating the young fry into each stream. That they were successful in the Indian and Washwash there is no doubt, since the spawning-beds have been fully restored from the depletion which was all too apparent in the brood-years. In order to examine the rivers at the height of the spawning it was necessary to leave much earlier than usual, so, making the necessary arrangements, we left for the head of the lake on September 11th. Making camp, the examination of Indian River was undertaken first. It is restricted in size, but makes up for this handicap by spawning-beds unsurpassed by any river or creek on the lake. In the clear water, from the windfall near the mouth up to the falls about half a mile distant, sockeye in a teeming mass covered every available foot of gravel. It was indeed a wonderful showing of fish and equalled the big-year runs. In size they averaged about 5 to 6 lb., closely corresponding to tests made at the canneries in the beginning of the fishing season, when the sockeye averaged fifteen to sixteen to the case. Males outnumbered the females two to one. The spawning-grounds of the Cheo River, which cover an area of 3% miles, did not contain so many sockeye as on the Indian River, but nevertheless a fair run had taken possession of the beds. They could be seen spawning on the gravel-bars above each riffle, and again in between the log-jam and the falls. The fish were small like those on the Indian, the males and females being aboujt equally divided in numbers. No obstructions impeded the movement of the salmon up-stream. The Washwash River, lying over on the extreme right of the lake, was again in a deplorable state of chaos. Windfalls and log-jams covered the lower portion in every direction; this, however, did not prevent the sockeye reaching the spawning-beds above, as was evidenced by the immense numbers depositing their ova on the gravel-bars to within a short distance of the falls 2 miles distant. A big school of spring salmon had taken possession of the beds, all ranging from 30 to 60 lb. in weight. The run of sockeye is a great improvement on the numbers which returned in the brood-years and is an indication of the beneficial results obtained from the egg-planting carried out for some years by the hatchery, and to which I have already referred. In size they represented a very much higher average than those met with on the other streams. Males outnumbered the females two to one. There were no sockeye in the Sunday Creek or Sheemahant River, as it was too early in the spawning season, so postponed the inspection until after my return from Smith Inlet. Weather conditions were extremely unfavourable when I did arrive back and continually delayed the inspection. The rivers were so high that it was impossible to accurately estimate the run, and in some cases it was necessary to make repeat visits. The Dalley River, situated about 7 miles from the mouth of the lake, and directly opposite Quap, contained a run of sockeye equal to the fine showing of fish which returned in 1922-23; the gravel-beds up to the falls 4% miles distant being covered with a living mass of sockeye. They were undersized fish averaging 5 to 6 lb., the males outnumbering the females two to one. This stream is free from all obstructions. Crossing to Quap, indications outside pointed to a very big run of sockeye, but the water was so high none would come into the river and the hatcherymen were compelled to wait patiently until the lake had gone down. Going on to Asklum River, situated about 12 miles up, it was satisfactory to note so many sockeye on the spawning-beds. The lower part of the river near the mouth did not contain many fish, but the upheaval of the bars indicated abundant spawning prior to my visit. Farther up the sockeye were noted in large numbers, all in an N 44 REPORT OF THE COMMISSIONER OF FISHERIES, 1927. advanced stage of spawning, males and females being about equally represented. In size they were not up to the average. If the recent " freshet" had not uncovered the eggs from those fish that had already spawned out, thereby causing considerable damage, the fine run of sockeye manifest all the way up should result in a big return four and five years hence. No obstructions impeded the movement of the fish up-stream. The Machmell River, one of the largest tributaries of the lake, was in " freshet," and it was necessary to wait until the river had gone down before attempting to cross into the " Nechants," which flows into it about half a mile from the mouth. When it was possible to examine this