HALIBUT FISHING GROUNDS OF THE PACIFIC COAST. 43 



grounds mentioned were discovered, Forester Island being one where 

 a portion of the fleet has met with success in the last two years. 



Soundings off the west coast of Queen Charlotte Islands. — On the 

 morning of August 22 we sounded in 1,368 fathoms of water, 60 

 miles from the previous sounding taken, 38 miles SSW. \ W. from 

 the Kerourat Islands, latitude 51° 29' 00" N., longitude 131° 48' 00" 

 W. The Kerourat Islands extend offshore from Cape St. James, 

 the southern end of the Queen Charlotte Islands. 



In the position of this sounding fishermen had reported shoal water. 

 The chart soundings in this locality ranged from 800 to 1,500 fathoms 

 and, with the sounding taken by the Albatross., preclude the possi- 

 bility of there being shoal water in this region. 



Shoal water is confined near the west coast of the Queen Charlotte 

 Islands, and halibut have been found there, but in no great quanti- 

 ties any considerable distance from the shore. It is reported that the 

 west side of the island offers little inducement to halibut fishermen. 

 Many vessels have made an investigation of the inshore grounds, but 

 with little or no success. 



From the foregoing it is to be assumed that no fishing banks of 

 importance exist off the coast of the Queen Charlotte Islands south 

 from Dixon Entrance to the latitude of the Cape Scott ground, a 

 distance of over 200 miles. From Dixon Entrance northward, how- 

 ever, farther offshore than has been found necessary to fish, vessels 

 will find suitable ground. It was not possible for the Albatross to 

 make an extensive survey of these grounds in one season. By noting 

 the positions given and referring to the accompanying charts it will 

 be found that enough information is available to render it compara- 

 tively easy for fishermen to develop the banks. 



Cape Scott ground. — On the morning of August 24 several trials 

 were made in the vicinity of Cape Scott, the first in 52 fathoms on 

 rocky bottom, the south end of Cox Island bearing NW. % N., 3f 

 miles distant. At the expiration of one hour the trawl was hauled 

 and 3 halibut were taken, their average weight 82 pounds. The 

 largest taken weighed 150 pounds. One small raffish was also caught. 



Very little fishing for halibut has been done off the south side of 

 Cox, Triangle, and Haycock Islands, it being stated that halibut 

 have never been found in such numbers as to warrant a second trial. 

 It also has been said that halibut have never been taken directly 

 south of these islands and Scott Channel. Such, however, seems not 

 to be the case, as scattering individuals have been taken on this ground 

 by the fishermen on board in the last two years. 



A trial off the north end of Scott Channel in 28 fathoms of water, 

 the east end of Cox Island bearing SW. by W. I W., 5| miles, re- 

 sulted in 2 averge-sized halibut. This is a favorite "spot" for 



