[ EXTRACTED FROM THE BULLETIN OF THE UNITED STATES FISH
COMMISSION, VOLUME IX, FOR 1889, pp. 279-288. ]

14.—THE FISHING GROUNDS OF BRISTOL BAY, ALASKA: A PRELIMINARY
REPORT UPON THE INVESTIGATIONS OF THE U. 8. FISH COMMIS-
SION STEAMER ALBATROSS DURING THE SUMMER OF 1890.

BY

Lizur. COMMANDER Z. L. TANNER, U.S. Navy.

(Wirn Pirates CVIII-CX.)

vd

WASHINGTON:
GOVERNMENT PRINTING OFFICE,
1891.

[sage PASS
(JUL 24 120) }

\
Prop or at

By transfer
AUG 21 190¢

14.—THE FISHING GROUNDS OF BRISTOL BAY, ALASKA: A PRELIMINARY
REPORT UPON THE INVESTIGATIONS OF THE U, S, FISH
COMMISSION STEAMER ALBATROSS DURING
THE SUMMER OF 1890.

BY LIEUT. COMMANDER Z. L. TANNER, U. S. NAVY.

[Accompanied by three charts, forming Plates cvm-cx.]

INTRODUCTION.

Bering Sea was designated as the working ground for the steamer Albatross dur-
ing the summer of 1890, the object of the cruise being to develop its offshore fishing
grounds. The exploration of the cod banks of Bristol Bay occupied most of the time,
and this report is chiefly limited to adiscussion of that region. We also made a par-
tial reconnoissance of the coast lines as an indispensable preliminary to the fishery
investigations. In prosecuting the work the region was thoroughly sounded, the
currents, wind, and weather observed, and other information obtained of such direct
value to the fisherman and mariner that it was deemed advisable to present the prin-
cipal results in advance of the régular report. All the bearings given are magnetic,
and the depths are expressed in fathoms. Longitudes depend upon Dall’s astronom-
ical station, Iliuliuk Harbor (point opposite the wharf), being in longitude 166° 31’
44,2/' W.

Bristol Bay may be said to include all that part of Bering Sea lying east of a line
drawn from the Northwest Cape of Unimak Island to the Kuskokwim River. The
Island of Unimak and the Alaska Peninsula bound it on the south and east, and sep-
arate it from the Pacific Ocean. The Naknek River is at the head of deep-water
navigation, while the bay itself terminates in the Kvichak River, a few miles to the
northward. The region about the Nushagak River, Kulukak Bay, and the Kuskokwim
forms its northwest boundary.

The shore lines are usually low, and without distinctive features, but high moun-
tain ranges and volcanic cones extend along the central parts of Unimak and the
Alaska Peninsula. These rugged snow-covered mountains and lofty peaks would
serve aS unmistakable landmarks were they not obscured by the almost constant fogs
which prevail in that region during the summer months. In fact, they were so seldom
visible during the season of 1890 that the officers of the Albatross made no pretense

279

280 BULLETIN OF THE UNITED STATES FISH COMMISSION.

of using them as landmarks. The shore line and objects near the sea level were often
seen beneath the fog when the higher lands were obscured, and, therefore, most of the
available landmarks were found on or near the beach.

THE COAST FROM UNIMAK PASS TO PORT MOLLER.

The Northwest Cape of Unimak is low with detached rocks, around which strong
tidal currents sweep. The land falls away to the eastward in a gentle curve, forming
an open bay about 4 milesin depth between the cape and Cave Point, which lies NNE.
3 E., 16 miles from the former. It is a vertical rocky cliff about 150 feet in height,
and takes its name from a cave on its face, inhabited by sea birds which in summer
time hover about it in thousands, making it conspicuous in clear weather by their num-
bers and in fogs by their constant cries.

The snow-clad peak of Progrumnoi Voleano, rising to an altitude of 5,523 feet above
the sea, forms a striking background to the low monotonous coast.

Passing Cape Lapin, a low bluff point 8 miles from Cave Point, the coast falls
away slightly for 6 miles, when it turns abruptly to the eastward for 5 miles, and then
takes a northerly direction, forming Shaw Bay. This bay is open to the northward,
but affords protection from all winds to the southward of east or west. The approaches
are clear, and the water shoals gradually to 6 fathoms, black sand, about three-quarters
of a mile from shore.