stream, a big run of sockeye had taken possession of the spawning-beds right up to the rough water, and favourable numbers were noted in the small creek adjacent. The run is composed mainly of small sockeye averaging 5 to 6 lb. in weight, males outnumbering the females two to one. The recent " freshet" had considerably interfered with the collection of eggs for the hatchery, as the high water rose above the fence at Jeneesee and permitted the greater portion of the sockeye run to pass on to the spawning-beds above. Here they were seen in countless numbers spawning right up to the falls. In the deep pools dense masses schooled up. It is one of the best runs I have seen here and compares with the remarkable showing in 1922-23. Prior to.the "freshet" the hatcherymen had obtained a fair collection of eggs—some 3,000,000— otherwise their efforts would have been in vain, since few sockeye remained outside. Some exceptionally large sockeye were seen in this creek, but the greater portion were small, the males outnumbering the females at least four to one. In 1922-23 very unsatisfactory results were recorded at the Sheemahant River, one of the largest and most productive salmon-streams on the lake. In past years the Indians invariably obtained their winter's supply of salmon from here, but in late years this has not been possible and they have been compelled to seek other streams. There apparently appears to be no improvement, since few sockeye were to be observed as we made our way up the river. It was very disappointing. What few sockeye were spawning on the gravel-beds were fine specimens of the sockeye race, averaging 7 to 8 lb. in weight. Males and females were about evenly distributed. Sunday Greek did not fall behind this year, as was evidenced by the fine run of sockeye which had taken possession of the gravel-beds. They were big fish and compared favourably with those seen on the Sheemahant. Indians told me that they had been successful in catching about 200 sockeye from this creek. The Indians located at the smoke-house near the " Narrows " were catching a large number of sockeye and cohoe from the fine run of flsh which had taken possession of the spawning-beds. Large and small sockeye were intermixed, the males and females being about in equal proportions. Returning once more to Quap River, I found that during my absence the hatchery crew had completed the collection of eggs, obtaining altogether about 17,000,000. For a time it looked rather hopeless, as weather conditions were so unfavourable, but with a lower temperature the lake had gone down, rousing the waiting thousands of sockeye to a mad rush to the spawning- beds. Caught in the pens, they were quickly spawned out, as high as 2,000,000 eggs being collected in one day. When the hatchery was full, the pickets were taken out of the fence and the fish allowed to proceed to the spawning-beds above. In making my way up the creek countless thousands were seen making full use of the gravel-beds right up to the head. In deep pools schools waited, even at this late stage still green. It is without exception the most prolific salmon-spawning stream on the lake. Sockeye averaging 7 to 8 lb. predominated the run, the males and females being about evenly represented. The spawning-beds at the mouth of the Hatchery Creek and also those inside were alive with spawning fish, the male sockeye outnumbering the females two to one. In size they corresponded closely with the run at Quap, averaging 7 to 8 lb. in weight. The spawning-beds situated around the Indian rancheries and at the head of the Owikeno River showed up just as favourably as they did in 1922-23. Indians located here had been able to fill their smoke-houses sufficiently to meet their winter's need, and expressed the opinion that it was one of the greatest sockeye runs experienced there for some time. It was only necessary to make a short drift with their net and it was full. That they had not denuded the spawning- beds of salmon was amply demonstrated by the countless numbers breaking water in all directions. Spring and chum salmon occupied the spawning-grounds lower down the river, especially chums, which were spawning in very large numbers. SPAWNING-BEDS OF RIVERS INLET. N 45 In summing up the results of the inspection of the Rivers Inlet watershed, I am of the opinion that, providing the exceptional, "freshets" which occurred frequently during the spawning season had not harmed the spawning-beds by the continual scouring-out they received, the fine run of sockeye observed on all the