FISHING CONDITIONS
south of
THE MARSHALL ISLANDS
Marine Bio!o§u:al L- ''^ ^^ >
FEB 8-iy^'
WOODS HOLE, MASS.
SPECIAL SCIENTIFIC REPORT: FISHERIES No. 43
UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR
FISH AND WILDLIFE SERVICE
EXPLANATORY NOTE
The series embodes results of investigations, usually of
restricted scope, in'e,:.Vd to aid or direct manogeir.ent or
utilization practices : ' " -'-'ides for administrative or
legislative action. It i limited quantities for the
official use of Federal, 1.^:.^ l: cooperating agencies and in
rrccessed fcrrn for eccnorr;'/ and to avoid delay in publiccticn.
Washington, p. C.
Jo;ii'" '
United States Department of the Interior
Oscar L. Chap-nan, Secretary-
Fish and Wildlife Service
Albert M, Day, Director
Special Scientific Report - Fisheries
Noo ^3
FISHING CONDITIONS SOUTH OF THE MARSHALL ISLANDS
Translated from the Japanese language by
W, G. Van Campen
Pacific Oceanic Fishery Investigations
CONTENTS
1. Fishing conditions south of the Marshall Islands,
By Haruo Watanabe, Technician for the South
Seas Colonization Company l/ ,
Page
1/ From South Sea Fisheries £ Nanyo Suisan_7, No. 58, 6(3),
March 25, 1940. pp. 12-19; No, 59, 6U), April 25, 19A0,
pp. U-25; No, 60, 6(5), May 25, 19^0. pp. 9-15.
Published by the South Sea Fisheries Association, Incorporated.
Track of the Ebon H'aru 1939
O The circles and numbers
indicate the positions and
order of the fishing stations.
Q-,^ Bismarck Is.
Solom.on . ^
Is.
^^^ »(jSantaCruz Is.
HZO^
'0^
\) g New
S)% Hebrides
~I9D°
"180^
Fishing Conditions South of the Marshall Islands
This paper is based on reports of the investigations conducted aboard
the Company's research vessel Ebon Maru in the waters south of the Marshalls
from March to June, 1939. In view of the paucity of research data from this
area, the editor of this journal has prevailed upon the author to have it
printed here for the information of persons in the industry who may be
interestedo
Meteorological and Oeeanographic Conditions
Weather and sea conditions during the period covered by this investi-
gation were very calm„ This '.iras because the dry season (season of strong
winds) had already passed and by May we were into the so-called rainy
season (season of calms), but this is not to say that there was no wind
at all. At times we encountered the wind directions, wind forces, rain,
current conditions, and so forth which we had been expecting, but these
phenomena seemed rather to make the grounds appear more fishable than
otherwise. These conditions prevailed in both the southern and the north-
ern hemispheres alike. Indeed, the author had been warned just before
sailing from. Jaluit by mariners acquainted with these waters that the
currents and winds in the southern hemisphere were unsettled and he could
not help feeling a bit uneasy, but as a matter of fact conditions were
just like those described by Captain Coffee in Thirty Years Before the
Mast from his long years of experience with the calm weather of this area
on the San Francisco to Sydney run, (The author got this book in Honolulu
and read it in 1922 J
Of course the voyage was not completely windless and flat calm, and
although the period of the investigation was of only brief duration, all
sorts of changes were experienced. For this reason the following will be
only a rough selection from the data treated in the appropriate sections
for each area covered. However, to begin urith, in order to hasten the
reader's comprehension of the subject I will present a broad picture of
weather and sea conditions in the Marshalls area based on information given
by Mr, Mitsuzuka, representative of the Marshalls Pearling Co,, Mr, Noda,
manager of the Jaluit branch of the South Seas Trading Co, , and others
who have lived for over twenty years in the area.
Weather and Sea Conditions in the Marshalls Area
(l) Changes within the year
(1) Air temperature
The air temperature does not change greatly throughout the year,
but it is generally higher during the calm season of June, July,
August, and September, Indoors it varies between 31° and 32*^0. In
other months it is around 29° to 30°C,
(2) Atmospheric pressure
Not known with certainty at present.
(3) Weather
During the months of November, December, January, and February
when the trade wind blows there is little cloud cover, but it
increases in May, June, Jiily, August, and September until cloud cover
of 8 or 9 is not unusual.
U) Wind
Winds of force 6 occur in every month of the calm season but
only before and after squalls. During December, January, and
February the trade winds maintain a rather high level of force, and
winds of force 8 are encountered, sometimes continuing for days. The
trade winds begin in the northern Marshalls about a half a month
earlier than they do in the southern part of the archipelago.
The trades blow from the northeast or east, while during the calm
season the winds are from the southeast and east. It must also not be
forgotten that there are dangerous west winds in this area.
(5) Rainfall
The Marshalls have the greatest rainfall of any of the South Sea
islands. (For example, A,S^O mm at Ebon I., /!^,600 mm at Namorik I.,
A, 300 mm at Jaluit, and 4., 200 mm at Mille. ) In general rainfall is
more abundant in the southern part and comparatively light in the
north. At Bikar and Pokaaku, for example, a great deal of rain some-
times falls all at one time, but such rains may come only a few times
during a whole year. The dry season lasts through December, January,
February, and March, while June, July, August, and September comprise
the rainy season. This general seasonal pattern does not change from
year to year.
(6) Sea temperature
There is no great variation throughout the year, and the tempera-
tures in general range around 28-29° C.
(7) Tides
The range of the tides is about 7 feet. At m.ost of the islands
the tidal currents run at a velocity of 5 knots, Ebon Atoll having the
swiftest tidal current with 6 knots. The tidal currents, like the
surface currents, run to the westward. In the calm season their maxi-
mum velocity is about 2 knots.
(8) Surface c\irrents
The surface currents ruri to the westward, but between 3 and 8
north latitude easterly currents are sometimes encountered. (This
phenomenon is also shown on the charts. )
(9) Waves
It goes without saying that the height of the waves depends on
the force of the wind.
(II) Diurnal changes
(1) Air temperature
The highest temperatures of the day are between one and two o'cladc
in the afternoon. The lowest temperatures occur between one and two
o'clock in the morning. The lowest (in the whole year) is from 20*^ to
21° C. Morning and evening temperatures are 26° to 27° C. (in May and
June), and are extremely comfortable.
(2) Barometric pressure
Not known at present.
(3) Weather
Clear skies generally prevail in the dry season, but during the
rainy season it is thought that there is little change in the amount
of cloud cover throughout the day.
