DEPARTMENT OF FISHERIES OFCANADA (Newfoundland Area)

NEWFOUNDLAND FISHERIES IN 1962 The Newfoundland fishery in 1962 has ended at a higher level than in 1961. Total landings of all species are estimated at 544 million pounds, an increase of 8 percent over last year. The estimated landed value to fishermen, $16.9 million, is the highest on record and represents an 11.5 percent increase over last year's figure. Higher prices were generally paid to fisher- men for most species, particularly cod (salted and fresh) and haddock. In the primary industry there was an increase in the number of both inshore and offshore fishermen. Two new trawlers were added to the offshore fleet while several additional long- liners and a number of new motor boats also entered the fishery. Developments in the secondary industry were spear- headed by the highest output of frozen fish on record and by the opening of three new freezing plants. It is also worthy of note that there was an increase over the previous year in light salted fish production. Despite less favourable weather, landings were con- siderably higher than during the previous season. The cod trap fishery opened as usual early in June and closed at the end of August. On the whole the inshore fishery is considered to have been fairly good. Landings continued at a higher level than last year until August when the normal decline was greater than usual, caused mainly by the lack of squid bait and poor weather. Squid did not appear in the normal producing areas but trawl and hand line fishermen had some success with herring and caplin bait. However, in the fourth quarter stormy weather was of greater significance than the lack of bait in retarding the inshore fishery.

The 1962 season will be noted for the successful fishing off the Labrador coast particularly during the last week of July and the middle of August. Some 31 schooners and longliners took part in the Labrador floater fishery and practically all of them reported good results. By way of com- parison 18 vessels prosecuted the Labrador fishery in 1961 while in 1960 there were only 7 vessels on the coast. Cod landings this season are estimated at 375 million pounds, 15 percent higher than last year but about the same as the seven year average. The aggregate value of first-hand sales of cod is estimated at $11.1 million, the highest since the end of World War II. The fishery was particularly good in the Notre Dame Bay, Trinity Bay and Bonavista Bay areas, while the Southwest coast enjoyed the best winter fishery in many years. Below average landings were made by St. Mary's and Placentia Bay fishermen and results were also disappointing on the southern shore and in a few sections of Conception Bay. On the west coast, the cod fishery was generally about average, with the exception of St. Barbe District where landings showed a ,s414taritial increase. Lib HRYA Dept. of Fisheries of Canada 2 St. John's, Nfld.

Salted Codfish Salted fish production was 16 percent higher than the level of the pr-)vious year. The following table shows the estimated salted codfish production compared with that of last year: SALTED CODFISH PRODUCTION (cwts. of 112 lbs.) 1 9 6 2 1 9 6 1 Light Heavy Light Heavy -.2Dry Wet Dry Wet Newfoundland (Island) 192,050 365,093 178,827 316,589 (Labrador) 12,950 186,907 7,950 142,269 205,000 552,000 186,777 458,858

The production of light salted increased by about 10 percent over that of 1961 while heavy salted production was greater by 20 percent. However, on the basis of long-term averages the 1962 production figures do not compare as favourably. In fact, the quantity of cod landings put under salt during the year was 14 percent below the ten year average. The trend towards a re- duced dependence on the salt cod fishery and greater reliance on the production of frozen fish continued in 1962. The pro- portion of cod landings entering salt fish production declined from 84 percent in 1953 to 61 percent in 1962. The following table indicates the reduced proportion of cod landings used for salted production and the changing relationship between light salted and heavy salted production: Percentage Share of Cod Landings Entering Salt Fish Production 1953 - 1962 1953 1954 1955 1956 1957 1958 1959 1960 1961 1962 Total 11,L.L 2.2LL /2,1 2.9 72.3 61.8 6.4 69.5 60.0 60.8 Light 65.1 5d.4 45.61 41.0 77.71 24.3 24.1 25.5 2 Heavy 19.3 19.0 24.9 30.8 31.3 30.7 41.1 45.4 34.5 36.3 Light salted fish, which comprised 77 percent of total production in 1953, accounted for only 40 percent in 1962. On a geographical basis the largest increases over last year were recorded in Notre Dame Bay, Labrador and Conception Bay. Production on the southern shore, in St. Mary's and Placentia Bays was below the level of 1961. That section of the west coast, north of Port au Choix produced more light salted fish than usual. In White Bay on the other hand there was a reduction in both the light and heavy salted cures. Largely because of low production in 1961 and a con- tinued strong market demand there was only a relatively small • carry-over of stocks into the 1962 fishing season. Exports of salted fish are somewhat ahead of those for the same period in 1961. Included in these figures are the increasd shipments of salt bulk to The Canadian Mainland. This strong market demand is applicable particularly to the light salted cure and prices to fishermen were con- siderably higher than in 1961.

