XV S of Aur atoll, 2 miles off the reef 



1 yellowfin 



leather good but currents bad. The natives of the locality- 

 catch yellowfin pole-fishing. 



XVI S of Mili atoll. 0.5 mile off the reef 



1 big-eye, 1 spearfish 



Weather calm, current, gentle, spearfish were seen leaping in 



the vicinity.. 



XVII W of Mili atoll, 1 mile off the reef 



1 yellowfin 



'leather clear, sea calm, current N l/3 knot 



XVIII S of Mili Island, 0.5 miles off the reef 



I yellowfin 



It was planned to set the gear in the entrance to Tokowa Pass, 

 (a good fishing ground near Mili Island), but this was impos- 

 sible because of strong winds and high seas. Mili Island has 

 the reputation of being the best tuna fishing ground in the 

 southern latak chain. Elackfish were seen cruising in nearby 

 waters. Muroaji /probably Decapturus sp._/ are abundant in 

 the lagoon and are easily taker. „ They are highly suitable for 

 bait 



Observations 



As was shown in last year's Ralik chain investigation, fish occur 

 most abundantly around the promontories of islands and near the entrances 

 to channels. It is thought that food is comparatively abundant at such 

 places because of the currents and for other reasons. This investigation, 

 like last year's, extended over only a short period of time and included 

 only eighteen trials. It is to be regretted that no data were gathered 

 en ope. -:^ions on the open sea away from the islands. 



Wotje occupies an approximately central position in this chain. It 

 is felt that in general better catches are made north of Wotje than are 

 made in the southern part of the chain. 



However, the waters adjacent to Mili atoll are thought to be a 

 promising fishing ground. 



Horizontal Distribution of Tuna 



Roughly the same as in the previous year's investigation and therefore 

 omitted. 



Vertical Distribution of the Tuna 



The water temperatures at approximately 50 to 60 fathoms are thought 

 tc be suitable for tuna and spearfish. These temperatures are 26 to 29 

 degrees C. and do not differ much from the surface temperatures. 



16 