U) Wind
The wind force appears to increase at high tide and to lessen at
low tide. At other times moderate winds prevail. The direction of the
wind is as described under annual changes, and there are no local
peculiarities in this regard.
(5) Rain
The time of day at which rain falls varies „
(6) Sea temperature
The sea water temperature generally lises and falls directly
following upon changes in the air temperature,
(7) Tides
There is probably no need for special explanation.
(8) Surface currents
Same as preceding itemo
(9) Waves
It goes without saying that the height of the waves depends on
the force of the wind.
Well, the Marshall islands, which are located in the northern lati-
tudes, ere in general as described above j, but what of tiie seas south of
the archipelago which were covered by the investigations described in this
paper? To begin with, in the area between Jaluit and Ebon (see the plate
showing the track of the Ebon Maru for the positions of these atolls) the
wind came steadily from the east-northeast with rather high forces of
around 3 or 4-, Cloud cover was from 9 to 10 and the color of the sea was
unfavorable. It rained occasionally. While we were anchored at Ebon there
were frequent rain storms of considerable violence. At this same island
the tidal current in and out of the lagoon ran at around 6 knots and the
comparatively fast motor boat which the Ebon Maru carried (speed about 7
knots) had a hard time making headway against it.
From Ebon Atoll we took a course to the south-southwest and crossed
the Equator. Northeasterly winds of force 2 to 4- blew continuously all
the way to British-controlled Nauru I. (also known as Pleasant I.). (Of
course below the Equator the wind force lessened abr uptly, ) Rain squalls
from time to time cooled us off, and it was truly a tranquil voyage.
Cloud cover was comparatively great. There is a fixed light (lighthouse)
on Nauru I. In the light of dawn this island could not be clearly seen,
but it appeared tc be made up of a number of comparatively flat islets and
it is thought to comprise a fairly large area. An oceanographic station
was run several miles to the west of the island (see the table of observa-
tions in the next number). Perhaps because of the proximity to the island
the transparency of the water was low and there was an aburidanee of micro-
scopic life in the water» The difference between the air and water tempera-
tures was comparatively slighto There was almost no vertical variation in
the sea water temperatures down to 75 meters (at subsequent stations we
took the temperatures down to 100 or 200 meters, but there was still little
variation) , and the current ran to the west with a speed of about 1 knot.
There was a slight ground-swell.
From the waters west of Nauru we continued for two days and nights
on our course to the south"Southwe3t to a point about 6° south latitude
and l64.*-'30' east longitude. On the way the wind blew from the northeast
with forces from 3 to /i and the seas ran rather high. The sky was covered
v.'ith broken clouds and there was lightning over a rather broad area but we
heard no thunder. There wss no rain either. Thereafter the wind shifted
to the south-southwest with a force of 2, and we were visited from time to
time by fierce squalls. In a short while a fine rain began to fall and the
weather became somewhat milder. The currents were just as described here-
inafter in the sections on the various fishing grounds; in +he Equatorial
Counter-cuj:-rent it is not unusual to meet with cui^rent speeds of one and
one-half knots. At this position we encountered east-northeasterly currents
with a speed of one knot. Near Nauru I. we had seen masses of clouds but
they were at comparatively high levels and the total cloud cover 7/as small,
the air temperature wps high, the seas were not verv large, and the general
impression was one of fine v/eather, but at this position the cloud cover
was 10, the clouds hung low, the wind was strong, and conditions were bad
enough to make one think that one was encountering one of the storms of
this area. There were, however, three or four birds circling about near
the water, and they helped to lessen somewhat our apprehensions about the
weather.
Our vessel then ran for another two whole days and nights to a posi-
tion between the Solomons and the Santa Cruz grouu. After resting (hove-
to) for one night we sighted Stewart I. (This island is also extremely
low and is located somewhat to the east of its charted position.) Imme-
diately thereafter we turned our course back to the northeast. On the way
southward the cloud cover was 10, there was no wind, the sea was almost
flat calm, and it grev? colder, but after we ti:irned northeast again the
weather gradually was restored to normal, the wind and the current were
both generally easterly, the wind force was from 3 to 4-> the current
velocity was from 1 to 2 knots, cloud cover was 7 tc 9, and lightning
was seen far away from time to time.
From Fishing Station 6 the vessel proceeded toward British-controlled
Ocean I. On the way north we found the current running strongly to the
eastward (Equatorial Counter-current). For a number of reasons we ran
our seventh fishing station south of Ocean I. On our way to this station
the mornings and evenings were completely windless and sea conditions
reminded one of the Inland Sea of Japan. '.Vhen we first arrived at this
station the cloud cover was 6, the wind force was 2, the wind was south-
easterly, and the current ran east at 2 knots, but after vie had set the
lines a sqtmll came on accompanied by a wind of force 5 and I and most
of the crew v/ere able to cleanse our bodies in a natural shower-bath
lasting about forty minutes.
Our vessel then headed north-northv/est so that we could take a look
at Ocean I. for oiur information. Te circled the island at a distance
of 3 or 4, miles and, the weather being extremely fair at the time, we
were able to observe clearly the topography of the island. It is shaped
like a bun and gives one the impression of being a very pleasant place to
live.
"le then headed for Tarawa in the British-controlled Gilbert Is.,
proceeding esst-northeast across the Equator. The wind blew from the
northeast with forces of 2 and 3, and the cloud cover was 10, but there
was no difficulty in navigating. Observations ipsde about 20 miles west
of Tarawa showed that both the wind find the current ",'ere east-northeast,
in other words, we were heading into a one and one-hslf knot current and
a wind of force 2. There v/as a great deal of microscopic life in the
water. It is further worthy of note that the sea water temperature was
slightly higher than the air temperature. This sort of phenomenon has
been met with m.any times before and it is thought to occur quite fre-
quently at morning and evening at many positions in the far southern
latitudes.
"Je were going to put in to Tarawa and let the crew go ashore, but
we received a radio message from the Compsny in Tokyo ordering us to
cancel these plans and return to Japan. '7e therefore returned directly
to Jaluit. During the more than 36 hours v/hich this run required the
v;ind blew continuously from the starboard beam, but the wind force was
generally low and it did not cause us miuch trouble.
A point which must be recorded is that during the period described
above we were unfortunately unable to operate by moonlight.
Fishing Conditions
Our principal catch was expected to consist of various species of
tuna and as gear for taking these fish we carried 250 baskets of long-
lines. A great deal of fishing gear of other types v;as also m.ade ready
so that we would be fully prepared to carry out fishing operations, but
all that we actually used were longlines, trolling lines, and auxiliary
fishing gear.