Frozen Groundfish The estimated production of frozen groundfish this year is 72.5 million pounds, an increase of more than 12 per- cent over 1961 and a record high. As already noted, a higher proportion of cod landings is being utilized in frozen fish production. Almost 58 percent, by weight, of total output was cod while haddock, which was next in importance, comprised over 15 percent. As in previous years, most of the production was in the southern part of the island where plants, supported by offshore landings, operate on a year round basis. However, plants on the east coast, operating for only part of the year and dependent entirely on inshore fishing had a much greater relative increase in production than the south coast plants. There were 25 plants in operation in 1962 compared with 22 in 1961. The following table shows the output of frozen groundfiSh for the past four years: Frozen Groundfish Production by Species 1959 - 1962 (quantities in 1 000 pounds) 1962 A 1961 1960 1959 Cod 41,911 38,331 36,567 39,712 Haddock, Hake, etc. 11,148 11,204 6,791 8,058 Redfish 9,755 6,976 5,213 4,087 Flounder & Greysole 8,296 6,991 8,606 6,368 Halibut 740 431 243 317 Catfish & Pollock 625 473 139 342

72,475 64,406 57,691 58,884

A preliminary Frozen cod production more than doubled from 1953 to 1962. The continuing shift of consumer preference in the di- - rection of frozen foods is a significant factor in this trend. As in previous years the American market took the bulk of the frozen fish production. Some shipmebts to the United Kingdom were made during the latter part of the year. The increased landings at freezing plants resulted from higher prices to fishermen and extended collection facilities. A further increase in the size of the offshore fleet, which is oriented to freezing plant production, may also be said to have contributed sig- nificantly toward the increased output of frozen fish. Lobster

The lobster catch of 4.2 million pounds was 5 percent higher than in 1961. Landings were good in Notre Dame Bay while fishermen between Cape Freels and Cape Race found lobsters less plentiful than in former years. Along the south coast landings were also lower than last veer, while on the west coast between Cape St. George and Cape Norman catches were much improved over

• •• ■1114. the previous season. The total value of first hand sales of lobsters was 01.47 million, compared with 01.25 million in .1961. Prices early in the season were about the same as in 1961 but these improved and as much as 45 cents per pound was realized by fishermen on the west coast. About 95 percent of the catch was marketed alive. Salmon The salmon fishery was fair and landings amounted to 2.2 million pounds, some 4 percent above last season and 8 percent better than the eight year average. As was the case in 1961 approximately 800,000 pounds of the catch came from Labrador. Prices to fishermen were slightly higher than in 1961. 85% of the catch was marketed in the fresh or frozen state and the remainder was either canned, pickled or smoked. Herring The herring catch is estimated at 14 million pounds, 12.5 percent more than last season. About 37 percent of the landings was used for bait and 63 percent was pickled. Landings were valued at approximately $208,000 compared with q3185,000 last year. Good catches were reported from St. Mary's Bay and Bona- vista Bay. Squid The term "Fishermen's luck" can be aptly applied to the year's squid fishery which produced the lowest harvest since 1952. Landings totalled just over one million pounds compared with nineteen million pounds last year. The lack of squid was a handicap in the fall fishery. Mackerel It is estimated that 1.3 million pounds of mackerel were landed, a 44 percent decline from last year's catch of 1.9 million pounds. The season's catch was valued at $56,000 com-. pared with q3132,700 last year. The principal producing areas were Notre Dame and Trinity Bays.. Reports indicate that market- ing of pickled mackerel is prouessing satisfactorily.. Turbot Landings of this species are estimated at 1.3 million pounds almost the same as last year. Turbot appeared plentiful in Trinity Bay, Green Bay and Notre Dame Bay. Prices paid for • good quality pickled turbot ranged from 4516.00 to $20.00 per barrel. Most of the pickled product was marketed in Quebec. Processors are continuing to explore the marketing possibilities V for frozen turbot. Seals The seal fishery showed substantial improvement. Only two vessels went to the ice fields last March and their combined catch amounted to 24,500 seals, Landsmen were also successful, landing about 35,500 seals. Total value of the catch rose from 0133,000 last year to $227,000 in 1962. A feature of the 1962 seal hunt was a more extensive use of the helicopter based on board the sealing vessel. Whales Whales were very scarce and only 10- were landed, compared with 5,369 in 1961. Most of the whale meat was used for mink food. The theory that a scarcity of squid usually means a scarcity of potheads seems to have been borne out this year. Of the total number landed --1GEor were potheads and ta ys - minke whales. /50

