i aaa ” 
FUR-SEAL INDUSTRY. 105 
PATROL OF THE NORTH PACIFIC OCEAN AND BERING SEA. 
As in previous years, vessels of the Coast Guard exclusively were 
detailed to patrol the North Pacific Ocean and Bering Sea for the 
protection of the fur seals and sea otters in the season of 1916. This 
patrol work is required by section 9 of the act of Congress approved 
August 24, 1912, giving effect to the North Pacific Sealing Convention 
of July 7, 1911. The group of vessels detailed for the work j is known 
as the Bering Sea fleet. In the season of 1916 the fleet consisted of 
the Unalga, the Manning, and the McCulloch. The commanding 
officer of the fleet was authorized to direct the cutter Bear, which was 
designated for the usual cruise in the Arctic Ocean, to perform any 
duty that would not interfere with her orders from headquarters far 
the Arctic cruise. 
In addition to the patrol work for the protection of the fur seals 
and sea otters, the units of the fleet have many other duties to per- 
form, including the enforcement of law generally, rendering assistance 
to judicial authorities, assisting vessels in distress, rendering help to 
natives in destitute.or needy circumstances, and other duties with 
which the Coast Guard vessels are usually charged. The peculiar 
conditions which obtain in western Alaska bring about unusual need 
for these vessels. 
The Unalga left Seattle for Unalaska on April 20 and returned to 
Seattle on August 18. The Manning left the Puget Sound Navy 
Yard May 12 for Unalaska and returned to that navy yard on Sep- 
tember 21. The McCulloch left Sausalito, Cal., for Unalaska May 24 
and arrived at Port Townsend, Wash., on the return trip October 18. 
Close attention throughout the season was given to the possible 
violation of the North Pacific Sealing Convention by vessels operating 
within the waters covered by that convention, but no evidences of 
pelagic sealing nor of sea-otter hunting were observed. 
Numerous courtesies were rendered to the Bureau by the various 
Coast Guard vessels in Alaskan waters, particularly in the way of 
transportation of persons, mail, and certain supplies to and from and 
between the Pribilof Islands. The Bureau is under obligation to the 
Coast Guard for such assistance and for the friendly and earnest 
spirit of cooperation shown at all times by the officers and men of 
that service. 
SEALING PRIVILEGES ACCORDED ABORIGINES. 
By the provisions of the North Pacific Sealing Convention of July 7, 
1911, Indians, Aleuts, or other aborigines dwelling on the Pacific 
coast of North America north of the thirtieth parallel of north latitude 
are permitted to 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, in the way hitherto practiced and without the use of firearms; 
