58 REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES. 
The species taken in the hand-line and gill-net fisheries in the winter 
and spring are chiefly rockfisli, flounders, smelts, sharks, kingfish, and 
sculpins; while barracuda, mackerel, sea bass, bonito, pompano, white- 
fish, yellow-tail, bastard halibut, horse mackerel, etc., are caught in sum- 
mer, in addition to the other species just enumerated. Shad are rare in 
the waters of this county, only one being caught in 1888, but they are 
plentiful on the north side of Monterey Bay near Santa Oruz. 
Sharks of several species are abundant ; only the fins and tails are 
utilized ; these are sold to the Chinese for 11 cents per set, or what is 
obtained from one fish. One swordfish (Xiphias gladius) was killed in 
1888; the fishermen say this is the only one of this species ever seen or 
taken at Monterey Bay. 
Whales are reported more numerous than they were a few years ago, 
but no attempt has been made to take them at Monterey Bay since 
1881, and the shore whaling station at Carmel Bay was closed three 
years later. Sea lions are very plentiful in Monterey Bay and vicinity; 
they can be seen in large numbers at all seasons, hauled out on the rocky 
shores and ledges about Carmel Bay ; they frequently damage nets, but 
have no commercial value and are not sought by fishermen. 
Squid are abundant in their season, and constitute an important 
object of fishery of the Chinese, by whom alone they are taken. They 
arrive in large numbers in April and remain about two months. Occa- 
sionally a small catch is made in the fall. Shellfish are scarce or 
entirely absent. There are no scallops and only a few clams and 
abalones. The latter were once abundant, but are now nearly exter- 
minated, little more than enough being obtained to supply the tourists 
visiting Monterey. Only a few are sent to San Francisco. There are 
no shrimp or crayfish taken. Lobsters appear to have been successfully 
introduced by the U. S. Fish Commission. Mr. Wilcox was told that 
specimens 4 to 6 inches long were occasionally seen, and that two were 
taken in February, 1889, which were- immediately returned to the 
water by the fishermen. 
Fishing grounds . — The fisheries are prosecuted almost exclusively in 
Monterey and Carmel Bays. The latter is resorted to by fishermen 
from Monterey, and especially by the Chinese at Point Alones, who 
unite their interests with the Chinese fishermen at Pescadero, to tbe 
extent at least that the residents of both villages ship their products 
together to San Francisco. 
Mr. Alexander makes the following remarks concerning Monterey 
Bay in his report on the lobsters planted at that place: 
Stormy weather generally affects the movements of all species of fish in the bay. 
On the first approach of a storm they leave their favorite feeding grounds and seek 
deeper water, and do not again enter the bay until several days after the storm has 
subsided. 
During the rainy season a large amount of fresh water constantly flows into the 
bay, carrying with it mud and other material, which to a marked degree seems to 