Fish Meal and Marine Oils The estimated production of fish meal is 22 million pounds compared with 19 million pounds last year. Two new fish meal plants came into operation and, this together with higher fish landings, resulted in increased production. The world market demand for fish meal was stronger and consequently prices were higher. The production of marine oils was 775,000 gallons compared with 740,000 gallons last year. Prices for marine oils are reported low but there is little evidence of stocks in- creasing. Eels About forty thousand pounds of eels were landed in Conception, St. Mary's, and Trinity Bays, for export alive to European markets. Although eels have been taken in small quantities for many years, this is the first time they have been exported in any significant volume in the live state. Men, Boats & Gear The number of fishermen is estimated at 19,770 com- pared with 18,650 a year ago. The number of full time inshore fishermen dropped from 14,280 last year to 12,682. At the same time the number of inshore part-time fishermen increased from 3,570 in 1961 to 6,340. This change is due in part to a new definition introduced this year for the collection of statistics. However, the increase in the total number of fishermen probably results from a slackening of employment in other industries. Offshore vessels employed about 800 men, a slight increase over last year. Two new trawlers were added to the offshore fleet. The number of inshore motor boats increased from 9,450 to 10,047.

INSPECTION SERVICE Salted Fish There was an overall improvement in the quality of both light and heavy salted cod. Some& plants were registered, compared with 63 in the previous year. The inspection of ship- ments of salted cod to the U.S. market was made compulsory for the first time. Also, to meet buyer demand there were certain changes in Regulation Standards respecting moisture content size determinations. In several instances representatives of foreign buyers were present during inspection. Total inspections of salted fish amounted to 179,300 quintals of light salted and 208,200 quintals of heavy salted. Included in these quantities were 40,000 quintals of wet salted fish by direct carrier to European markets from the Labrador Coast. ••••6 6

Fresh & Frozen Fish All filleting and freezing plants producing for ex- port were provided with the services of qualified Fishery Officers. Four of the 25 plants registered for fresh and frozen fish processing were certified under Canadian Government Specifications Board standards. One operator carried out experiments with the di- electric thawing of frozen blocks of head off, gutted fish. Indications are that the experiments thus far have been successful. The freezing of turbot for sale in European markets was further carried out on an experimental basis. The results of this experiment will be watched with considerable interest. Two new plants completed during the year are expected to go into operation early in 1963. Pickled Fish Production of pickled fish showed no appreciable in- crease over that of 1961. Inspected were 11,000 barrels of herring, 2,300 barrels of turbot and 2,400 barrels of mackerel. Quality was generally satisfactory and few, if any, complaints, were received from buyers. Compulsory inspection of Atlantic salmon and trout (Arctic Char) for export was introduced. A total of 1,000 barrels was inspected. Inspection Laboratory The work of checking on the acceptability of products being marketed by fish processing firms was continued both by testing daily frozen samples received from the various plants at the Laboratory and by on-the-spot sampling of end of line production through facilities of the M/V "Belle Bay". Par- ticular emphasis was placed on the examination of plant water supplies. The M/V "Belle Bay" also made a special trip to LaTabatiere Quebec. In the chemical section analyses of by-products in- cluded the determination of the protein content of fish meals and Vitamin A content of fish oils, All imported salts used in the salt fish industry were analysed to ensure conformity with Provincial requirements. The Laboratory also provided technical assistance to industry in the production of cod liver oil, cod liver solubles, and fish meal, as well as in canning, filleting and freezing operations.