tributaries of Lake Owikeno, with the possible exception of the Cheo, Sheemahant, and the Nechants, should produce a return equal in extent to that recorded this year. In conclusion, I wish to express my appreciation for courtesies extended by Mr. L. Hogan, Manager of the Rivers Inlet Cannery; to Mr. F. Tingley, Superintendent of the Dominion Hatchery; and the men at the spawning camps. Respectfully submitted. A. W. Stone, Provincial Fisheries Overseer. Rivers Inlet, B.C., November 14th, 1927. N 46 REPORT OF THE COMMISSIONER OF FISHERIES, 1927. THE SPAWNING-BEDS OF SMITH INLET. Hon. William Sloan, Commissioner of Fisheries, Victoria, B.C. Sir,—I have the honour to submit my report upon the inspection of the spawning-grounds at Smith Inlet for the year 1927. In the brood-years 1922-23, conditions on the spawning-beds were reported exceptionally good, and it was anticipated that, providing the eggs had not been damaged by the " freshets " which occurred at that time, a very favourable run might be expected when the sockeye returned as adults. In this case we were not disappointed, because not only did the canneries combined put up a larger pack, amounting to about 25,000 cases, but the escapement to the spawning-beds was as good if not better than that recorded in 1922-23. It may be said that this is not borne out by the returns of each individual fisherman, whose average catch for the season was low. In seeking an explanation the answer may be summed up as follows: An overabundance of fishing-gear, consisting of no less than 550 gill-nets, or 50 per cent, over and above the fishing-gear operated during the brood-years. The gill-nets were extended over a very wide area of water, and each taking their toll, reducing the average catch to a low level. Such intensive fishing has given pause for reflection, and the canneries and the fishermen are now seeking a method favourable to both, whereby the fishermen may increase their catches, at the same time curtailing the enormous amount of fishing-gear in operation. The only solution is to cut down the number of fishermen to a level commensurate with the supply. In the course of years the inspection of the spawning-beds has demonstrated very clearly that there is a limit to the extent of the sockeye runs each year, and only by stringent regulations enforced by the Dominion Fishery authorities have the runs been kept up to the standard. Leaving for the spawning-grounds at Long Lake on September 23rd, I made camp at the head of the Docee River (the overflow to the lake), and commenced the inspection at this point. Spring salmon in very large numbers were encountered all the way up and along the shore-iine at the mouth of the lake. Intermingled with the springs, schools of cohoe were observed and were so big that it was necessary to look closely to distinguish them from the springs. The run of spring salmon is well up to the average of former years in numbers. The small creek situated about 7 miles up from the mouth of the lake, and known as Quay, contained a fair run of sockeye, and a few schools were noted spawning on the gravel-beds outside. They were small in size, the males and females being about equally divided. Proceeding up to the Geluch River, situated at the head, I was again held up on account of the extreme high water caused by the abnormal rainfall, and was compelled to wait until the river had subsided. It is about 3% miles in extent and comprises the main spawning-beds of the sockeye, especially the early run. When it was possible to inspect the beds, the thousands upon thousands which covered them all the way up, coupled with the extensive numbers inside the adjacent streams, showed clearly that the run equalled the spawning seasons of 1922-23. Notwithstanding this favourable showing, there was ample evidence of a further run of sockeye which later would enter the river. All along the shore-line at the head of the lake big schools were seen swimming around waiting, while for a distance of a mile the lake was alive with jumping fish. The males outnumbered the females at least three to one. In size they were small, averaging between 5 and 6 lb. in weight. No log-jams or other obstructions impeded the movement of the salmon up-stream. Skirting the lake-shore to the Delabah River numerous small schools were seen at the foot of each small mountain stream. The Delabah River, situated about 2 miles from the lake and about 1% miles in extent, again showed productive seeding. The spawning-beds from the mouth up contained a run of sockeye equal in