REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES. 85 



The report of the fishery expert, Mr. A. B. Alexander, gives the experience of this 

 vessel iu fishing with hand lines from the rail, but in considering the results it must be 

 remembered that the vessel was always under way, frequently drifting rapidly before 

 boisterous winds and heavy seas. The duration of trials never exceeded 20 minutes, 

 and other work was frequently carried on when lino fishing was impracticable; 

 hence some of tho most favorable localities escaped a fair trial with hook and line. 



It is reasonable to suppose that the presence of cod varies with the-seasons in the 

 shoal waters of Bering Sea, as in other localities, and that they will bo found in 

 greater depths as summer approaches. The Albaiross has never taken halibut in any 

 considerable quantities in Bering Sea, and none of largo size. Tho conditions under 

 which trial lines have been used were particularly unfavorable for the capture of this 

 slow-biting fish. Trawl lines set on favorable bottom near the 100-fathom line would 

 be an interesting experiment, from which good results might be expected to follow. 



Incidental to the specific objects of the cruise in Bering- Sea, atten- 

 tion was also given, as heretofore, whenever the opportunity offered, to 

 the requirements of navigation, in the direction of perfecting the infor- 

 mation relative to harbors, coast lines, the passes between the islands, 

 etc. In view of the dangers attending navigation in this region and the 

 limited surveys hitherto made there, this work can not fail to be of great 

 practical benefit, especially considering the number of vessels which 

 now assemble in Bering Sea every season in connection w r ith the fur-seal 

 fishery. With respect to the principal harbor, located at the entrance 

 to the sea, Commander Tanner summarizes his results as follows: 



Great difficulty has frequently been experienced in making Unalaska in thick 

 weather in the absence of soundings, and we have from time to time run lines from 

 the 100-fathom curve to Unalaska Bay, which were supplemented after our departure 

 from Unalaska by a line from Priest Rock, off Kalekhta Point, to the north head of 

 Akutan, and thence to Akuu, the route usually followed by steamers between Unimak 

 Pass and Unalaska. These soundings, with others we have made in the vicinity of the 

 Fox Islands, will, when plotted on a chart of large scale, greatly assist the navigator, 

 inasmuch as it will make the lead available. 



The work in Bering Sea terminated early in September, and on the 

 9th of that month the Albatross left Unalaska bound south. In accord- 

 ance with the directions of the senior naval officer, a course was first 

 laid along the south side of the Alaska Peninsula as far as Kadiak for 

 the purpose of intercepting, if possible, certain vessels for violation of 

 the hunting regulations. From off Cape Greville, Kadiak, soundings 

 were made to the vicinity of Cape Edgecumbe, Barauof Island, with 

 the object of investigating the circumstances connected with a reported 

 discoloration of the water in the neighborhood of latitude 57° 16' N., 

 longitude 143° 11' W., but only deep water and normal conditions were 

 discovered along all parts of the line. Sitka was reached September 17, 

 Port Townsend on the 24th, and the Mare Island navy-yard on the 30th. 

 The control of the movements of the ship by the Navy Department 

 was relinquished on October 1(5, but the work of repairing and refitting 

 detained her at the navy-yard until the end of the calendar year. 



As the appropriation would not permit continuous operations during 

 the winter, the Albatross was ordered to San Diego, where a survey 

 of the bay was considered desirable, and where the health of the crew 