NEWFOUNDLAND BAIT SERVICE Further extension of the Bait Service facilities was effected in 1962. Ten additional prefabricated bait holding units were received. Some of these have been erected and were in operation during the past season; the remainder will have been placed and ready for service when the 1963 fishery gets underway. Bait Service outlets supplying the inshore fishery will have increased to 50 in 1963 - 20 depots and 30 holding units. A refrigerated truck for use in servicing units located on the western side of the Great Northern Peninsula was delivered to the Port au Choix depot in November. The spring run of herring in St. Mary's Bay was utilized to the fullest extent for freezing at depots on the Avalon Peninsula. Caplin production doubled that of the previous year. A disappointing feature was the failure of squid to strike in in their usual numbers and in their usual haunts. There were sporadic showings in several locations and these were exploited to the fullest extent. One strike in Placentia Bay yielded almost 300,000 pounds, and by careful distribution it was possible for all units and depots on the Avalon Peninsula and in Placentia Bay to supply the demand for this species of bait. Stocks were never high at any given time. Quantities of caplin and herring were supplied to private operators to help bridge the gap occasioned by the squid shortage. This, of course, tended to reduce herring bait reserves normally high at this time of year in preparation for the spring lobster fishery. Increased prices are being paid for winter herring and all available quantities are being purchased in Bonavista, St. Mary's and Placentia Bays. The needs of the Southwest coast winter fishery have been met through cargoescargoes of herring and squid transported to the area by the lki/V and the C.G.S. "Cape Freels". Some mackerel are also being purchased in Nova Scotia. In general, a reluctance on the part of fishermen to catch and make available bait fishes has been evident, though prices offered have been fair. It should be noted that the increased demand for bait through extended facilities of the Bait Service can only be met by increased effort and co- operation on the part of fishermen themselves.

FISHERMEN'S INDEMNITY PLAN Fishing Vessel Insurance In 1962, 437 new policies were issued on vessels, with an aggregate appraised value of $668,500. Policy re- newals totalled 820, valued at $1,349,000. Indemnity payments resulting from 27 loss and damage claims amounted to $34,500. Lobster Trap Insurance Some 24,400 lobster traps were insured. Losses amounted to 17,600 traps and indemnity payments came to $15,600. Salt Assistance Programme Payments to Newfcundland fishermen and processors under the above heading totalled approximately 6358,000. CONSERVATION AND DEVELOPMENT SERVICE PROTECTION BRANCH Sport Fishing With favourable water levels on most rivers throughout the fishing season, anglers enjoyed good fishing. A record catch of more than 26,000 salmon was recorded. This represents an in- crease of 9,000 over 1961 and exceeds the previous reocrd catch established in 1958 by some 4,000. Average weight was 4.3 pounds, and three rivers - the Lower Humber, Crabbs and Grand Codroy - yielded the heaviest salmon. On each of these rivers a 27-pounder was landed. Runs were heavy in all rivers and, despite the record catch, the escapement to headwaters spawning areas was good. Protection Activities In a continuing educational programme, principally through discussions with fishermen and lectures in schools, the need for conservatior measures was emphasized. In the commercial salmon fishery, regulations govern- ing mesh size and week-end tie-up of nets were generally ob- served. Several breaches were detected, however, and court action was taken against the offenders. Co-operation from lobster fishermen in observing regu- lations governing this branch of the fishery was encouraging. Possession of undersize lobsters constituted the majority of prosecutions. Trawlers engaged in dragging operations subject to ICNAF regulations respecting cod and haddock fishing were checked to ensure adherence to the use of legal size trawl mesh. There were approximately 150 prosecutions for breaches of the Newfoundland Fishery Regulations. In the main, court hearings resulted in fines ranging from $20 to q)50. Vio- lations of a more serious nature brought much heavier fines. Two froeign draggers and one Canadian dragger were apprehended fishing in territorial waters, contrary to the Coastal Fisheries Protection Act and the Fisheries Act re- spectively. Court action was taken against the skippers in- volved, and in all instances convictions were registered and fines imposed. During the sealing season flights were made over the Gulf and Front areas for the purpose of regulation enforcement, particularly with respect to territorial limits and opening and closing dates. Patrol Vessels: A fleet of 12 vessels was maintained in operation, including the new C.G.S. "Cape Freels". This 179-foot off- shore patrol vessel, built at Halifax, was commissioned in July 1962. To the end of the year, the "Cape Freels" logged approximately 10,000 miles. The smaller vessels were en- gaged in offshore patrol but were also occupied with inshore protection and inspection duties. Bay Seal Bounty Bounty payments amounting to approximately $6,000 were made to fishermen who submitted evidence of bay seal destruction.