The species taken were yellowfin, which were most numeroiis in the
catch, big-eyed tuna, spearfish, flat-headed shgrks / Scoliodon sp_^7
skipjack, and dolphin, "'ot even one cybiid was taken on the trip. In
my past experience I have seen many sharks taken on longlines and have
also seen rn^^ny of the tun-is taken on such lines damaged by shark-bite,
but on this voyage we had only two or three shark-bitten fish. I think
that more sharks could have been taken by harpooning them from the deck
as- they swam alongside the ship. It may be, however, that few sharks
m.igr&te into these waters at this time of the year.
Skipjack were taken at all stations on the trolling lines and a few
were caught on the longlines, but in general they did not seem to surface
like the schools in the northern hemisphere. Schools were seen on the
surface only two or three times. However, ar, noted above, skipjack
were taken at all positions in quantities sufficient for our galley,
and consequently they are thought to occur in these waters to some degree,
but nothing at all is known of their migratory pattern. Som.e of the skip-
jack which were taken had their bellies swollen and differed slightly
from those which I have seen in the past, 'ifhen we cut them open we fotmd
that some of them had eaten tY.o or three very small skipjack.
Yellowfin, big-eyed tuna, and spearfish were sometimes all taken on
the same line, but a peculiarity of the fishing situation which we en-
countered on this trip was the way in which at times large numbers of
yellowfin would be taken while at other times the spearfish predominated.
It almost seemed as if the fish were schooling by species » At the seventh
fishing station 29 yellowfin were taken and no other fish were caught.
The fish were all on the forward half of the longline, hardly any being
taken on the after section, The_fish were all of a size, ranging from 9
to 10 kan / 1 kan = 8,27 pounds_/ in weight. In the case of the spear-
fishes, those of slightly over 10 kan were thought to have some tendency
to school. At OTir last fishing station off the Gilbert Is, we took one
lone giant of ^3 kan, but we were never able to raise another cf similar
size.
Only one dolphin was taken on the trolling lines.
In the following paragraphs I will describe in detail the fishing
situation and related matters for each station from the time we left
Jaluit, but if the reader is deeply interested in fishing conditions in
this area I would like to have him consult the account of the exploratory
fishing done by the training ship Hakuo Maru of the Fisheries School of
the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry in the Solomons in 1936, This
is the only fisheries exploration which has been carried out in these
waters in the past.
After leaving Jaluit we hooked two skipjack on the trolling lines
near Ebon I. , but they both got away. These were undoubtedly island
skipjack.
The day after leaving Ebon (May $) we got another on the trolling
line in the morning but it too got away. At 10;00 A„M, we hooked one,
and at 12;30 P.M. we hooked two (one of which got off). At 2500 P.M.
we took two fish weighing from 900 momme /"7,4.5 pound3_7 to 1 kan 100
momme / 9.1 pounds__7s. At this time we sighted a school of porpoise
mixed with sharks /_ whales ?/ near otir starboard side and from these
circiomstances it was thought that this particular area is rich in all
forms of marine life. Beginning at 5:4-0 AoM, on the 6th we set out
60 baskets of line west of Nauru I, (Except for the third set, where
we used 50 baskets, all of our other trials were made with 60 baskets,
which was a suitable amount of line for an experimental set. If we
had wanted to catch fish in large quantities we would have had to find
a good spot bji- sxplcratory fishing and then set a large number of bas-
kets of line and remain there for several days. We tried to avoid
causing the crew unnecessary work.) There were absolutely no indica-
tions by which we could judge the prospects for success at this station,
but as it turned out we had good luck on our first set and took 6
spearfish and 3 sharks. Two days later on the 8th at 4.^00 A,Mc we
began our second set. We took 14, yellowfin, the first which we had
caught; we also took 10 sharks and two of the yellowfin were shark-
bitten.
At the time of the first set the weather appeared to be favorable,
while at the second set it was somewhat stormy and rainy. On the first
set, but not on the second, we hauled in the lines after the sun had risen.
Our experience in the first set indicated that the fish were probably rather
deep, somewhat below 60 meters, but the branch-lines of our longlines,
being of the new type, were not that long„ For this reason we took only
spearfish and sharks, which swim at comparatively shallow levels o In our
second trial the weather and sea conditions seem to have been such as to
cause various sorts of fish to swim near the siirface. Vfe saw birds flying
in the area and were able to predict in advance the kinds and number of
fish which were on the line„
On the morning of the next day, the 9th ^ we saw on our starboard side
a large school of fish at the surface accompanied by birds, but we did not
fish ito We continued southward and at 7^30 A. Mo on the 10th we began our
third seto (This was a daytime fishing trialj in our later trials we tried
to do all of our fishing at nighto ) From the sea conditions and other con-
siderations we expected to make no catch at all, and consequently we set
only 50 baskets of lineo The catch was unexpectedly large - 4- yellowfin,
3 spearfish, and 3 sharks - and the weight of the fish which were taken
was very encoirraging. The set was made at a position near the entrance to
the strait between the Solomons and the Santa Cruz Islands, and it is
believed that the good results obtained were due to the fact that this
strait is a broad highway for migrating fisho It is thought that if, for
example, 200 baskets were set every day at dawn and at dusk, this vessel
could be loaded to her full capacity of 15,000 kan /"approximately 62
tons? in not more than a little over 10 days, and that without much
necessity for moving around to different fishing grounds,,
Oui" vessel reached 9^ south latitude (it was against regulations
to go farther south than 11°) and we were able to find good fishing
grounds, which made all hands feel cheerful as we turned our course
toward the Gilbert ISc, scheduling four fishing stations along the way.
The fourth set was begun at 3^30 A.1VI„ on the lltho There was light-
ning to the east-southeasti, the cloud cover was 9, wind force 2^, and the
wind was slightly south of easto There was an east-northeast current
with a velocity of approximately 2 knots. After setting the line we
lost sight of it and spent about two hours searching for it„ We made a
good catch of 13 yellowfin, 2 big-eyed, 1 albacore, 3 spearfish, and 2
sharks. The sharks taken were fewer than we had expected, and although
the line was in the water a long time none of the fish were damaged by
shark bite. The taking of an albacore was of especial interests The
catch was about equally distributed among the various baskets of lineo
The spearfish which were hooked tangled up the line and from this cir-
cumstance it was easily possible to tell in advance while hauling in
the line that one of these fish was on ito
The fifth station was fished beginning at 3:00 PoM. of the same day„
This test was made in order to ascertain whether or not this area is
closely related to the migratory path between the Solomons and the Santa
Cruz ISo The catch comprised 5 yellowfin, 1 big-eyed, and 1 shark, and
the fish were evenly distributed along the lineso The catch was smaller
than we had expeetedo While hauling the lines we were visited by
squalls from time to time and the wind force got up to U. I observed at
this time that the two searchlights on the bridge were not much help to
those v;ho were v/orking on the main deck, and I thought that it would be
more advantageous to place lights on the forward part of the saloon so
that they could aid the operations without shining too strongly into the
fishermen's eyes.