extent to that recorded in the brood-years. This river undoubtedly receives the later run of sockeye, since it is composed mainly of fish from 7 to 8 lb. in weight, or about 80 per cent, of the run. Males and females were about equally represented. At the entrance to the Delabah and along the shore-line of the lake, big schools were seen, all in the green stage, and others breaking water in all directions. Returning back to the mouth of the lake, cohoe continually broke water, indicating an extensive run of this species of salmon to the spawning-beds later. All other cohoe-streams SPAWNING-BEDS OF SMITH INLET. N 47 contained big runs of these fish, but pinks according to all reports were a failure. Chums were coming into streams in large numbers, but, on account of the close season in effect, none were caught. In summing up the results of the inspection of the spawning-beds at Smith Inlet, there should be no falling-off in the numbers which will return four and five years hence. Respectfully submitted. A. W. Stone, Fisheries Overseer. Rivers Inlet, B.C., November 14th, 1927. N 48 REPORT OF THE COMMISSIONER OF FISHERIES, 1927. THE SPAWNING-BEDS OF THE MEZIADIN LAKE DISTRICT OF THE NASS RIVER. Hon. William Sloan, Commissioner of Fisheries, Victoria, B.C. Sir,—In obedience to instructions from the Department, I have the honour to submit the following report on my annual inspection of the salmon-spawning areas of the Meziadin watershed of the Nass River:— Leaving New Westminster on August 31st, I arrived at Stewart on September 3rd and there met Mr. A. E. Young, who had again been deputized by the Department of Marine and Fisheries to make the trip into the Nass in their interests. As in past years, we joined forces and, after having engaged two suitable assistants for the trip and assembling our outfit, left Stewart by pack-train on September 7th. The weather on the way in was very wet, which made the fording of streams and glacier-crossing very dangerous. The British Columbia Government is building a new high-level crossing over the glacier, which it is expected will be finished this fall. The new trail will obviate the necessity of travelling over the moraine on to the glacier and will make the pass much less hazardous in the future. Arriving at the head of Meziadin Lake on Saturday, September 10th, we proceeded to put the canvas canoe together and patch up the holes in order to make it seaworthy. Weather conditions were still unfavourable, a high wind prevailing which did not permit of any lake-work being done on the 11th; however, it cleared after the wind subsided and remained fine for several days. We then made a thorough examination of the sockeye-spawning beds at the head of the lake, also on both shore-lines for a considerable distance down. There was a noticeable scarcity of salmon on these grounds, and in places where usually a large number are congregated very few were to be seen; in many instances the grounds were entirely barren. Those that were to be observed constituted a few odd pair, and it was also noticeable that these salmon were of a late run. There was an entire absence of sockeye in their red spawning livery, and no dead spent fish were to be seen floating around or collected on the lake-shore, which plainly indicates that the early run of sockeye to these spawning-grounds was greatly below the average. After completing our examination at the upper end of the lake we packed the canoe and proceeded down. There was no improvement to be found at Hanna River or McLeod Creek, and no salmon were to be seen leaping in the lake. We reached Meziadin Falls in the evening and made camp at the fishway cabin. On entering the cabin we found nearly everything of value had been taken away, including a number of hand-made fish-net corks. There is no doubt but that this is the work of Indian trappers who winter in the district, and it is to be regretted that we are not able to leave anything in the cabin with safety, as we have to make everything new in the way of nets for experimental work. On September 14th we inspected the Meziadin River at both the upper and lower falls and were pleased to note the arrival of a fresh run of sockeye. They were in splendid condition, of large size, and were not any way in an advanced stage toward the spawning period. The run improved daily, reaching its peak on September 21st. The number at this time passing through the fishway was about eighty per hour and these conditions prevailed for several days. At the time that we left the falls on our return