Search

Search Results

• 1. [Article] The future of the Columbia River salmon fisheries

  The salmon runs of the Columbia River constitute one of the most important natural resources of the states of Oregon and Washington. Thousands of people are dependent, wholly or in part, upon these resources ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: The future of the Columbia River salmon fisheries Author: Oregon. Fish Commission, Rich, Willis H. (Willis Horton), 1885-1972 The salmon runs of the Columbia River constitute one of the most important natural resources of the states of Oregon and Washington. Thousands of people are dependent, wholly or in part, upon these resources for their livelihood; and their welfare is dependent upon the maintenance of the salmon runs. It is to the special interest of these people that the salmon supply be maintained at the level of maximum productivity and, indirectly, it is to the interest of all the citizens of these states that this be done. In recent years it has become increasingly evident that these resources, taken as. a whole, are decreasing in productivity and it has been frequently pointed out that this decrease is due primarily to the operation of two factors-- a very intensive fishery and a reduction in spawning and rearing areas due to the utilization of the water resources of the Columbia basin for other purposes. These influences, however, have affected the several species of salmon that are found in the Columbia River quite differently; the more valuable species, Chinooks and bluebacks, showing more evidence of depletion than do the other species, silver salmon, chums and steelhead. Title: The future of the Columbia River salmon fisheries Author: Oregon. Fish Commission, Rich, Willis H. (Willis Horton), 1885-1972 The salmon runs of the Columbia River constitute one of the most important natural resources of the states of Oregon and Washington. Thousands of people are dependent, wholly or in part, upon these resources for their livelihood; and their welfare is dependent upon the maintenance of the salmon runs. It is to the special interest of these people that the salmon supply be maintained at the level of maximum productivity and, indirectly, it is to the interest of all the citizens of these states that this be done. In recent years it has become increasingly evident that these resources, taken as. a whole, are decreasing in productivity and it has been frequently pointed out that this decrease is due primarily to the operation of two factors-- a very intensive fishery and a reduction in spawning and rearing areas due to the utilization of the water resources of the Columbia basin for other purposes. These influences, however, have affected the several species of salmon that are found in the Columbia River quite differently; the more valuable species, Chinooks and bluebacks, showing more evidence of depletion than do the other species, silver salmon, chums and steelhead. Close

• 2. [Article] The salmon runs of the Columbia River in 1938

  Exceptional data are available for the study of the salmon runs of the Columbia River in 1938. Detailed figures on catch were supplied by Oregon and Washington in such form that they could readily be combined ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: The salmon runs of the Columbia River in 1938 Author: Oregon. Fish Commission, Rich, Willis H. (Willis Horton), 1885-1972 Exceptional data are available for the study of the salmon runs of the Columbia River in 1938. Detailed figures on catch were supplied by Oregon and Washington in such form that they could readily be combined with the counts at Bonneville Dam to provide a basis for estimating the escapement. Tables show the catch of each species for each week in each of six zones, and the counts at Bonneville and Rock Island dams. The general course of the run of each species is shown. The numbers of fish bound for the spawning grounds above Rock Island Dam are estimated as follows: Chinook salmon entering Columbia River before May 1, 4 percent; during May, 6 percent; June and July, 15 percent; and August to December, 1 percent. Blueback salmon entering the river during the above periods, 40 percent. Steelhead trout entering the river during June to September, 1 percent; during the rest of the year, 10 percent. Fishing intensities are shown by escapement to catch ratios. Percentages of chinook salmon escapement are less than 15 during May; 17 during June and July; and 33 during the remainder of the year. The June and July runs are now greatly depleted, and an important part of these runs spawns above Rock Island Dam. The blueback salmon escapement is about 20 percent, and of steelhead trout about 33 percent. Weekly and seasonal closed periods are shown to be almost entirely ineffective for increasing the spawning escapement. Exploitation is further increased by the intensive troll fishery conducted from Monterey Bay to southeastern Alaska. Chinook salmon are also subjected to a sport fishery of considerable importance. Main runs of salmon to the Columbia River are practically unprotected and are fished with destructive intensity. Title: The salmon runs of the Columbia River in 1938 Author: Oregon. Fish Commission, Rich, Willis H. (Willis Horton), 1885-1972 Exceptional data are available for the study of the salmon runs of the Columbia River in 1938. Detailed figures on catch were supplied by Oregon and Washington in such form that they could readily be combined with the counts at Bonneville Dam to provide a basis for estimating the escapement. Tables show the catch of each species for each week in each of six zones, and the counts at Bonneville and Rock Island dams. The general course of the run of each species is shown. The numbers of fish bound for the spawning grounds above Rock Island Dam are estimated as follows: Chinook salmon entering Columbia River before May 1, 4 percent; during May, 6 percent; June and July, 15 percent; and August to December, 1 percent. Blueback salmon entering the river during the above periods, 40 percent. Steelhead trout entering the river during June to September, 1 percent; during the rest of the year, 10 percent. Fishing intensities are shown by escapement to catch ratios. Percentages of chinook salmon escapement are less than 15 during May; 17 during June and July; and 33 during the remainder of the year. The June and July runs are now greatly depleted, and an important part of these runs spawns above Rock Island Dam. The blueback salmon escapement is about 20 percent, and of steelhead trout about 33 percent. Weekly and seasonal closed periods are shown to be almost entirely ineffective for increasing the spawning escapement. Exploitation is further increased by the intensive troll fishery conducted from Monterey Bay to southeastern Alaska. Chinook salmon are also subjected to a sport fishery of considerable importance. Main runs of salmon to the Columbia River are practically unprotected and are fished with destructive intensity. Close

