Pittsburg dispatch. [volume] (Pittsburg [Pa.]) 1880-1923, 1889-08-25
FISH IN THE PACIFIC OCEAN.
Results Of Careful Investigation By IN,
Government Commission.

Government Commissiou.
WASHINGTON, August 24.-Lieutenant Com.
mander 2. L. Tanner. of the navy, has made an
interesting report to the Fish Commission of
the work of the steamer Albatross from the
beginning of the present year to June 30 last
The Commander of the Albatross was instructed
to cruise in the waters of the southern part of
the California coast and in the Gulf of Califor.
mia for the purpose of investigating sea life in
those waters and the practicability of raising
oysters. The result of the investigation has
been to greatly enlarge the volume OF current
knowledge of the fauna of these waters and to
demonstrate that there are numerous produc-
tive fisheries there of which the existence has
been hitherto unknown. The actual work of
the Albatross began January 5. when the trawl
was cast in 236 fathoms of water in the Cortez
banks, about IL miles from Point conception.
Fish swarmed in great numbers ana variety
over the banks which are the richest found SO
far in the Pacific. Fatheads, white fish, yellow
tail, rock cod and four species of red rock cod,
took the hook readily. San Nicholas island
was found rather barren, but here Proi; Gil-
bert, the naturalist of the expedition, discov-
cred phenomenon of nature generally at
trlbuted to whirlwinds), In the shape OF a turn,
pike, perfectly straight, as far as the eye could
see, nine feet wide, crowned in the center, and
with cutters six to eight inches.
Rich hauls were made at Beecher's Bay N
about ~ fathoms Of water. The fish taken IN
flavor, and also the deep water sole. one OF the
best sea fsh OF the Pacific coast. In the vicfn-
ity of Cape San Lucas the Albatross investi-
gated reports that have long been currentof
islands, rocks and reefs in the neghborhobd.
Their non existence was established by sound
ing. and 1t was also demonstrated that the
Islands commencing with Guadalupe and ex-
tending to Los Alijos and the Revilla Gigardo
group are isolated volcanic eruptions, entirely
independent OF the continent and of one an
other. The Gulf was entered on March IL and
the ground around San Jose Island was found
literally covered with oyster Shells alive and
dead, at depth of from 10 to II fathoms.
at George Island plenty of squeteague and
species Of bass, from 8 to 160 pounds, were
taken. Many sea birds and a rookery of sea
lions were also discovered At one place the
fish were taken in such numbers that the cap
tain was obliged to put a stop to the sport.
Gill net fishing throughout the Gulf was found
to be impractlcable on account of sharks and
dog fish. Of San Louis Island in the latter
part of March sea lions whales and porpoises
abounded, the last named being very wild.
Governor Cervantes and a large number of
gentlemen who visited the ship were greatly
surprised to see the great variety of marine
fauna which had been found, many of which
oysters were found to be plentiful off Algoda-
nese Lagoon about the Yaqui river. At low
tide these oysters are exposed to view, and the
Indians collect them by hand. The fishing
grounds of Man-of-War Cove and Bay of San
Bartolome did not sustain the reputation they
have. Investigations made by Mr.. Gilbert and
Mr.. Alexander showed that no shad existed in
the GLAND river. the waters having proved un-
adapted to the shad planted there by the COM
mission. German carp, however, were found
to have thrived well. Halibut and cod were
caught of Cape Flattery.