INVESTIGATIONS OF THE ALBATROSS. 271 



REPORT OF A. B. ALEXANDER, FISHERY EXPERT. 



[Abstract.] 

 WASHINGTON, OREGON, AND CALIFORNIA. 



On August 28, 1889, liydrographic operations were commenced off the 

 coast of WashingtoD, and were carried on thence southward along the 

 coasts of Oregon and northern California as far as Cai)e Mendocino. 

 The work of sounding, dredging, and fishing was assiduously carried 

 on from the above date until October 13, with the exception of a short 

 visit made to Portland, Oregon, and the time required for coaling. Ofl' 

 the coasts examined the fishing-grounds are entirely within the 100- 

 fathom curve. Fishes are generally found in greatest numbers in 

 depths of 15 to 30 fathoms and on rocky bottoms, but the numerous 

 species of rockfish frequently congregate together on sandy patches, 

 attracted, undoubtedly, by the quantity of food which they find there. 



The greatest distance of the 100-fathom curve from the coast of 

 Washington, between Cape Flattery and the Columbia River, is about 

 40 miles, the least distance about 18 miles, the average being about 25 

 miles. South of the Columbia River this curve takes an irregular 

 course, but near the northern boundary line of California it rapidly 

 approaches the shore, deep water being found only a short distance 

 from the land. Heceta Bank is the largest and most important fishing- 

 ground south of Cape Flattery. 



The first trial for bottom fish was made on the afternoon of August 

 30 in 28 fathoms oft" Yaquina Head, Oregon, the catch consisting of 1 

 red rockfish and 2 ling or whiting. The wind was blowing fresh at the 

 time, causing the ship to drift rapidly, and it was difficult to keep the 

 hooks on the bottom. The following morning another trial was made 

 some 30 miles south of the last locality in 29 fathoms of water, but no 

 fish were taken. The bottom consisted of fine gray sand, and furnished 

 no indications of a good fishing-ground. 



On the morning of September 1 hand lines were used at hydrographic 

 station No. 1958, latitude 44° 01' N., longitude 124° 49' 15" W., depth 

 58 fathoms, both from the ship and from small boats, i^o thing of im- 

 portance was taken by the latter, and only 3 orange rockfish by the 

 former. At hydrographic station No. 1978, later in the day, latitude 

 43° 58' 30" N., longitude 124° 44' 20" W., 61 fathoms, even poorer 

 results were obtained, but at a few ship lengths from this berth 24 

 rockfish, of two species, were captured in the course of a few minutes. 

 Undoubtedly at many places where we were unable to secure anything 

 with hand lines excellent fishing could be obtained with the beam trawl. 

 While flounders, soles, and some other edible species may occur in very 



