Halibut fishing gkounds of the pacific coast. 19 



The tide was not so strong as on the east side of Akun Island, and 

 in consequence the trawls were easily hauled. Had they been set a 

 mile or more from the shore a strong tide would have been en- 

 countered. 



In the afternoon, June 29, we anchored off Dutch Harbor, Una- 

 laska, and after coaling left on July 5 for Bering Sea. 



Slime Bank. — Off Akutan Pass we passed through immense flocks 

 of whale birds. Many of the flocks covered several miles in length 

 and from one-half to 1 mile in width. Throughout the summer 

 months these birds may be found in great numbers in the vicinity 

 of Akun and Akutan Islands and in Unimak Pass, and they are 

 also Numerous along the coast of Alaska wherever whales are pres- 

 ent in considerable numbers. The amount of food necessary to supply 

 them must indeed be large, and as more birds are found in Bering 

 Sea and in the passes leading into it than elsewhere the waters must 

 be teeming with minute animal life and small surface fishes suffi- 

 ciently abundant to supply both whales and birds. 



Our first set made in Bering Sea, and probably the first halibut 

 trawl ever set in this sea, was made on the morning of July G, with 

 two trawls about one-half mile apart in 43 fathoms of water; charac- 

 ter of bottom, black gravel ; Cape Lapin bearing southeast, 16 miles 

 distant." The result of these sets, lasting 54 minutes, was 54 cod, 

 1 turbot, 1 skate, and a small crab. Only a few of the cod were 

 brought on board. The maximum weight was 32 pounds and 39 

 inches in length; minimum, 12 pounds and 29^ inches. 



The end of one of the trawls dropped off into GO fathoms of 

 water, in w^hich depth some of the largest cod were taken. It is 

 stated by most fishermen who have fished on banks in Bering Sea 

 that as a rule the best fish are found farther off shore than where 

 fishing is usually carried on. The reason why vessels confine their 

 operations to the inshore grounds is that the crew are paid by the 

 fish, and smaller fish are found near the shore. In other words, it is 

 to the advantage of the crew to catch no more than they must of the 

 fish over 28 inches in length, the standard measurement of what is 

 termed a " count fish," because large fish fill the hold too quickly. - 



In the afternoon a set was made in 54 fathoms on sand and gravelly 

 bottom in latitude 54° 53' 00" N., longitude 165° 20' 00" W., a dis- 

 tance of 22 miles from Cape Sarichef. On account of a strong wind 

 and choppy sea the trawls were hauled after 45 minutes, taking 6 cod. 



In previous trials for bottom fish in Bering Sea by the Albatross 

 on grounds farther eastward, scattering halibut were taken. Fisher- 

 men who make annual trips to Bering Sea for cod report finding 

 large quantities of small halibut on the eastern part of Slime Bank, 



« All bearings are magnetic. The position of tlie trials, showing the latitude and 

 longitude and depth of water, were platted by Lieut. Lewis B. Porterfleld, U. S. N. 