journey, September 25th, the larger part of the run had passed up, but there was still a fair number congregated below. In taking observations of salmon below the fall and of their passing through the fishway, it was noticeable that they display more activity in the late afternoon and in the evening. There were a few early-run fish that had been trying to overcome the fall on the far side. These were somewhat battered up and were now working over to the fishway and passing through without difficulty. Cohoe salmon were very late in arriving at the fall this season, the first making its appearance on September 23rd. Only a few were seen and we have no knowledge or indication as to what the later run may be. In our net operations on the Nass River above the Meziadin we caught the only cohoe on the 23rd, which corresponds with the first arrival at the fishway. Sunday, September 18th, we inspected the spring-salmon spawning-beds below MeBride Rapids in the Meziadin River. From observations taken at this place I should state that the run of springs had not been as good as usual. There were not many in the pools and little sign SPAWNING-BEDS OF NASS RIVER. N 49 of dead spent fish; those salmon that were on the beds appeared to be undersized. As usual, hordes of trout were to be seen taking spring-salmon eggs. In the water below these rapids for a distance of about 2% miles the river widens and makes a natural retaining-pond for young salmon, there being very little current to induce the young fish to go out with the freshet, and this probably accounts for the larger percentage of older fish on the Nass than is to be found in other sockeye-rivers. Many young salmon were to be seen here, both fry and yearlings. Fry were to be seen leaping in the deeper water, and at other times both fry and yearlings were in the goose-grass, which no doubt affords them great protection from their natural enemies. Upon our arrival at the falls cabin we made a new set of corks and hung a net for use in the Nass River above the Meziadin River in an effort to intercept the salmon run farther north. We had the net finished on the 16th and made a fine set in the main river. The net was fished continuously night and day from September 16th until September 24th. The results were most disappointing, our catch being very small, taking only nine sockeye and one cohoe; September 16th, 1 sockeye; 17th, 2 sockeye; 18th, nil; 19th, 4 sockeye; 20th, 1 sockeye; 21st, nil; 22nd, 1 sockeye; 23rd, 1 cohoe; 24th, nil. The river was in such a favourable condition that we were able to get a good set with the net during the whole time of our operations, and it is evident that had there been a good run of salmon to the upper waters we would have had far better results for our efforts. In addition to scales obtained from salmon caught in the main river, we took a considerable number from below the falls on the Meziadin River. The fishway and crib-work is in good condition. There was quite a large growth of vegetation between the logs in the crib-work; this we cleaned out, leaving it in good shape. There is no sign of deterioration in the cement-work of the basins of the fishway. After completing our work we left the falls on our return journey on Sunday, September 25th. Wet weather continued the whole of the time on the return trip, again making travel dangerous and difficult. We arrived at Stewart on September 29th. In summarizing conditions on the salmon-spawning grounds of the Meziadin watershed of the Nass River, I have to submit that they were of a very complex nature owing to there being little evidence of an early run of sockeye and to the arrival in fair numbers of a late run of large-sized fish which took place during the time of our inspection. I am of the opinion that the spawning-beds will not be amply seeded, as the late run will not offset the lack of an early run. Water conditions were extremely favourable, there being an abundance in all streams, with the lake high. The run of spring salmon was not up to the average and the fish on the grounds were undersized. Cohoe had not arrived in any appreciable numbers, only a few having reached the fishway at the time of our departure. Respectfully submitted. C. P. Hickman, Inspector of Fisheries. New Westminster, B.C., October 18th, 1927. N 5C REPORT OF THE COMMISSIONER OF FISHERIES, 1927. ^ O M O ffl b- N CO a to © to io »o co © iq a 5 © CO Ol IO CO -^ © CO ■o—•j © CD CO H « N CC E- 6l©00O0COrHC0CD© © Ttf © Cl CI I'O lO r- fl ra oj CO LO IO b O O M co COrH-tfCO©TtfTtfipdo 1 © Ol Ttf © tO rti