On the following day, the 12th, at 3:15 P.f-. we took skipjack on the
trolling lines on both sides of the boat. One weighed 1 kan 500 moime
/~12.4. pounds_7 snd the other weighed 1 kan 100 moaine / 9.1 po^lnds7. At
this time the cloud cover v^as 10 and the color of the sea water was some-
what unfavorable.
On the 13th at 4.:00 A. Hi. we began our sixth set about 200 miles south
of Nauru. Tv/o yellowfin (two more got away as they were being hauled in),
U big-eyed, 2 spearfish, 3 sharks, and one skipjack were taken. The con-
dition of the fish on the lines was in general as follows: (a) The various
tunas showed some tendency to congregate. (b) The stomachs of the sharks
were empty. (The sharks caught at the third set even had pieces of wood
and spearfish spears in their stomachs.) One snail skipjack was almost
all that was found in the stomachs of the spearfish. Judging from these
facts, the waters of this area appear to present truly pelagic conditions.
(c) V'/eather and sea conditions at the time the lines were set were thought
to be extremely favorable for fishing, but the poor catch ratio contradicted
our expectations. (d) As far as currents are concerned, we appeared to be
following the main stream of the Equatorial Current. (e) The vertical
distribution of water temperatures at last was tending to become normal.
(The matters considered in (c) and (d) come witiiin the scope of the preceding
section but they are inserted here for convenience' sake.)
On the nth at 10:00 A.M. one skipjack bit on the trolling line, but it
got away. Immediately afterward a large number of skipjack were seen jump-
ing. At 3:00 P.R:. the seventh set wss made 1^0 miles southeast of Ocean I.
In this trial, as reported at the beginning of this section, our entire
catch comprised 29 yellowfin. I imagine that these fish could not be con-
sidered to be yellowfin which regularly inhabit the waters around Ocean I. ,
but they were more likely part of a migratory school.
On the morning of the 15th vie circled Ocean I, at about 3 miles dis-
tance and encountered a school of skipjack in the vicinity.
The follov;ing day at 10:00 A.Ii:. v;e took one skipjack on the trolling
line. It was somewhat smaller than those which we had taken before.
/The sam.e day we took a dolphin which was? 120 cm long and 3 kan 300
momne /27.3 pounds? in weight. Beginning at 2:50 P.r.'. of the same day
we ran oiar eighth (and final) fishing station about 20 miles west of
Tarawa in the Gilberts. The results v/ere not expected to be very good,
but whether it v/as because of the abuuidance of microscopic life in the
water or for som.e other reason, the fishing v/os quite successful, 11
yellowfin, 2 big-eyed, and 5 sharks being taken. The most remarkable
thing about this catch was the 13 kan spearfish which was m.entioned
above. Another thing was the shark problem. Thinking it over now, it
seems that a shark fishery in the waters south of Jaluit could be
8
operated to greater advantage by using pole and line gear (with chumming
bait) than with longlines. Of course if this method were used in conjunc-
tion with longlines it would be ideal. I hope at some time in the future
to study the use of fishing lights and some other matters.
From our last position we proceeded directly to Jaluit where we arrived
the night of the 18th o On the way we caught one skipjack on the trolling
line at 11:00 A.M. on the 17th, and another at 8?00 A.M« on the 18th, which
gives some indication of the commercial possibilities of the skipjack
fishery in this area. Otherwise there was nothing remarkable to reports
Notes:
1. Longitudes and latitudes given are those determined accurately by
celestial observations „
2. Oceanographic and meteorological observations v;ere m.ade either from
the wheelhouse or from the deck above it.
3. Oceanographic observations were m.ade after the lines were set in
cases where the sets were made in the morning, "fhen the set was made
in the evening, observations were taken at the end of the line after
it was set.
U. The direction and force of the current were determined from the
track of the ship,
5. Sea water tem.peratures v/ere taken with a stiek-type thermometer.
Salinities were determined with an Aksnuir.a hydrom.eter and ^^onverted in
accordance with the Reference Tables for Oceanographic Investigations.
6. The stray angle of the cable v;as not measuredo
1. Tsbls of Observations tecie at Each Fishing Station
No. of Station
T
2
3
A
Date
5-6
c;-fJ
5-10
5-11
Latitude
0°?5'S
6'^05'3
9°00'S
7*^01 'S
Long^itude
166°30'E
16/.°26'E
163°30'E
165°15'E
Distance fro"" shore
6 mi. SE
of Nain-u
^ ^ ^
■"
We a ther
be
0. d
b
be. q
Atrnos. rressure
"5/*. 2
75-i.3
755.0
753.5
Atmos. temperature
2". 4.
27.5
23. 5
23.1
^ind direction
ne/n
KI'fE
E
E/S
Tind force
2
2
3
A
Clouds, type
Cu
':b
Gi, Cu
Cu, Ci
Cloud co'rer
A
10
U
Sea conditions
smooth
smooth
smooth
moderate swell
Current direction
r
SJTE
e>:e
e:!3
Current force
1
1
3(1.3 n-i/hr)
3(1.3 rriAr;
Transparency
15. 5r
2A.0r
l^'^.Orn
le.OiT:
Turf ace
27,9
23.5
23.3
S 25 TT
27.9
2?. 7
23.6
23.7
3 50 rr:
27. S
2-?. 8
23.3
23.7
)^ o ^5 Tn
27.-^
2^.3
—
—
^ ^^ 100 F-
__
25.8
23.5
23.7
t '^ 150 F:
—
_-
--
--
^ ^ 200 m
_-.
26.2
„_
26.4
Sro'face
35.52
3.4.56
34 . 57
34 . 04
25 m
35.^1
3.1.73
3^.74
35.05
f^ 50 rr.