• 3. [Article] Age, length and weight studies of three species of Columbia River salmon (Oncorhynchus keta, O. gorbuscha and O. kisutch)

  Samples, consisting of scales, length and weight measurements, and sex determinations of chum, pink, and silver salmons, were taken from the commercial catch in the Columbia River in 1914. Five hundred ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Age, length and weight studies of three species of Columbia River salmon (Oncorhynchus keta, O. gorbuscha and O. kisutch) Author: Marr, John C., Oregon. Fish Commission Samples, consisting of scales, length and weight measurements, and sex determinations of chum, pink, and silver salmons, were taken from the commercial catch in the Columbia River in 1914. Five hundred eighteen chum scales were examined. All fish had gone to sea early in their first year; and 70.5 percent had returned in their third year, 28.7 percent in their fourth, and 0.8 percent in their fifth. Growth curves, based on scale and fish measurements, are given for all sex-age groups. The length-weight relationship may be expressed by the equation Weight = 0.0001378 x Length [superscript 2.6004]. Tendencies were noted, during the course of the run, for older fish and for males to be relatively more abundant in the earlier portions of the run. In comparisons with data from other localities, it was demonstrated that, from south to north: (1) there is a decrease in mean length at the same age; (2) older fish are progressively more abundant; and (3) the runs are progressively earlier. Pink salmon are uncommon in the Columbia River, and only six were examined. All had gone to sea early in their first year, and all had returned in their second year. Eight hundred eighty-five silver salmon scales were examined. Of the total, 6.1 percent had gone to sea early in their second year, and returned late in their second year (2 [subscript 2]); 0.3 percent had gone to sea early in their third, and returned late in their third (3 [subscript 3]); 83.9 percent had gone to sea in their second, and returned in their third (3 [subscript 2]); and 9.7 percent had gone to sea in their third year, and returned during their fourth year (4 [subscript 3]). Growth curves are given for all, age groups. The length-weight relationship may be expressed by the equation Weight = 0.0000373 x Length [superscript 2.8945]. As in the case of the chums, changes were noted during the run in the sex ratio and the percentage of age classes. Comparison with data from other localities revealed south-to-north changes in size and in abundance of different age groups, similar to those demonstrated for the chums. It is felt that the differences between races of a single river system will prove to be of the same nature as those here demonstrated between populations of different river systems. Knowledge of the differences between the races of salmons entering the Columbia River may be of extreme importance in the management of the fisheries. Title: Age, length and weight studies of three species of Columbia River salmon (Oncorhynchus keta, O. gorbuscha and O. kisutch) Author: Marr, John C., Oregon. Fish Commission Samples, consisting of scales, length and weight measurements, and sex determinations of chum, pink, and silver salmons, were taken from the commercial catch in the Columbia River in 1914. Five hundred eighteen chum scales were examined. All fish had gone to sea early in their first year; and 70.5 percent had returned in their third year, 28.7 percent in their fourth, and 0.8 percent in their fifth. Growth curves, based on scale and fish measurements, are given for all sex-age groups. The length-weight relationship may be expressed by the equation Weight = 0.0001378 x Length [superscript 2.6004]. Tendencies were noted, during the course of the run, for older fish and for males to be relatively more abundant in the earlier portions of the run. In comparisons with data from other localities, it was demonstrated that, from south to north: (1) there is a decrease in mean length at the same age; (2) older fish are progressively more abundant; and (3) the runs are progressively earlier. Pink salmon are uncommon in the Columbia River, and only six were examined. All had gone to sea early in their first year, and all had returned in their second year. Eight hundred eighty-five silver salmon scales were examined. Of the total, 6.1 percent had gone to sea early in their second year, and returned late in their second year (2 [subscript 2]); 0.3 percent had gone to sea early in their third, and returned late in their third (3 [subscript 3]); 83.9 percent had gone to sea in their second, and returned in their third (3 [subscript 2]); and 9.7 percent had gone to sea in their third year, and returned during their fourth year (4 [subscript 3]). Growth curves are given for all, age groups. The length-weight relationship may be expressed by the equation Weight = 0.0000373 x Length [superscript 2.8945]. As in the case of the chums, changes were noted during the run in the sex ratio and the percentage of age classes. Comparison with data from other localities revealed south-to-north changes in size and in abundance of different age groups, similar to those demonstrated for the chums. It is felt that the differences between races of a single river system will prove to be of the same nature as those here demonstrated between populations of different river systems. Knowledge of the differences between the races of salmons entering the Columbia River may be of extreme importance in the management of the fisheries. Close