CO i> "f-g ra up oj OcHO rH ffl CD CO -tf IO rtf Ttf 10rH©CvlfflC0 10"*CO 1 rH IO IO © ffl IO © ffl 00 IP IO )p ri rl 00 © CO ^ rH rH rH 0 3 4 CO © <N tP t-1 CO tO Ttf ffl 00<M<NCOCOTtf©Q0© C£ 5 IO © t- rH : IO CO Ol I © CO t- Ol ffl a IO ffll"O©©h-C0COTtf«5 C ) v- ci co t- : " ffl 01 rH CO tO © CO tO oi NMt-t-MCOHCOM C ) H ; 90 J3 CO Ttf IO 1— rH t- © © rH Ci C r rH r Ci rH rH © H IO © IO h- CO IO © OHffliHHSCOCDO a 3 rH CO © OI CO CO Ttf rH tfi oo O io oi M Ci CO jOOONNHMf-H a i ffl rH © CO rH IO t- .M rH Cl 00 CO CO CO 1(5 t-^'^ffl^t-'^'^CO 1- rH CO © a of t-" -tf* oo rf id 0* « Ttf I, I ^ Ol Vs* rH rH co CO fe CO rH Ci rH s a ■ fc o tn t- IO rH -ti CC ~r ffl io<Ncicor-Ttf©>©ffl tc CO CO CO ci ^ Ttf Ttf M to r- m h- r^ to oi to Ci i'O CO t~ rH a ct a 0 -tf CI CO rH t- ffl 03 O o to 03 <1 o rP Q o t- t- tO CO rH CO Ttf IO ^ © rH rH o -f" Cl •^tf to t- © 03 Cl 01 © IO GO*" H Of rH rH tc c * rH rH rH T-T © Ol" i-l o ri* tn <DXJ $ a ■+H <D rH © ■ © t- CC CO rH CO © rH 0 '.0 TH ffl Tfl < "tc a a rH 01 C0 -tf 01 Tt* rH IO rH H rH rH a g XJ1 fc 15 H o th ri M rH ffl CO CO fc c to ai Oi CD ci ffl ffl © ci O rH Ttf t- l> ffl Ttf" to ©" £ 3 u fl rH 02 5 rn 00 3 •1 Si to ffl © co >o to : CC Ttf-* :>o©co©Ttfco OJ •1 00 : : ; © oi : © CO rH rH -tf rH IO c\ 5 Ttf rH rH ffl rH © -tf -tf c © CO eo CO <d pq Q 3-2 Cl IO IO CC rH Ci IO -tf rH rH t-H Ttf t q rH h-1 >o" rH rH rH © DQ rH S § H«i 3 H •5 § s ^H 1 P , 1 1 T3 . t-i to CO t- Ol rH I ro § © ffl O « rfi 10 : T- «0 5^ rH : 10 H ^ b- 1—1 cd bfl CO Ol ffl t- Ttf CO V § t- IO IO rH ■35 O o a H W EC > &H CO rH (M JO Ol cc Ci ffl -tf 00" tH rZ § « CO W cn M H fc Bi P cc n n : oo Ttf ; Ci H HI r( IO ffl ICOcOffl \r © : : : 10 : : rH E-i -tf CC' rH Ol IO CO © © OI rH © tH O © r- © CC h-1 ■*! ^.g h- t- CO rH ©_ tH Ttf to oq IO t- rH rH * « H H Q a p, Of V* to" Ol" Cl Ol" rH Ol" £ «0Q O o a rH CO -tf d t- Ttf t- CO CO-tf IO rHTtf,_|-tfcOrH cc t- © Cl © t^ t- © ffl a t>» lO © ffl O t- OI CO ffl © IO ffl -tf CO IO t-H Ol Ol - Ttf (^ [^ rH © IO © © M CD r£ h- OI tr- rH CO CO CO CO oi_S-c;©©© ©_!.-- ffl r Ttf^ O ffl *t 'P C0_ Ttf^ Ol o Q Ol © CO IO IO -tf -tf rH ffl" © of t^" © ©" of 10" ©" :■- CO IO* io" © ffl" 10" co" IO" m o Ci rH & Ol rH oc CO © <! 2 H m Fm Ph o a ^ od Xi g <d xi r> fl ■y rf +^ in CD a ci ft 6 u 3 3 to C X r- H C i-3 -c tn H O" fcJD t fl ■*: Xi bo c c — - — — - c 6 a be 6 fl H V g Co., Ltd.. g Co., Ltd. . 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X d£ M I a a st .2 = fe fe r a 3 a '.£ c ^ 3. "5 s . c C | 1 fe ■a u o a 1 P C a E O c r r- a 4- E o s % s a a C 0 p 4 c H t 0 e a F H - c 'r 0 E tH CD > S 4- § S O rr t >- a s- a i. O > a ? a t g tn B Q ec C X B ee £ tfi di <D -4"1 ^ ^ U rM SS.£:Srt3Sfl pq < ti c |* ~ w rC X p! X ft o > c STATEMENT SHOWING SALMON-PACK OF THE PROVINCE. N 53 STATEMENT SHOWING THE SALMON-PACK OP THE PEOVINCE, BY DISTRICTS AND SPECIES, PROM 1912 TO 1927, INCLUSIVE. Fkaser River. 1927. 1926. 1925. 1924. 1923. 1922. 1921. 1920. Sockeyes Springs, Red Springs, White Chums Pinks Cohoes Bluebaeks and Steelhead Totals 61,393 7,9'25 10,528 67,259 102,336 24,079 10,658 85,689 12,783 20,169 S8.495 32,256 21,783 13,776 35,385 7,989 23,701 66,111 99,800 36,717 5,152 284,378 274,951 I 276,853 39,743 2,982 4,648 109,495 31,968 21,401 1,822 31,655 3,834 4,279 103,248 63,643 20,173 13 51,832 10,361 6,300 17,895 29,378 23,587 817 39,631 11,360 5,949 11,'233 8,178 29,978 1,331 212,059 226,869 140,370 48,399 10,691 4,432 23,884 12,839 22,934 4,522 107,650 136,661 I 1919. 1918. 1917. 1916, 1915. 1914. 1913. 1912. Sockeyes Springs, Red Springs, White Chums.... Pinks Cohoes Bluebaeks and Steelheads Totals 38,854 14,519 4,296 15,718 39,363 39,233 15,941 19,697 15,192 24,833 86,215 18,388 40,111 4,395 148,164 10,197 18,916 59,973 134,442 25,895 4,951 32,146 17,673 11,430 30,934 840 31,330 3,129 91,130 23,228 5,392 18,919 138,305 43,514 31 19S.183 11,209 15,300 74,826 6,272 43,504 719,796 3,573 49 22,220 20,773 16.01S 167,944 208,857 402,538 127,472 320,519 349,294 782,429 123,879 13,856 9,826 12,997 574 36,190 199,322 Skeena Rivee. 1927. 1926. 1925. 1924. 1923. 1922. 1921. 1920. 83,996 19,038 19,006 38,763 26,326 582 82,360 30,594 63,527 210,081 30,208 754 81,146 23,445 74,308 130,079 39.168 713 144,747 12,028 25,588 181,313 26,968 214 131,731 12,247 16,527 145,973 31,967 418 96,277 14,176 39,758 301,655 '24,699 1,050 41,018 21,766 1,993 124,457 45,033 498 89,364 37,403 3,834 177,679 18,068 1,218 Totals 187,716 407,524 348,859 390,858 338,863 477,915 234,765 332,887 1919. 1918. 1917. i 1916. 1915. 1914. 1913. 1912. 