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Image of Salmon trap, circa 1911
1983.10.PA11.79
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Photograph

Salmon trap, circa 1911

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For many years, Native Americans and others trapped migrating salmon by building wire mesh and net barriers across waterways. The fish were funneled into a trap and couldn't escape. Canneries ran traps too. Their boats regularly emptied the salmon traps and delivered the fish to the cannery. This method caught so many fish that salmon runs began to disappear. Salmon trapping was eventually outlawed.

This photo, taken around 1911, shows a salmon trap, possibly in the San Juan Islands.
ID Number: 1983.10.PA11.79
Date: Circa 1911
Creator(s): Webster & Stevens, Photographer
Physical Description: 1 photographic print mounted on linen : gelatin, b&w ; 16 x 21 cm.
Credit: MOHAI, PEMCO Webster & Stevens Collection, 1983.10.PA11.79
Copyright: All Rights Reserved
Subjects: Fish and Fishing, Indigenous Peoples, Northwest Coast Native Peoples, Coast Salish Peoples, Puget Sound

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