• 4. [Article] The effects on salmon populations of the partial elimination of fixed fishing gear on the Columbia River in 1935

  1. Six major types of commercial gear have been used to take salmon and steelhead on the Columbia River; namely, gill nets, set nets, seines, traps, fish wheels and dip nets. 2. The five important commercial ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: The effects on salmon populations of the partial elimination of fixed fishing gear on the Columbia River in 1935 Author: Johnson, Donald R., Chapman, Wilbert McLeod, 1910-1970, Oregon. Fish Commission, Schoning, Robert W. 1. Six major types of commercial gear have been used to take salmon and steelhead on the Columbia River; namely, gill nets, set nets, seines, traps, fish wheels and dip nets. 2. The five important commercial species in the Columbia River are chinook, silver, blueback and chum salmon and steelhead trout. 3. In 1927 fish wheels were eliminated in Oregon. In 1935 fish wheels, traps, seines and set nets were eliminated in Washington. 4. The effect of the gear change in Washington in 1935 has been to increase the take in other gears, while the previous trend of total landings has not changed appreciably. 5. There is no conclusive evidence that the elimination of fixed gear in Washington increased the escapement of salmon and steelhead. 6. There is no conclusive evidence that any gear is injurious to the run except by subtracting fish from the run. 7. Measures designed to increase the escapement should apply to all gears and cover the entire life history of each species. Title: The effects on salmon populations of the partial elimination of fixed fishing gear on the Columbia River in 1935 Author: Johnson, Donald R., Chapman, Wilbert McLeod, 1910-1970, Oregon. Fish Commission, Schoning, Robert W. 1. Six major types of commercial gear have been used to take salmon and steelhead on the Columbia River; namely, gill nets, set nets, seines, traps, fish wheels and dip nets. 2. The five important commercial species in the Columbia River are chinook, silver, blueback and chum salmon and steelhead trout. 3. In 1927 fish wheels were eliminated in Oregon. In 1935 fish wheels, traps, seines and set nets were eliminated in Washington. 4. The effect of the gear change in Washington in 1935 has been to increase the take in other gears, while the previous trend of total landings has not changed appreciably. 5. There is no conclusive evidence that the elimination of fixed gear in Washington increased the escapement of salmon and steelhead. 6. There is no conclusive evidence that any gear is injurious to the run except by subtracting fish from the run. 7. Measures designed to increase the escapement should apply to all gears and cover the entire life history of each species. Close

• 5. [Article] Age and growth study of Tillamook Bay chum salmon (Oncorhynchus keta)

