90 ALASKA FISHERIES AND FUR INDUSTRIES IN 1917. 



to be maintained in the waters frequented by the seal herd or herds 

 and sea otter, in the protection of which the United States is espe- 

 cially interested, composed of naval or other public vessels of the 

 United States designated by him for such service." 



The vessels of the Coast Guard are particularly well fitted for the 

 required patrol work and the personnel of the service is thoroughly 

 familiar with the conditions which obtain in the waters to be guarded. 

 For these reasons vessels of the Coast Guard have been utilized ex- 

 clusively for this work. 



The following is a statement prepared by the Coast Guard, de- 

 scribing briefly the character of the patrol work for the season of 

 1917: 



Memorandum Concerning Operations of the Coast Guard in Connection 

 WITH Patrolling the North Pacific and Bering Sea, for Protection op 

 Seals and Sea Otters, During the Season of 1917. 



Owing to war conditions but one cutter, the Unalga, was detailed for this patrol in 

 1917. That vessel left Seattle on May 3, 1917, for Alaskan waters. She took on board 

 at her port of departure a number of sacks of mail for Unalaska and the Pribilof Islands. 

 Three agents of the Bureau of Fisheries were also taken on board for transportation 

 to Unalaska and St. George Island. 



On her way north light variable breezes to a fresh southeast gale with thick weather 

 were encountered. An average distance of 18 to 20 miles offshore was maintained 

 and a sharp lookout for fur seals was kept, but no seals were sighted. A stop was made 

 at Sitka, and the voyage resumed on May 9 along the Alaskan peninsula, continuing 

 the lookout for fur seals, but none was seen. A call ^yas made at Kodiak, and then the 

 trip to the westward was resumed, skirting in and around the various islands on the 

 lookout for seals. As weather permitted, patrolled the waters between the Barren 

 Islands and Pearl Island. Arrived at Unalaska on May 29. On June 4 took on board 

 officials, mail, stores, etc. June 7 arrived off the village, St. George Island. On June 8 

 proceeded to St. Paul Island. After cruising around the islands, returned to Un- 

 alaska on June 9, and delivered the mail from the Pribilof Islands for the States. 



June 16 sailed for Atka and Attu, and cruised around the Aleutian Islands, stopping 

 at such places as were necessary for rendering assistance to vessels in distress. On 

 June 29 returned to Unalaska. 



July 7 left Unalaska on a cruise for Seward and Valdez, calling at several ports en 

 route and continuing the patrol. Performed numerous duties for other departments 

 of the Government at such times as most convenient and desirable, and returned to 

 Unalaska on August 19. Left latter port on August 20 and made another cruise as far 

 as Nazan Bay, off Atka. After making a thorough search in the bays and around the 

 islands of the Aleutian chain, returned to Unalaska on September 5. On September 

 12, the services of the vessel being no longer required on patrol duty, started for the 

 States, stopping en route at Akutan, Valdez, Bear Bay, Ketchikan, and Point Colpoys, 

 arriving at Seattle on October 1. 



During the entire season the Unalga steamed a total of 12,892.3 miles, boarding 33 

 vessels and assisting 3. 



Along with the patrol work the Coast Guard each year renders in- 

 valuable assistance to the Bureau in the way of transporting em- 

 ployees, mail, and supplies, acknowledgment for which is here made. 



From time to time the Coast Guard also cooperates in enforcing 

 the fisheries laws at isolated points along the Alaskan coast. Work 

 of this kind is usually done in connection with the performance of 

 the regular duties of that service. 



SEALING PRIVILEGES ACCORDED ABORIGINES. 



The North Pacific Sealing Convention of July 7, 1911, provided 

 that Indians, Aleuts, or other aborigines dwelling on the Pacific 

 coast of North America north of the thirtieth paraSel of north lati- 

 tude might carry on pelagic sealing in canoes not transported by or 

 used in connection with other vessels, and propelled entirely by oars, 

 paddles, or sails, and manned by not more than five persons each, 