From Shaw Bay to Isanotski Strait the coast trends in a northeasterly direction,
is very low, and has several rocky patches extending from half a mile to a mile from
shore, making navigation unsafe inside the 12-fathom line. The volcano of Shishaldin
rises 8,953 feet, about midway between the above points and 7 or 8 miles inland.
Isanotski Strait is available only for vessels of the smallest class.

From the strait to Cape Glasenap, about 19 miles, the coast line retains the same
general direction and is very low until reaching the latter point, which is oval in form,
about 150 feet in height, and has been called Round Point.

Izenbek Bay covers a large area at high tide, but much of it becomes dry at low
water. A small vessel may, however, find a secure harbor behind the cape. The
channel follows close around the point, and has a depth of 10 to 12 feet on the bar.

Amak Island is of voleanic origin, about 24 miles in length, 14 miles in width,
and 1,682 feetin height. It lies 11 miles northwest from Cape Glasenap. The beaches
are mostly of huge water-worn bowlders, having vertical bluffs from 30 to 150 feet in
height with moss-covered plateaus, which in summer time are covered with a rank
growth of grass and wi'd flowers. The central peak is of dark brown rock, exceed-
ingly rugged and precipitous, and entirely devoid of vegetation. ‘The southeast point
was found to be in latif-de 55° 25’ 05.6 N. and longitude 163° 07’ 33.6’ W. There is
foul ground off the northwest extremity of the island, several rocks awash or under
water, and Sea Lion Rock lying between 2 and 3 miles distant. The latter is several
hundred yards in extent avd about 150 feet high, its slopes being occupied by an
extensive rookery of sea. lions.

The Khudiakof Islands extend about 19 miles NNE. $ E., between Cape Glasenap
and Moffett Point. They are but little above high water, and some of them are con-
nected by narrow spits when the tide is out.

FISHING GROUNDS OF BRISTOL BAY. 281

From Moffett Point the low coast trends north by east 15 miles to Gerstle Bay,
then to the nor'hward and eastward about 55 miles to Wolf Point, on the western side
of the entrance to Port Moller.

The Khudubin Islands oceupy the last 23 miles of this distance. They are very
low, and it is difficult to distinguish them from the mainland, the only distinetive
feature being a knob about 25 feet high on the east end of Kritskoi. The land between
Herendeen Bay and Nelson Lagoon is very low.

PORT MOLLER, HERENDEEN BAY, AND VICINITY.

Port Moller and Herendeen Bay had no commercial importance until the recent
opening of a coal mine in the latter, which has drawn attention to this almost unknown
region. The Albatross visited the mine twice during the season of 1890, and made a
survey which was found to be sufficiently accurate for purposes of navigation. The
chart should be used with caution, however, until it is ascertained whether the exten-
sive banks guarding the entrance are permanent or shifting.

To enter Port Moller from the southward, pass Walrus Island in from 10 to 12
fathoms and bring Entrance Point to bear east-southeast. It will then be about 8
miles distant and have the appearance of being the southern extremity of a high and
bold headland, the first that approaches the coast between that point and Cape Glase-
nap. Stand in, keeping the point on the above bearing until within 2 or 3 miles,
when it will show as a low spit backed by a cluster of hillocks, the high land before
referred to being seen farther inland. Pass Entrance Point at a distance of 1 mile,
steering about SSE. 4 E., and stand for Harbor Point, passing it within a quarter of a
mile, where anchorage may be found. The point is low.

A shoal makes off from Entrance Point about northwest by north, extending be-
tween 3 and 4 miles, and vessels making for the harbor from the northward are liable
to run in behind it. Entrance Point should not be brought to bear to the southward
of southeast after having approached within 4 miles of it.

To enter Herendeen Bay, bring Entrance Point to bear NE. 4 E., 1 mile distant,
and Point Divide SSW. 3 W., 83 miles distant; then steer for the latter, keeping it on
that bearing until within 24 miles, when the course may be changed to about SW. 3
S., passing in mid-channel between Point Divide and Doe Point. The least water is
4 fathoms at the entrance to the channel.

Having cleared Hague Channel, bring Coal Bluff to bear SH.4S., and stand for
it until Point Divide bears 8. by E. $ E., 14 miles distant and about 400 yards open of
Doe Point; then SSE. ? E., until Hagle Rock is abeam, keeping the above points a
little open to clear Half Tide Rock. Then steer 8S. by E. 4 E. until Shingle Point is
abeam, when a course may be laid for Mine Harbor, giving Bluff Point a berth of a
quarter of a mile.

