FISHERY INVESTIGATIONS OF THE STEAMER ALBATROSS. 
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halibut fishing, but the observations thus far made are not encouraging in that respect. 
The abundance of several other species, however, especially of the red rockfish, will 
furnish sufficient inducement to fishing vessels, whenever they can be assured of a 
ready market for their catch. The use of the beam trawl and of trawl lines on the 
rougher parts of the bank is impracticable, hand lines being most serviceable in such 
localities. 
Inside of Heceta Bank. — After leaving Heceta Bank on September 1, 1889, the 
investigations with the beam trawl were extended to the muddy and sandy bottom 
lying between there and the mainland. Station No. 3080 was made a few miles to the 
eastward of the bank, in a depth of 93 fathoms, green mud, and disclosed a great 
wealth of fish life, the catch including about 100 flounders, representing several 
species, many rockfish, 1 black-cod, and 1 cultus-cod. Station No. 3081 was still nearer 
to the land, in about the same latitude, the depth being 61 fathoms, and the bottom 
consisting of green mud and sand. In this position 200 flounders were captured, 
besides an abundance of several other species. As the duration of these hauls did not 
exceed 20 minutes each, the value of this region as a beam-trawl fishing-ground must be 
conceded. 
Umpqua River to Gape Blanco. — The observations were carried southward from 
the Umpqua River on September 12, 1889. Four miles south of the river, in a depth 
of 53 fathoms, 3 orange and 1 black rockfish were taken on the hand lines in the course 
of 15 minutes. A second trial, about 3 miles farther south, in a depth of 40 fathoms 
and lasting 25 minutes, afforded 22 orange rockfish. From this point, however, to the 
Coquille River, a distance of 28 miles, no fishes of any kind were captured, although 
stations were made in 8 different places. In 25 fathoms, rocky bottom, directly off 
the mouth of the Coquille River, 1 orange rockfish and 1 cultus-cod were secured; but 
from here to Cape Blanco all of the fishing trials again proved unsuccessful. Dredging 
station No. 3094 was in this region, about 11£ miles south of Coquille Point, depth 35 
fathoms. 
Orford Reef. — The fishery investigations on the coast of Oregon terminated at 
Orford Reef on September 12, 1889, although the hydrographic observations were con- 
tinued to the California State line. Reaching the vicinity of the reef during the after- 
noon, Mr. Alexander was detailed to examine the shallow waters in one of the small 
boats, while the Albatross worked farther off shore. Only 2 dredging stations, Nos. 
3095 and 3096, were made here, both with the tangles. They were located just to the 
south and southeastward of the reef, in depths of 33 and 42 fathoms, the bottom 
being very rich in animal life. 
The exposed part of Orford Reef consists of several very rough ridges which rise 
abruptly from the sea. They are covered in places with sea lions, but, notwithstand- 
ing this fact the surrounding waters contain an abundance of food-fishes of several 
varieties. By far the best fishing was obtained on the south side of the reef, in 6 to 
8 fathoms, hard and very irregular bottom. As it generally proved very difficult to 
release the anchor, it was found most expedient to lay to and drift with the wind and 
tide, although there was constant danger of losing the hooks and leads by their catch- 
ing upon the rocks. A very large and interesting assortment of fishes was collected, 
including red and orange rockfish, vermilion rockfish ( Sebastodes miniatus ), cultus-cod, 
one black-cod, and several large sculpins. The cultus-cod were especially abundant. 
Equal success was obtained by the use of hand lines from the ship south and west of 
the reef. 
