340 SUMMARY AND CONCLUSIONS 



equalizing the relative number of dives, the 6 to i8 inch 

 fish would number 90, and the 24-inch-plus ones, 50 

 individuals. 



(e) Vertical Distribution 



Too thorough an idea of this phase can be gained from 

 the resumes of the various groups in Appendix G to re- 

 quire any extended comment here. It is sufficient to say 

 that in almost every group of organisms, I saw individuals, 

 from the bathysphere, at much higher levels than we have 

 ever trawled them. This may be due in part to the ease 

 with which creatures in the upper, more lighted levels, 

 perceive and avoid the slow, oncoming nets. Yet the fact 

 also holds good as well for organisms in the deeper, lightless 

 strata. 



It would be futile to attempt any explanation of this 

 great discrepancy in size, distribution, illumination, etc., 

 between trawling captures and bathysphere observations. 

 I never anticipated it, and I have no adequate theory to 

 account for it. The fact remains that a much more abun- 

 dant and larger-sized fish fauna exists in these waters than 

 is in any way adumbrated by six years of trawling with the 

 best possible oceanographic collecting outfit. 