Mine Harbor is small but free from dangers, except Midway Reef, which shows at
half tide. Anchor in from 12 to 15 fathoms, and if a vessel intends to remain any
time it is advisable to moor.

It is high water in Mine Harbor, full and change, at 8 hours 0 minutes 0 seconds,
rise 15 feet, and it occurs at Entrance Point about two hours earlier, with a rise of 10
to 12 feet.

Hague Channel is 1 mile in width at its northern entrance, and is contracted to

282 BULLETIN OF THE UNITED STATES FISH COMMISSION.

less than half a mile between Point Divide and Doe Point. The tidal streams are very
strong, and near high water they sweep across the narrow channel and over the flats,
making it impossible to steer a compass course. They are more regular near low tide,
which is the best time to make the passage, as the channel is indicated by the flats
showing above water on either hand.

Johnston Channel has from 7 to 15 fathoms of water, but is very narrow with
steep sides. It is difficult to find but, once in, the navigation is comparatively simple,
as the tides follow the general direction of deep water. The width of the northern
entrance is a quarter of a mile, with little variation until near the south extremity,
where it contracts to 250 yards. Having cleared the channel and entered the upper
bay, there is ample room and depth of water in every direction, Crow Reef being the
only outlying danger.

Anchorages may be found anywhere between Walrus Island and Entrance Point
in case of fog, and a vessel may anchor in Hague Channel, but the tides are strong.
There are fairly good anchorages under the north side of Point Divide and Doe Point
where, near the bank, a vessel will be out of the strength of the current. The Alba-
tross anchored in mid-channel a mile inside of the above points at the time of spring
tides, and the flood came in with a bore between 2 and 3 feet in height, the patent log
registering a 9-knot current for some time, with a swell which occasionally splashed
into the scuppers. There is fair anchorage off the northern entrance to Johnston
Channel, and an excellent one at its southern extremity, off Marble Point, or, in tact,
almost anywhere in the upper bay. The last quarter of the flood tide is the best
time to pass through this channel.

High land rises at the base of Harbor Point, and extends to the northward and
eastward near the center of the peninsula. Point Divide is 50 feet in height, and
mountain ranges rise a few miles back. The coal measures are found between Mine
Harbor and the head of Port Moller. Doe Point is £0 feet in height, while the rest of
Deer Island and the mainland south and west of it is generally lower. The southern
shores of Herendeen Bay are mountainous with intervening valleys, the whole face of
the country being covered with rank grass and wild flowers during the summer months;
but there is no timber except occasional small poplars, alder bushes, and willows.
Fresh winds with fog and mist blow across the low divides from the Pacific, obscuring
the sun and greatly increasing the rainfall in Port Moller and vicinity.

The region is uninhabited, except by men employed at the coal mine, yet bears and
reindeer were plentiful, and the waters teemed with salmon. There are no large fresh-
water streams entering the bay, however, which probably accounts for the absence of
Esquimaux.

The coal mine in Herendeen Bay lies 14 miles from the landing in Mine Harbor, the
coal being transported to the water front by a steam motor over a light tramway.

The opening of this mine is an event of no little importance to vessels visiting
Bering Sea, and, the Albatross having used between 200 and 300 tons of its first out-
put, the following report of Passed Assistant Engineer C. R. Roelker, U. S. Navy,
chief engineer of this vessel, on the results obtained by the consumption of 80 tons
of this coal, will be read with more than usual interest:

The following statement regarding the coal received from the mine recently opened at Herendeen

Bay is based on the resnlts obtained wtih some 80 tons of this coal consumed while this vessel was
engaged in her regular work at sea, under average conditions. The quantities of coal consumed and

FISHING GROUNDS OF BRISTOL BAY. 283

of refuse matter were carefully measured, the behavior of the coal in the furnaces was closely observed,
and the results obtained have been deduced from the entries in the steam log.