35.62
3A.70
3^.81
34.67
-P 'y:. r-
35.62
3A.81
_.^
—
5 ^ 100 K
—
"^5.33
35.21
35.30
';^ ^ 150 n
-._
--
__
—
"'' 2'^0 n-,
36.11
35.34
10
1. Table cf Observations r,"ade at Each Fishing Station (Cont'd.)
I'io. of station
5
6
7
3
Date
5-11
5-13
5-U
5-16
Latitude
6°05'S
3V''S
1*^'C3 ' S
1°20'S
Longitude
165°55'E
166°2'^'E
170°21'E
172^30 'E
Distance frori shore
"■■"
/,0 mi. E
of Ocean I„
30 ri, .'J of
Tarawa
Weather
o. q
b
c. q
o
Atmos. pressure
751.5
-^53.3
751.5
752.5
Atmos. tempers ture
27.9
28,6
28,2
27,2
■:Vind direction
aiE
ENE
SE
ETIE
'.7ind force
3
2
3
Clouds, type
IJb,St,Cu
CiCu
CiCu
!:b,Cu,CuMb
Cloud cover
9
3
6
9
Sea conditions
smooth
slight swell
smooth
slight svjell
Current direction
EI-'E
W
E
ENE
Current force
2
1
3(1.5 mi/hr)
Transpfrencj'-
—
l-^.O m
19.0 m
17.0 m
Surface
23 o 9
27.7
23,2
27,7
o 25 rr.
R 50 m
_-
28.5
__
27.4
..
2.^.6
27.9
27.2
-p ^-^ 1. -
crt o 75 m
—
28. ii
—
—
u <D^-^ 100 ir,
_^
28 „ 3
28.0
27,0
1 i 150 m
--
28.0
26.3
M H 200 rn
--
27,1
26.0
24,4
Surface
™o.
35.59
35,79
35,44
25 ir.
__
35.79
—
35.59
^ 50 P
—
35.95
36.04
35,52
t; 75 r
_,-
35«99
5 2 mo l;
__
35.96
35.95
35.56
'^S 150 r
—
35,82
--
35.56
" 200 -
35,88
36.39
:'5,55
11
2. Table of the Results of Fishinp •'.t Each Station
ctstion
1
2
3
Dnte
5-6
5-3
5-10
Latitude
003513
6°05'S
9°00 ' S
Longitude
166^30 'S
l6iC°26'E
163*^30 'E
Eegan v=;ett.ing
05AO
0300
0730
Finished setting
C64O
OUOA
OSI5
Time required to set
1:00
1:04
0:/^5
legan hauling
030^
0620
0855
Finished hauling
1000
0830
10/iO
Time required to haul
1:56
2:10
1:45
Tiine gear fished
3:20
/i:26
2:25
Direction gear set
S£"7
SSE
SSE
Type of gear used
longlines
longlines
longlines
Nuxiler of baskets
60
60
50
Tunber of hooks
360
360
300
Esit used
Sardines
120
ISO
250
Herring
120
120
25
Squid
120
60
25
Catch
Yellowfin
Pig- eyed
Alba core
Sposrf ish
Sv.'ordfish
Sailfish
Shark
Other
U
5 1
1 (juvenile)
11
1
3(1 blue shark]
Shark-bitten
2(yelloi7fin)
iunas
Total fish taken 6
Catch ratio {%) 1.7
Total weight (kan) 55.900
Average weight (kan) 11.180
Average length (r.eters) I.64.
15
4.2
U5.600
9.707
1.25
7
2./i
70.900
10.129
1.50
/"tN. 1 kan = 8,27 pounds. The "catch rntio" is_the nunhcr
of fish taken per 100 hooks fished_j_/
12
2» Table of the Results of Fishing at Each Station (Cont'd, )
Station
Date
Latitude
Longitude
5-11
7^01 'S
165°15'E
5
5-11
6^05 'S
165°55"E
6
5-13
3°-i8'S
166028 'E
Began setting
Finished setting
Time required to set
0325
0^20
0;55
15A5
1630
Os^5
02^00
0U5
0:45
Began hf*uling
Finished hauling
Time required to haul
0755
1050
2:55
1720
19A5
2:25
0630
0900
2;30
Time gear fished
Direction gear set
6530
NW/N
3sl5
NNW
3:15
N
Type of gear used
Number of baskets
Number of hooks
long lines
65
390
longline
60
360
longlines
60
360
Bait used
Sardines
Herring
Squid
325
35
30
300
30
30
300
30
30
Catch
Yellowfin
Big-eyed
Albacore
Spearf ish
Swordf ish
Sailfish
Shark
Other
13
2
1
3
2
5
1
2
2
u
2
3
1 skipjack
Shark-bitten
Tunas
Total fish tgken
Catch ratio {%)
Total weight (kan)
Average weight (kan)
Average length (meters)
19
170 „ 750
8,987
lo30
6
lo^
^9<,100
8„183
ia7
8
2o3
91,000
11,375
1,33
13
2. Table of the Results of Fishing at Each Station (Cont'd.)
Station
7
fi.
Total
Date
5-U
5-16
Latitude
1°03'S
1°20'N
Longitude
170O21'E
172°30'E
8 sets
Began setting
1500
U50
A morning sets
Finished setting
15-^0
1530
1 daytime set
Time required to set
0:^0
0:/V0
3 evening sets
Began hauling
1650
1700
Finished hauling
1930
19^0
Time required to haul
2:40
2:^0
Time gear fished
3:50
4:10
29:91
Direction gear set
NirJ
S/E
Type of gear used
longlines
longlines
longlines
Number of baskets
60
60
475
Number of hooks
360
360
2,850
Bait used
Sardines
300
300
2,075
Herring
30
30
420
Squid
30
30
555
Catch
Yellowfin
29
11
78
Big-eyed
2
9
Albacore
1
Spearfish
2
15
Swordfish
1
Sailfish
1
Shark
5
28
Other
1
Shark-bitten
2
Tunas
Total fish taken
29
15
105
Catch ratio {%)
8.1
4.2
3o6 average
Total weight (kan)
250.200
190.500
1,023.950
Average weight (kan)
8.628
U.654
Average length (meters)
1.20
1.36
u
3. Lengths and Weights of the Fish Taken
Notes: 1. The length is the distance from the mandible to the caudal
peduncle expressed in meters.
2. The weight given is the weight after all of the viscera have
been removed.