184,945 25,941 31,457 117,303 36,559 2,672 398,877 123,322 22,931 22,573 161,727 38,759 4,994 -65,760 16,285 21,516 148,319 38,456 1,883 60,2'93 20,933 17,121 73,029 47,409 3,743 116,533 15,273 5,769 107,578 32,190 1,798 130,166 11,740 8,329 71,021 16,378 52,927 26,436 92,498 23,833 504 66,045 18,647 97,5818 39,835 Steelhead Trout . Totals 374,306 292,219 223,158 279,101 237,634 164,055 254,258 N 54 REPORT OF THE COMMISSIONER OF FISHERIES, 1927. STATEMENT SHOWING THE SALMON-PACK OP THE PROVINCE, BY DISTRICTS AND SPECIES, PROM 1912 TO 1927, INCLUSIVE—Continued. Rivers Inlet. 1927. 1926 1925. 1924. 1923. 1922. 1921. 1920. Sockeyes Springs Chums Pinks Cohoes Steelhead Trout. Totals 65,269 608 1,122 671 2,094 9 69,773 65,581 685 11,727 12,815 7,286 11 '192,323 496 11,510 8,625 4,946 94,891 545 4,924 15,105 1,980 116,850 '599 3,242 10,057 1,326 53,584 323 311 24,292 1,120 82 4S.615 I 125,742 364 | 1,793 173 | 1,226 5,303 | 25,647 4,718 | 2,908 97 I 98,105 217,900 117,445 132,274 79,712 59,272 133,248 1919. 1918. I 1917. 1916. 1915. 1914. 1913. 1912. Sockeyes Springs Chums Pinks Cohoes Steelhead Trout Totals 56,258 1,442 7,089 6,538 9,038 53,401 1,409 ■6,729 29,542 | 12,074 I 61,195 817 16,101 8,065 9,124 44,936 1,422 20,144 3,567 15,314 130,355 1,022 5,387 2,964 7,115 S'9,890 566 5,023 5,784 7,789 61,745 594 I 112,884 1,149 3,845 2,097 I 8,809 3,660 | 11,010 I SO,367 103,155 | 95,302 j S5,3S3 146,S38 I 109,052 68,096 137,697 Nass River. 1927. 1926. 1925. 1924. 1923. 1922. 1921. 1920. 12,026 3,824 3,307 16,609 3,966 96 15,929 '5,964 15,392 50.S15 4,274 375 18,945 3,757 22,504 35,530 8,027 245 33,590 2,7-23 26,612 72,496 6,481 1,035 17,821 3,314 25,791 44,165 7,894 595 31,277 2,062 11,277 75,687 3,533 235 9,364 2,088 2,176 29,488 8,236 413 16,740 4,857 12,145 43,151 3,700 560 Totals 39,828 92,749 89,008 142,939 99,580 124,071 51,765 81,153 1919. 1918. 1917. 1916. 1915. 1914. 1913. 1912. 2S,259 3,574 24,041 29,949 10,900 789 21,816 4,152 40,368 59,206 17,061 1,305 22,188 4,496 24,938 44,568 22,180 1,125 31,411 3,845 11,200 59,593 19,139 1,498 39,349 3,701 11,076 34,879 15,171 113 31,327 3,385 25,569 25,333 9,276 23,574 3,151 2,987 20,539 3,172 36,037 6,936 3,245 12,476 12,468 Steelhead Trout Totals 97,512 143,908 119,495 126,686 104,289 94,890 L_ 53,423 |_ 71,162 * Including 40,000 cases caught in Smith Inlet and 20,813 cases packed at Namu. STATEMENT SHOWING SALMON-PACK OF THE PROVINCE. N 55 STATEMENT SHOWING THE SALMON-PACK OP THE PROVINCE, BY DISTRICTS AND SPECIES, FROM 1912 TO 1927, INCLUSIVE—Continued. Vancouver Island District. 1927. 1926. 1925. 1924. 1923. 1922. 1921. ; 1920. Sockeyes Springs 24,835 6,769 220,270 52,561 58,834 10,194 373,463 25,070 5,222 174,383 86,113 51,351 5,383 10,895 5,664 127,520 51,384 59.747 4.832 15,618 283 165,161 63,102 30,593 2.510 12,006 138 120,520 30,149 21,342 7,0'97 15,147 886 108,478 36,943 18,575 5,495 6,936 | 6,987 3,230 | 29,211 34,431 | 12,591 10,660 | 14,391 11,120 | 20,555 3,151 1 - Totals 347,722 260,042 277,267 191,252 185,524 69,328 | 74,170 Queen Charlotte and other Districts. 1927. . 1926. 1925. 1924. 1923. 1922. 1921. 1920. Sockeves 60,533 7,826 '252,230 36,481 47,433 973 62,383* 3,650 348,682 380,243 47,183 973 49,962 5,002 305,256 120,747 40,269 1,520 40,926 4,245 195,357 141,878 26,031 497 24,584 2,711 148,727 146,943 29,142 732 47,107 4.988 80,485 113,824 31,331 409 18,350 4,995 21,412 14,818 18,203 2,790 64,473 15,633 30,946 247,149 33,807 Steelheads and Bluebaeks.... 3,721 Totals 4'05.47'6 844.114 522,756 408,934 352,839 278,144 80.568 S95.728 1 1919. 1918. 1917. 1916. 1915. 1914. 1913. 1912. 1 54,677 14,766 165,717 110,300 35,011 702 51,980 8,582 90,464 201,847 42,331 1,009 32,902 6,056 112,364 112,209 30,201 865 45,373 11,423 160,812 143,615 70,431 712 98,600 9,'488 40,S4'9 83,626 4S,966 985 87,130 7,108 70,727 111,930 43,254 1 149 336 79 464 7,246 52,758 83,430 28,328 22,837 Chums 37,734 128,296 65,806 Totals 381,163 404,793 294,597 432,366 313,894 320,168 285,898 334,187 Total packed by Districts in 1912 to 1927, inclusive. 1927. 1926. 1925. 1924. 1923. 1922. 1921. 1920. Fraser 284,378 187,716 69,773 39,828 373,463 405,476 274,931 407,524 98,105 92,749 347,722 844,139* 276,855 348,859 217,900 89,008 263,904 522,756 212,059 390,858 117,445 142,939 277,267 604,745 226,869 338,863 132,274 99,580 191,252 352,839 140,570 477,915 79,712 124,071 185,524 278,144 107,650 234,765 59,272 51,765 69,528 80,568 136,661 332,787 157,522 Nass River Vancouver Island 81,133 84,170 395 223 Grand totals... 1,360,634 2,065,190 1,719,282 1,745,313 1,341,677 1,285,946 603,548 1,187,616 1919. 