DEPARTMENT OF FISHERIES,

233
APPENDIX No.8.
BRITISH COLUMBIA.
ANNUAL REPORT OF THE FISHERIES OF BRITISH COLUMBIA FOR THE
YEAR 1888, BY MR. THOMAS MOWAT, INSPECTOR.
NEw WESTMINSTER, 31st December, 1838.
lion. CHARLES. H. TUPPER,
Minister of Marine and Fisheries.
Ottawa,
Sia, -.I have the honor to submit my annual report of the fisheries of British
Oolumbia for the year 1888, together with statistical returns and officers' reports,
The tabulated returns show, as was expected, a decrease in value as comparcxl
with last year, exclusive of Indian consumption; the comparative figures being as.
follows :—
Total value, 1887 . $1,974,887 00
do 1888 -. 1,902,198 50
Decrease, 1888. $76,691 50
This decrease was due principally to the falling off of salmon fishing in th
Fraser River.
The total capital invested in the fisheries, as compared with 1887, stands as.
follows :—
1887 .... . $ 872,445
1888 1,036,132
Increase . ... $163,687
This increase is accounted for by the building, refitting and operating of addi
tional canneries; an increased value on new schooners and an increased number of
lshing boats.
The number of men employed at the fisheries is as follows
1887 .. ... 6,154
1888 ...... 5,940
Decrease 214
SALMON.
The pack of canned salmon, which is at present the chief industry of the fishing
business of this Province, fell hort of last year by 962,040 one pound tins; and that
of salted salmon by218 barrels, while the increase in the consumption of fresh.