REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES. Js: 
good, the fleet is now about half the size it was formerly. The only 
way to arrive at a knowledge of the size of the herd is by actual count 
on the islands during the breeding season. 
STEAMER ALBATROSS. 
On July 1, 1900, the Albatross was at Unalaska on her way to 
Bering Sea to continue the investigation of the salmon fisheries of 
Alaska, begun in 1897, and which it was impossible to follow up during 
the two succeeding years, on account of other demands on the vessel. 
The cruise extended to Bristol Bay and along the south side of the 
Alaskan peninsula and the coast of southwestern Alaska, the object 
being to visit those salmon streams and canneries which were omitted 
in 1897 and to verify and complete records made at that time. The 
vessel was engaged in this duty till the close of the season, arriving 
at San Francisco October 30. The great distances to be traveled and 
the short seasons of those northern latitudes made it impossible to 
collect all the desired data, and therefore, owing to the importance 
of the work commercially and the interest shown in the previous 
report, it was deemed expedient to continue the investigation during 
one more summer, which it was thought would complete it and make 
available a comprehensive and thorough knowledge of these valuable 
fisheries. Accordingly, on the 22d of May, 1901, the vessel sailed 
from Seattle, and at the close of the fiscal year was again in Alaskan 
waters. The report of the commanding officer is now in preparation 
for publication. ' 
STEAMER FISH HAWK. 
This vessel was used during the summer of 1900 in connection with 
the biological work at the Woods Hole laboratory. After refitting and 
undergoing certain repairs she proceeded, November 10, to Pamlico 
Sound, North Carolina, to continue the hydrographic survey of the 
oyster-grounds of that region, begun the previous year. The work 
was confined to the section in Wyesocking Bay, surveyed by Lieu- 
tenant Winslow in 1887, to determine what changes had occurred since 
that date, and it was found that these public oyster-grounds had 
decreased materially in area and productiveness. 
On completion of this duty the vessel proceeded to the Gulf coast of 
Florida to survey and chart the sponge-grounds, in connection with 
the investigation of the sponge industry of that State. Leaving Hamp- 
ton Roads January 7, 1901, she arrived at Anclote anchorage, Florida, 
January 20. On account of boisterous weather the work of the 
survey was greatly interfered with, and but a very small part of the 
beds was examined and located. The grounds extend from St. Marks 
to Tampa Bay, a distance of 150 miles, and out from the shore 15 to 
20 miles to a depth of 60 feet, which is the limit of depth at which the 
fishermen can work with present appliances. During the latter part 
of March a series of hauls with dredge and beam trawl were made for 
collections of invertebrates and fishes. April 3 the vessel reached 