1918. 1917. 1916. 1915. 1914. 1913. 1912. 167,944 398,877 80,367 97,512 267,293 381.163 210,851 374,216 103,155 143,908 389,815 404,793 402,538 292,219 95,302 119,495 325,723 294,597 127,472 223,158 85,383 126,686 320,519 279,161 146,838 104,289 349,294 237,634 109,052 94,890 782,429 164,055 68,096 53,423 199,322 254,258 137,697 71,162 Nass Kiver Vancouver Island 432,366 313,894 320,169 285,898 334,187 Grand totals... 1,393,156 1,626,738 1,557,485 995,065 1,164,701 1,111,039 1,353,901 996,826 * Including 17,921 cases of sockeye packed at Smith Inlet. N 56 REPORT OF THE COMMISSIONER OF FISHERIES, 1927. STATEMENT SHOWING THE SOCKEYE-PACK OP THE ENTIRE FRASER RIVER SYSTEM FROM 1912 TO 1927, INCLUSIVE. 1927. 1926. 1925. 1924. 1923. 1922. 1921. 1920. 61,393 97,594 138,987 85,689 44,673 35,385 112,023 39,743 69,369 31,655 47,402 51,832 48,566 39,631 102,967 48,399 State of Washington 62,654 Totals 130,362 147,408 109,112 79,057 100,398 142,598 111,053 1919. 1918. 1917. 1916. 1915. 1914. 1913. 1912. 38,854 64,346 103,200 19,697 50,723 148,164 411,538 32,146 84,637 91,130 64,584 198,183 335,230 719,796 1,673,099 123,879 State of Washington 184,680 Totals 70,420 559,702 116,783 155,714 533,413 2,392,893 308,559 STATEMENT SHOWING THE SOCKEYE-PACK OF THE PROVINCE, BY DISTRICTS, 1912 TO 1927, INCLUSIVE. 1927. 1926. 1925. 1924. 1923. 1922. 1921. 1920. 61,393 83,996 65,269 12,0.26 24,833 60,533 308,052 85,689 82,360 65,581 15,929 25,070 62,383 35,385 81,146 192,323 18,945 14,757 49,962 39,743 144,747 94,891 33,590 15,618 41,014 31,655 131,731 116,850 17,821 12,006 24,584 51,832 96,277 53,584 31,277 15,147 47,107 39,631 41,018 48,615 9,364 6,936 18,350 48,399 89,064 125,742 16,740 6,987 64,473 Totals 337,012 392,51S 369,603 334,647 295,224 163,914 351 405 1919. 1918. 1917. 1916. 1915. 1914. 1913. 1912. 38,854 184,945 56,258 28,259 6,452 54,677 19,697 123,322 53,401 21,816 6,243 51,980 148,164 65,760 61,195 22,188 9,639 32,902 32,146 60,923 44,936 31,411 9,223* 36,150 91,130 116,553 130,350 '39,349 198,183 130,166 89,890 31,327 '719,796 52,927 61,745 23,574 123,879 92 498 112,884 36,037 98,660 87,130 149,336 79,464 Totals 369,445 276,459 339,848 214,789 476,042 536,696 972,178 444,762 * Vancouver Island's pack not previously segregated. PRODUCTION OF FISH OIL AND MEAL, B.C., 1920-27. From Pilchards. From Herring. From Whales. From other Sources. Year. Meal and Fertilizer. Oil. Meal. Oil. Whalebone and Meal. Fertilizer. Oil. Meal. Oil. 1920 Tons. Gals. Tons. 310 2,218 Gals. Tons. 503 '326 485 292 347 340 345 Tons. 1,035 230 910 926 835 666 651 Gals. 604,070 Tons. 466 489 911 823 1,709 2,468 1,752 1,948 Gals. 1921 44,700 7-5 461 1922 283,314 706,514 645,657 556,939 46S.206 437,967 1923 . . 180,318 241,376 354,853 217,150 250,811 1924 1925 2,083 8,481 12,145 493,653 1,898,721 2,610,120 1926 1927 13,700 173,343 VICTORIA, B.C. : Printed by Charles F. Banfield, Printer to the King's Most Excellent Majesty. 1928. 1,825-628-2480
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PROVINCE OF BRITISH COLUMBIA REPORT OF THE COMMISSIONER OF FISHERIES FOR THE YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31ST… British Columbia. Legislative Assembly [1929]
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Title | PROVINCE OF BRITISH COLUMBIA REPORT OF THE COMMISSIONER OF FISHERIES FOR THE YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31ST 1927 WITH APPENDICES |
Alternate Title | REPORT OF THE COMMISSIONER OF FISHERIES, 1927. |
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British Columbia. Legislative Assembly |
Publisher | Victoria, BC : Government Printer |
Date Issued | [1929] |
Genre |
Legislative proceedings |
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Text |
FileFormat | application/pdf |
Language | English |
Identifier | J110.L5 S7 1929_V01_15_N1_N56 |
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Sessional Papers of the Province of British Columbia |
Source | Original Format: Legislative Assembly of British Columbia. Library. Sessional Papers of the Province of British Columbia |
Date Available | 2016-03-07 |
Provider | Vancouver : University of British Columbia Library |
Rights | Images provided for research and reference use only. For permission to publish, copy or otherwise distribute these images please contact the Legislative Library of British Columbia |
CatalogueRecord | http://resolve.library.ubc.ca/cgi-bin/catsearch?bid=1198198 |
DOI | 10.14288/1.0300542 |
AggregatedSourceRepository | CONTENTdm |
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