Station 1
Station U
Weight
Length
Weight
Length
(kan)
(m)
(kan)
(m)
Spearf i;
sh
10.600
1.60
Yellowf in
8.600
1.20
II
11.600
1.70
II
8.100
1.20
n
12.100
1.60
II
9.100
1,20
n
11.000
1,70
II
9,600
1.25
It
10,600
1.60
II
ti
9.100
7.700
1,20
1.20
total
55.900
It
12,600
1,40
average
11,180
1.6a
II
8.300
10.000
1.20
1.30
/tn. 1 :
kan = 8.27 po
londs^y
II
11,100
1.30
It
8„600
1.30
Si
:,ation 2
II
II
80I5O
60 600
1.30
1.20
Yellowf
in
9ol00
1,20
Albacore
;i,100
1.00
II
9,100
1,20
Big-eyed
6,500
lo20
II
9,600
1.20
11
6,100
1.15
It
9.-^00
1.10
Spearfish
13.600
1,70
It
6.600
lolO
II
11.500
1.70
It
11,600
I.4O
II
11,500
1.70
ti
10.^00
lo30
n
10.200
1,30
total
170.750
It
7o800
1.20
average
8.937
1,30
It
8.600
1„20
n
8.600
1,20
Station 5
n
7,900
I0I5
II
8.600
1,20
Yellowf in
11.^00
1,30
II
U.700
1,40
II
8.600
1.20
Spearfi
sh
13.^00
1.60
II
II
8.400
8,700
1.20
1.20
total
U5,600
II
7,900
1,20
average
9,707
1,25
Big-eyed
4.100
0,90
Station 3
total
49.100
average
8,183
1.17
Yellowf
in
9,600
1,30
II
o,ioo/?7
1,30
Station 6
It
8,100
1.90
It
8,100
1.20
Yellowfin
9.000
1.20
Spearfi
sh
8.500
1,70
II
8,100
1.20
II
13.000
1,30
Big-eyed
6.600
1.10
II
13o500
1,80
II
It
7.100
8.100
1,00
1.10
total
70.900
It
6,100
1.00
average
10,129
1.29
Spearfish
13,500
1.80
15
3. Lengths and Weights of the Fish Taken (Cont'd)
Notes: 1. The length is the distance from the mandible to the caudal
peduncle expressed in meters.
2. The 77eight given is the weight after all of the viscera have
beerv removed.
Station 6 (cont'd.)
Weight
Length
(kan)
(m)
Spearfish
32.500
2.20
total
91.000
average
11.375
1.33
Station 7
Yellowfin
saoo
1.20
II
9.100
1.20
n
7.600
1.20
II
9.100
1.20
n
9.800
1.20
n
8.600
1.20
n
8.600
1.20
n
8.100
1.20
n
6.^00
1.15
n
8.800
1.20
II
8,900
1.20
It
8.100
1.20
It
9.100
1.20
II
8.600
1.20
n
8.600
1.20
II
9.100
1.23
11
8.600
1.23
n
8.700
1.23
n
9.00C
1.20
It
9.^00
1.20
It
8. 800
1.10
It
8.100
1.15
n
9. 600
1.30
11
9.300
1.20
It
8.200
1.20
It
7.600
1.20
II
3.300
1.20
II
9.300
1.20
II
8.700
1.25
total
250.200
average
8,628
1.20
Station 8
Weight
Length
(kan)
(m)
Yellowfin
8.600
1.20
II
9.600
1.20
It
8.900
1.20
It
7.600
1.20
It
8.400
1.20
ti
10,300
1.30
n
9.100
1.20
II
9.300
1.20
It
9,100
1.30
It
7.600
1.20
II
17.100
1.30
Big-eyed
15.600
1.40
II
10.100
1.20
Spearfish
17.200
1.80
It
A2.000
1.50
total
190.900
average
12.336
1.36
16
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17
Preservation and Disposition of the Catch
'%en tunas and sharks, which formed the major part of the catch, were
on the line, the main line was pulled in by means of a line hauler. Two or
three fishermen were stationed at tlie side-port (gangway) to detach the
sections of line. One of these men would bring the fish in to the sice of
the boat, and another one or two of them would haul the fish aboard with a
gaff -hook.
Fish of over 10 kan /about 30 pounds/ in weight which were still lively
had to be hoisted aboard with a v/inch. Even in the case of fish below this
weight, and when handling sharks, it was more effective and faster to get
them safely into the boat by using the winch. Once the fish were on deck
they were struck two or three hard blows with a mallet on the top of the
slcull or the upper jaw. "/hile they were stunned the hooks were rem.oved.
Then the sharks and the tunas were laid out separately on the deck.
■'iTjen a good mu;ber of them were on deck, or the sun's rays were strong,
or the temperature v;es especially high, it was necessary to stow the fish
within about thirty m.inutes or as soon as possible. The reason for this
is that the so-celled "birrring" of the fish can take place in less than
one hour after capture.
The prenaration of the fish was extremely simple. In the case of the
tiojias a 3 tc /. inch cut was made with a large knife just posterior to the
anus, the viscera were loosened from their attachm.ents, and the v/hole
digestive tract was drawn out through the gill openings. The fish was
then well washed with sea water and prepared for inx.ediate stowage in
the cold storage space. In the case of sharks the head was removed and
the animal '.vas eviscerated. Then the fins and tail were cut off. The
carcass was washed with sea water and immediately stov/ed in cold storage
in such shape that it could be opened up the back later so that the hide
and flesh m.ight be utilized. The lengths and weights of the tuna were
recorded before they were thrown into the fish-hold. No such record /as
made for the sharks, but it is thought that an average weight of 7 Van
would not be far off the true figiure. This nrocedure for handling the
fish was the sar.e whether few or m,any were taken, and skipjack and dolphin
which wer-^ taken were treated in the sar.e way as the tunas.
'-S for the refrigeration equipment of the vessel, I had heard that
in the South Seas fishery investigations of 193S the im^perfection of this
equiprient v^^e responsible for the failure of the expedition, and therefore
before leaving Japan a great deal of emphasis was placed on its repair.