  Ages were determined for 65 fish from the 1947 run and for 287 fish from the 1949 run. In 1947 the percentage composition by age was as follows: 32.3 percent 3-year-old fish, 66.2 percent 4-year-old fish, ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Age and growth study of Tillamook Bay chum salmon (Oncorhynchus keta) Author: Henry, Kenneth A., Oregon. Fish Commission Ages were determined for 65 fish from the 1947 run and for 287 fish from the 1949 run. In 1947 the percentage composition by age was as follows: 32.3 percent 3-year-old fish, 66.2 percent 4-year-old fish, and 1.5 percent 5-year-old fish. An approximate 95 percent confidence interval for the true proportion of 4-year-old fish was 54.7 to 77.7 percent. In 1949 the percentage composition by age was as follows: 5.2 percent 3-year-old fish, 94.4 percent 4-year-old fish, and 0.4 percent 5-year-old fish. An approximate 95 percent confidence interval for the true proportion of 4-year-old fish in 1949 was 91.7 to 97.1 percent. Sex ratios during the course of the run were computed. It appeared that during the latter part of October there were significantly more males than females in the catch. During November the number of males and females tended to be nearly equal. Finally, during the first part of December there were more females than males in the catch. Growth for the earlier ages was determined by analyzing the growth of the scales and then assuming that scale growth was proportionate to fish growth throughout life. It appeared that the greatest absolute increase in length occurred in the first year of life, and that the greatest absolute increase in weight occurred during the last year of life. Length-weight equations were computed for both the males and the females. When tested by means of a t-test, these equations proved to be significantly different. These equations are: for the males W = 0.000234 [superscript L3.19370]; for the females W = 0.000430 [superscript L 3.01479]. In comparing Tillamook Bay chum salmon with chum salmon from other localities, it was observed that chums of like age decrease in average length from south to north. Tillamook Bay chums do not follow the tendency for the percentage of younger fish to decrease from south to north. Finally, there are limitations to some of the results determined in the study because of the assumptions upon which these results are based. The principal limitation is the small amount of data available. Furthermore, the following assumptions were made, and if they were not true, they could invalidate the results obtained: (1) fish length increases in direct proportion to scale growth; (2) the samples used in this study do not represent an abnormal year and do represent the populations sampled; (3) ages of these fish can be determined from their scales; and (4) that the sexes can be determined by their external characteristics. Title: Age and growth study of Tillamook Bay chum salmon (Oncorhynchus keta) Author: Henry, Kenneth A., Oregon. Fish Commission Ages were determined for 65 fish from the 1947 run and for 287 fish from the 1949 run. In 1947 the percentage composition by age was as follows: 32.3 percent 3-year-old fish, 66.2 percent 4-year-old fish, and 1.5 percent 5-year-old fish. An approximate 95 percent confidence interval for the true proportion of 4-year-old fish was 54.7 to 77.7 percent. In 1949 the percentage composition by age was as follows: 5.2 percent 3-year-old fish, 94.4 percent 4-year-old fish, and 0.4 percent 5-year-old fish. An approximate 95 percent confidence interval for the true proportion of 4-year-old fish in 1949 was 91.7 to 97.1 percent. Sex ratios during the course of the run were computed. It appeared that during the latter part of October there were significantly more males than females in the catch. During November the number of males and females tended to be nearly equal. Finally, during the first part of December there were more females than males in the catch. Growth for the earlier ages was determined by analyzing the growth of the scales and then assuming that scale growth was proportionate to fish growth throughout life. It appeared that the greatest absolute increase in length occurred in the first year of life, and that the greatest absolute increase in weight occurred during the last year of life. Length-weight equations were computed for both the males and the females. When tested by means of a t-test, these equations proved to be significantly different. These equations are: for the males W = 0.000234 [superscript L3.19370]; for the females W = 0.000430 [superscript L 3.01479]. In comparing Tillamook Bay chum salmon with chum salmon from other localities, it was observed that chums of like age decrease in average length from south to north. Tillamook Bay chums do not follow the tendency for the percentage of younger fish to decrease from south to north. Finally, there are limitations to some of the results determined in the study because of the assumptions upon which these results are based. The principal limitation is the small amount of data available. Furthermore, the following assumptions were made, and if they were not true, they could invalidate the results obtained: (1) fish length increases in direct proportion to scale growth; (2) the samples used in this study do not represent an abnormal year and do represent the populations sampled; (3) ages of these fish can be determined from their scales; and (4) that the sexes can be determined by their external characteristics. Close