FISH CULTURE DEVELOPMENT Exploits River Investigation The program of investigation begun on the Exploits River in 1958, to determine the feasibility of making large unused areas available for salmon production, continued in 1962, as did the pollution survey of the lower section of this river. It has been determined that no dangerous pollution exists in most of the river, although unfavourable conditions in some small localities may inhibit maximum utilization by salmon and trout. Artificial Spawning Channel - Indian River. An artificial spawning channel on Indian River will be operative in 1963. Cor'struction of this channel, necessitated by diversion of part of the headwaters to augment the water supply available for hydro electric production at Deer Lake, is designed to offset reduction of the available spawning area for Atlantic salmon. The channel should enable the river to support a salmon run as large as in former years. A proportion of the cost of the project has been borne by the Company con- cerned.

Adult Salmon Transfer The transfer of adult salmon from Rattling Brook (Norris Arm) to Great Rattling Brook, a tributary of the Exploits River, begun in 1957, was continued. Due to removal of spawning stock in earlier years the 1962 transfer involved a considerably reduced run. The transfer should be completed in 1963. To determine the success of the operation in past years, a smolt enumeration was carried out on a tributary of Great Rattling Brook in the spring. It was estimated that about 7,000 juvenile salmon moved out of the tributary in question to Great Rattling Brook. The count showed an increase of approximately four times the maximum run pre- viously recorded. General Pollution Surveys Investigations relating to alleged pollution problems associated with mining operation, and especially ore con- centrators, were made at Tilt Cove, Little Bay, Red Indian Lake, and in Labrador.

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Lake Investigations Gander Lake and Red Indian Lake were examined to determine depth distribution. This information is necessary for an understanding of existing and potential fish populations. Both lakes are quite deep for their size - Red Indian Lake having a maximum depth of 480 feet, and Gander Lake 873 feet in the deepest area examined. Engineering River Surveys General topographic surveys of river obstructions were carried out on Torrent River and a tributary of Portland Creek. Both had rece v-d a preliminary physical and biological survey in 1961. Biological R -_ver Surveys In the past several years generalized biological surveys have bean carried out on one or more streams each season. In 1962, Come By Chance River and North Harbour River (both flowing into Placentia Bay) were surveyed. These streams may be involved in the proposed third pulp and paper mill, should this new industry materialize.

General Community Stages All twenty of the community stage projects commenced in 1958-59 were completed and ready for operation. Construction at West St. Modeste was commenced early fall and with the ex- ception of covering roof and painting, the project has been completed. These facilities will be ready for operation at the commencement of the 1963 fishery. Headquarters Accommodation The 1ove to Fort Pepperrell was completed December 3, and all Branches of Area Headquarters with the exception of the Inspection Laboratory are now located in building 302. Early in the new year the Laboratory will be moving from the Gateacre Building to Fort Pepperrell. All Headquarters personnel of the Inspection Branch and the Inspection Labor- atory will then be located on the ground floor of building 303.

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Information Branch, Department of Fisheries of Canada, ST. JOHN'S, Newfoundland. December 26, 1962.