At present it can freeze lA tons per day and make 7 tons of ice, truly
an excellent capacity for a fishing boat of the 200-ton class. The
direct expansion ammonia refrigerating unit keeps the cold storage hold
at -16*-" C. and the freezing comipartFient at -37° C. while freezing and
transporting 15,000 kan of fresh fish. During this voyage there was not
the slightest trouble with this equipment and it did good work from
beginning to end in the freezing and holding of the catch, and the
preservstion of perishable foods and drinking water. At first the fish
18
were placed tercporarily in the cold storage hold and later moved into the
freezing compartment by means of a commiinicating door between the two com-
partments, but as we made more fishing trials we adopted the practice of
putting the fish directly Into the freezing compartmento
Before leaving port the vessel loaded three tons of ice to supplement
the capacity of the refrigeration machinery and to provide for other
eventualities, but in view of the excellent performance of the installation
this turned out to have been a useless precaution„ The same thing could be
said of a spare flask of ammonia which wgs taken along„ But considering
the demonstration of the ideal character of the equipment of this vessel,
this circumstance must be said to be rather a cause for rejoicing than
otherwise o
Conclusions
The general view is that what are called the South Pacific fisheries
of the southern latitudes extend from the waters off Kenya Colony in
Africa on the west to the southern islands of the Hawaiian group on the
easto Now I would like to make a niimber of observations concerning our
so-called South Pacific fishery investigations in the waters south of the
Marshalls, but in view of the extremely small area covered by these
investigations I am truly embarrassedo I am., however, emboldened to
attempt to draw these conclusions since I think that, from the point of
view of fi''Y-9.T2es, all sea areas have a good many essential features
in common such as weather and sea conditions, the occurrence of fish,
and the handling of the catch, and from conditions in one area it is
easy to deduce conditions in another.,
Naturally these conclusions are not based solely on the data reported
in the present paper, but draw also on my Report of Fishery Investigations
in the South Seas (published by the Ministry of Colonies), Report of
Fishery Investigations in the Dutch East Indies (published by the South
Seas Gcvernment-General) , and other sources. Therefore it will be use-
ful to consult the reports which I have mentioned and also other publica-
tions of the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry and other governmental
organizations concerned,,
The following is an effort to present all of the essential data, but
since many of these subjects have already been explained as fully as
possible under the appropriate sections only the main points will be
included here„
1. The principal problems which arise in connection with the weather
In the low latitudes weather forecasts are comparatively accurate
and it is easy to determine what the weather is going to be. This fact
can be fully substantiated by referring to the accuracy of predictions
made by persons who have had many years of experience in navigating those
waters and by the aborigines (on this expedition we consulted the predic-
tions made by the natives of Ebon I„)« Consequently once you begin to
have confidence in these predictions they are extremelj'' significant from
19
the fisheries standpoint. In general it v.p-j be said, tliat lov; pressure
areas do not arise in those Y/aters and that tie highest ".'inds are of
force 5 or 6. 'Tinds of force 7 do occiir, but only as an extremely/
temporary phenomenon. As far as tliis point is concerned fishing vessels
.of 100 tons could probably operate in the area without mishap.
There is, ho'vever, the dravvbaclc t'.iat because of the higli teiTperatiire
'.vhich prevail all year roujid, bases and comparatively large vessels
equipped ?7ith refrigeration facilities are necessary. In view of the
fact that the whole catch consists of perishable foodstuffs, insofar
as there is no irarket where it can be quickly consumed deep thought
Eust be given to its handling. For fishin^^' off the l!,iidwa,y Is. a base
in the Marshalls wo-ild cut in half the direct cruising distance from
Japan, and there is a tendency to advocate strongly the inportance of
such a base, but the reasons why I cannot i^n-iediately agree ivith this
proposal are at present fo'unded nvainly on this point. The solution of
this probleD is predicated upon the establishment of the refrigeration
facilities r.er.tione'I above ^nd upon t]i.e existence of clear prospects rith
regard to r.arketing channels.
Large '-^''■'.ntities of rain f.-;ll in tho so-called squalls and it is
essential that changes be made in the construction of the boats so that
the r-^in r.'ater will run of its o-vn scoord into tieir fresh water t^^nhs.
y-j friend i'r. Llinoni Yanaroto, first e;igineer on the ITippon Yusan ship
on which I '.'^ent to Jaluit, v.'as successful in catching water in this
manner while ;^oored in Kusaie Harbor. If this can be done aboard a
rnerchant vessel, and if, as everyone knows, it is necessary at all of
the islands to have fresh water tanks for catching rain, how luuch more
pressing is the need for such arrangernents on fishing vessels where
fresh wnter is a particularly vit,al necessity.
At all positions during this voyage we s^w lightning frequently.
According to the radio operator there wps a lot of static and it was
irr^possibls nany tinies to make the scheduled contacts with oior base.
Since this happened repeatedly, one cannot help v;ondering whether there
is not some sort of direct cause and effect relationship between the
lightning and our present radio e.quipnsnt. Vessels of the 200-ton class
which operate in coiT;paratively distant waters should be fully equipped
with radio con"unications facilities.
2. The principal problems arising from sea conditions
There is a theory that, becsuse the sea is calm and the currents
slow, small fish.ing vessels (20-tQn class) should be constructed, but
I cannot iminediately agree with this idea either. Its proponents
seem to point out the fact that simply by using small vessels the expense
of operation will be cut down. If that were so the best thing to do
would be to go a step further and build a large nur.iber of canoes from
materials which could be obtained in the area. Even at present the
natives "nd Jopp.nese residsnx.s who take an interest in fishing' °r=:
catching not only yellowfin but even sharks and spearfish weighing
20 or 30 kan. For a number of reasons it is probably best to operate
efficiently with vessels of the largest possible size. As far as sea
20
conditions are concerned, it appears that the nost suitable boat for all
kinds of tuna longline fishing at present is a vessel of standard design
in the 95-ton class. If marketing conditions were good, the same thing
would of course be true for the Marshall Is.
The newer types of longlines do not have long and short branch lines,
all of the branch lines being of the same length. IT/hen using these lines
in the seas of the low latitudes one has the feeling that the branch lines
are a good deal too short. As explained at various places in this paper,
the level at which the fish swim appears to be 30 or 4.0 fathoms down. As
a result, if the fishing does not happen to be done in an area where the
schools come up near the surface, one can only wish for longer branch
lines. It is not, of course, required that the length of the branches
should be approximately the same as the depth of the level at which the
fish swim.
Places where the water flows in and out unceasingly between islands
and archipelagos, and sea areas which can be thought to be directly or
indirectly related to such places are good fishing grounds. On this
cruise we had this experience between the Solomons and the Santa Cruz Is.,
but this fact has also been recognized previously in the Andaman-Nicobar
area of the Indian Ocean, the so-called Eastern Archipelago east of
£u:natra and Java, and in other areas.
