The daily morning Astorian. [volume] (Astoria, Oregon) 1883-1899, 1888-10-16
THE U. S. VESSEL "ALBATRoss."
To Cruise Outside and Take Deep Sea
Soundings.

The U. s. fish commissioners vessel
AlbdtrOSs arrived in last Sunday and
yesterday hung her washing to dry in
the rigging. She lies in the stream op-
posite the city. Regarding her recent
Alexander says:
The baibut fishing grounds off the
Straits of Juan de Fuca and between
Cape Beal and Cape Flattery are no
doubt very prolific at certain seasons, but
at the present time edible fish in no large
quantities can be taken.
Halibut trawl lines were set in many
places on this ground. A few halibut
were taken each time, showing that
scattering ones remain in spite of the
dog-fish and sharks. Trawl lines were
left down the usual length of time con-
sidered necessary to test the bottom
(from two to three hours, but no such
fishing was found as the captains of the
schooners Mollie Adams and Oscar and
Hattie reported earlier in the season.
Capt. Jacobs and other fishermen think
that few trips will be taken on this
ground each year.
During the few winter and spring
months this bank will be visited by the
fishermen for fresh trips" This acces-
sible fishing bank being in such close
proximity to the fishing headquarters of
the northwest, lucrative fresh halibut
fishery must necessarily be established.
But in the summer months, when ves-
sells are bound on "fletched trip" more
northern waters will have to be sought,
where halibut can be found in vast guam
titles. The cause for the disappearance
of the halibut at this season Of the year
is due to the great abundance of dog-fish
and sharks, which infest these waters.
These wolves of the ocean seem to take
full possession of the bottom, driving
away all edible fish from the rich SUBJ
marine pastures where halibut and other
species resort. Trawl lines cannot be
left down over night in this serrate bot
tom. as the swift running tide soon
causes the ground line to chafe against
the sharp rocks to such an extent that it
is either badly damaged or never re-
covered. In consequence of this no
might sets" are made. all the fishing be-
ing done during the day.
A few miles south of Cape Flattery
very muddy and Shiny bottom is met
with. Numerous sets were made along
the coast from the last-named point to
Shoalwater bay. Sharks and dog-fish
were found in great abundance at almost
every set. On few occasions black cod
and red-rock fish were taken in consider
able number, the last named species,
however, being more abundant.
The bottom along the Washington Ter
ritory coast as far south as the Albatross
has cruised seems to be void of all
marine life which attracts halibut. The
reported banks further south where hall
but are said to be plentiful yet remain to
be investigated.
Everything aboard the vessel is in
apple-pie order, and the steamer is
abundantly supplied for the special pur-
pose to which she has been assigned.
She leaves for cruise to locate the hall
but banks outside, and then goes to San
Francisco.
THE COMMISSIONERS LETTER.
Following is letter to Senator j. N.
Dolph from M. Mcdonald, the U. s. fish
commissioner, which, under the circum-
stances, furnishes interesting informa-
ton:
Hon. J. N. Dolph, U. S. Senate, Wash
ington, ID. c.:
1have the honor to state that your re-
quest to Mr.. OConnor, in Washington,
that the steamer Albdtross make q sur
vey of the fishing banks of the mouth of
the Columbia river, Oregon, was duly
communicated to Capt. Tanner, in COM
mand of that steamer, with orders to
spend as much time in that region as the
weather would permit. He was also in
structed to confer with Hon. j. H. D.
Gray, of Astoria, if he found it conven-
lent to make port there.
Replying to this telegram, by letter,
from Port Townsend, Capt. Tanner says
he will do the best he can to carry out
your wishes, but that the season for out
side work is nearly at an end in that re-
gion.
Whatever may be the outcome of his
work off the Columbia river this fall,
will make it point to place the Alba
trosS upon the grounds you indicate at
as early time as possible next spring,
with instructions to make a complete
survey, the results of which will be made
known to the fishermen of Oregon with
out delay. Very respectfully,
N. MCDONALD,
Commissioner.