January 15, 1941* 
MEMORANDUM FOR Hr. Harrison* 
Halibut fishermen, through the secretary of association® of vessel 
owners , union®, etc., should be circularised for the purpose of ©11 citing 
as much and as accurate information as they say possess of the occurrence 
of king crabs, places, times of year, depth and types of bottom where any 
specimens that they have personally seen were taken. References to other 
parties who have actually seen or taken king crab would likewise be appreciated. 
AH other fishing concern® operating in Alaskan waters should also be 
approached* be do have Captain Traf ton 1 s notes on hi® cod fishing trials in 
the Bering Sea during which he made several siaeable hauls of king crabs 
in an otter trawl. 
, #/,# # # # '-' hv,/'- v 
The Bering Sea, In the general region where Japanese have been observed 
at work (confidential reports of Coast Guard to Bureau), should be divided 
into definite areas, and subjected to as many fishing trials in a® many 
different likely places during each of the several months that the expedition 
may be in the field a® may be possible with otter trawls and tangle nets, 
ami perhaps in suitable shoal waters with traps or crab pots. 
To this end, each of the several prospecting trawl boats that may be 
furnished the investigation should be provided with a suitable inboard motored 
launch or skiff to be carried on deck or towed behind (as previously recommended) 
for the purpose of handling setting and hauling tangle nets or traps. 