A related question is that of the angle at which the lines should
be set with relation to the current, and this must be left to the
operator's own judgment. The question of whether to haul the lines
from upwind or downwind 'was one of the problems in fishing gear opera-
tion which we studied during this vo7/ageo In general it may be said
that it is better to haul from the downwind side, but in case the wind
is light it may perhaps be more reasonable to haul from the upwind side.
Since the sea is calm it would probably save a great deal of
trouble if a tender (in my opinion it should be a vessel of 3,000 tons
or more) were employed to carry supplies and transport the catch for
large and small boats on the fishing grounds. For many years I have
been discussing and advocating the use of fishing flotillas, and I
think that if tenders were employed as floating bases, the fishing
operations would become surprisingly easy. In order to do this, how-
ever, the problem of marketing channels and many problems related to
operating such an enterprise would first of all have to be solved.
3. The main problems arising from the fish
Among the form.s of marine life in these waters, without making a
complete list, v/e may cite as most abundant the various tunas, skipjack,
cybiids, squid, shark, sardines, various shellfish, tiu^tles, Decapterus
spp. , and sea cucumbers. Those which shoAv the most immediate prospects
for profitable exploitation are the tunas, skipjack, sharks, and flying-
fish, and we can expect a steady expansion of commercial fishing for
these species in the future. Because of the high water temperatures,
the culture of various kinds of shellfish should be practicable, but
the return on one's investment in such enterprises is comparatively
slow and the area of suitable land available is limited. For these
21
reasons they probably cannot be operated as large-scale individual enter-
prises nor by persons who wish to make a quick profit. The species which
are the object of the fisheries of which I have been writing, and particu-
larly of the tuna fishery, are, as set forth at the beginning of this
section, distributed evenly over a wide expanse of ocean from Africa on
the west, southern Hawaii and the Americas on the east, and eastern
Australia and New Caledonia on the south„ When a world market is developed
for processed products from these fisheries (a problem which the Ministry
of Agriculture and Forestry and others have under study at present), it
is clearer than daylight that entrepreneurs will flock into the fieldo
A point to be considered here is that after the China Incident many
Japanese will emigrate to China and there will be a possibility of export-
ing suitable processed fisheries products to the Continent„ For this
reason I believe that the real exploitation of this field will not appear
until two or three years have passed„
The fishery for sharks by pearling boats during the off-season, which
is being carried on at present and which has recently been loudly advo-
cated, is thought probably to be profitable when only the sharks of the
shore waters near the base of operations are fished, but I have doubts
as to whether it can be carried on when operations are extended into more
distant waters. The reason for this is that even in the case of sharks
there are such things as fishing seasons and good fishing grounds. This
fishery must either be run in conjunction Tvith the tuna longline fishery,
or else further study must be made with regard to fishing methods.
Finally we come to the skipjack fishery, which at present is on a
com.paratively solid basis as the fishery par excellence of the South Seas.
The skipjack fishery based in the islands is, for a number of reasons,
thought to be probably limited to a certain fixed level of ex??ansion„
As noted elsewhere in this report, it is thought that an industry three
times the size of the present one would probably have reached the satura-
tion pointo
4.. The principal problems arising froir: the handling and transportation of
the catch
The procedure to be followed in handling the fish themselves has
already been outlined. What I want to take up here is the problem of
transports tion. Since these waters are far from Japan and from consumer
markets in foreign countries, a suitable base of operations must be
sought. I have a plan of my own concerning this miatter, and after further
examining it for some time I wish to present it to my readers for their
criticism. If so-called tenders are not used, the largest possible trans-
port vessels should be employed, preferably ships over 500 tons.
5. The principal general problems
A. The problem of food for the crews
Because of the high temperatures which prevail everywhere in the
area there is an abimdance of delicious fruit; hov;ever, it is impossible
to raise vegetables in many places because of the lack of good soil.
Since vegetables are the most impoi tant staple food in the crew's diet,
vessels going to such areas must make preparations in advance to avoid
spoilage. Some kinds of suitable produce can probably be obtained in
each area.
22
The demand for sugar is high and some preparations must be made to
supply It in various forms because it is a source of energy. This was the
case on the research vessel, and it must be even more so on a regular
working vessel where over-exertion is unavoidable^ The need for alcoholic
beverages is extremely limited and does not require any general considera-
tion. During my recent tour of duty not one of the young fishermen or
engineroom men asked for liquor, an interesting fact which bespeaks a
change in the times.
As a result of eating iisn guts from the catch cooked with miso half
of the crew suffered from vomiting and diarrhea (with headaches and belly-
aches). They all recovered fully within three days. In the low latitudes
bellyaches, even when not caused by food, are of frequent occurrence, and
it is essential to be prepared with medicines against them. During the
course of the operations one m.an hurt his leg. Accidents like this happen
from time to time and it is important to have ointments to apply in such
cases.
B, Problems of the crew's welfare and recreation
Some sort of recreational facilities are necessary in these
isolated areas where the climate is unfavorable. On this cruise all of
the m.embers of the crew were picked men, and we benefited by their
harmonious cooperation. On thinking it over thoroughly, however, these
good results v/ere due to the fact that we had gathered together the most
excellent men from various areas. But this is something apart from the
problem of recreational facilities. The leaders must study this problem
in advance and set up appropriate facilities both aboard ship and at the
base. Aboard ship suitable books should be provided, combining the
objectives of recreation and ideological guidance, and the men should
be given the opportunity to listen to the radio and phonograph. At the
base they should bj?- all means be given a chance to rest in comfortable
beds, and encouraged to take walks and exercise. After our return to
Jaluit the Chief of the District Office invited me to have the crew
sleep at the Japanese Club, a favor for which I can never thank him
enough. We were, however, so busy putting in order the materials left
over from what we had brought out the year before that on this cruise
we could only give the crew one day of rest aboard the ship, (end)
Note: With the publication of this report in this journal taking place
a full year after the investigation which it describes, one cannot help
feeling some regret at its tardiness, however, one cannot but feel, on
the other hand, that the material is timely in view of the fever for
southward expansion which is gripping our fishing industry. On the basis
of this paper Kr. Kenzo Ikebe of the South Seas Government-General
Fisheries Experiment Station has stated in South Seas Fishery New^,
Volume Uy Number 2, that "the greater part of the catch consists of fish
in their seventh year, and fish older and younger than that are taken
only occasionally. The yellowfin tuna of the waters adjacent to Palao
and those of the waters south of the ^■arEhalls are migratory fish belong-
ing to the same stock." I wish to take this opportunity to offer my
thanks to him, and also to I't^ Ota, the editor of this journal, for
publishing this paper.
23
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