The average consumption of the coal was at the rate of 25 pounds per square foot of grate per hour.
The boilers furnished the same amount of steam as when we have been using a fair quality of Welling-
ton coal, but to obtain the result we had to burn from 20 to 25per cent. more of the Herendeen Bay
coal. 2

The coal ignites readily, and burns with considerable flame, forming a closely cohering coke which
easily breaks up into smali pieces; thus a considerable amount of small particles of coal is lost through
the grates. There was a large proportion of fine stuff in the coal, which burned well, but contained
an excessive quantity of refuse matter. The refuse amounted to 26 per cent. of the total weight of
fuel consumed ; it consists of ash and cinders, no glassy clinkers being formed. The smoke produced
is lighter in color than that of Wellington coal, and less soot is formed.

To form a correct estimate of the value of this coal for steaming purposes from the foregoing state-
ment, the following facts should be taken into consideration, viz: The coal received by us was the first
lot taken from this newly opened mine. I[t came from one of the smaller Veins, through which a tunnel
had been driven then a distance of about 200 feet, in order to get access to the main veins. No proper
facilities for screening the coal existed, and in order to supply the quantity required by us a large
amount of fine coal containing much dirt was delivered. It may be reasonably expected that, as the
mine becomes further developed and proper screening facilities are provided, the amount of refuse
matter in the coal will be greatly diminished and its steamn-generating power correspondingly in-
creased. It will be absolutely necessary, however, to store this coal under shelter, as it appears to
absorb moisture readily, and the constant rains which have prevailed in this region during the present
season would soon saturate it to such an extent as to greatly diminish its value as fuel.

THE COAST FROM PORT MOLLER TO THE KUSKOKWIM RIVER.

The coast is low for 19 miles between Entrance Point and Cape Kutuzof, which
rises in a rounded bluff to an elevation of 150 feet.

Cape Seniavin, 11 miles to the northward and eastward, is a rocky point 75 feet
high. Passingit, the low monotonous beach continues to the Seal Islands; a cluster of
small hillocks near the beach, 12 miles from Cape Seniavin, being the only exception.

The Seal Islands are composed of several small islets but little above high water,
strung along near the coast for about 10 miles. Thence to Strogonof Point the land
continues very low.

Port Haiden is said to be a good harbor, but we did not examine it. Should a
survey show it to be safe and easy of approach, it will prove a great convenience to
vessels employed on the northern part of Baird Bank. The approach to Port Haiden
will be recognized by high bold headlands, which rise from its northern shore.

Chestakof Island, low and crescent-shaped, forms the seaward side of the harbor,
the channel lying between its northern extremity and a reef which makes out from the
land. The same low coast extends to Cape Menchikof in nearly a direct line, the high
land of Port Haiden gradually receding from the coast.

The Ugashik, or Sulima River, lies to the northward of Cape Menchikof, and has
been reported navigable for several miles by vessels of 14-feet draft. The schooner
Pearl enters the river, but her captain reports a wide bar having intricate channels,
strong currents, and usually a heavy swell. Ten feet is about all that ean be carried
in with safety. Once inside, it is reported to be a good harbor, but it can hardly be
considered available for the ordinary purposes of fishing vessels.

Cape Grey, a bluff 243 feet in height, and a peculiar notched mountain some dis-
tance inJand, are good landmarks for the river. The low coast continues from the cape

284 : BULLETIN OF THE UNITED STATES FISH COMMISSION.

to the Ugaguk River, and thence to the Naknek River, with hardly a distinguishing
feature, except Johnston’s Hill, a solitary elevation 5 miles from the beach and about
9 miles S. $ E. from the mouth ot the Naknek. The coast sweeps in a graceful curve
to the northward between Cape Grey and the Ugaguk, and thence to the eastward to
the Naknek River. A gravel bank lines the coast in several places, behind which a
narrow strip of water is seen, particularly at or near high tide.

The Naknek River may be considered as the head of deep-water navigation in
Bristol Bay. The Albatross found anchorage in 6 fathoms about 6 miles southwest
from Cape Suworof, the water shoaling rapidly to 3 fathoms toward the head of the
bay. Vessels of moderate draft can pass the bar at high water, but there is hardly
depth enough to float a ship’s boat when the tide is out. It is deeper inside, however,
and a small vessel may find anchorage with swinging room. There is a fishing station
on the river which is visited periodically by a small steam tender. The South Head
is in latitude 58° 42/ 04.3 N., and longitude 157° 02/ 45.4” W. High water, full and
change, 1 hour 5 minutes; rise, 23 feet. Shoal ground makes off from the west
shore, confining the channel in one place to about 3 miles in width. It may possibly
be a middle ground with a channel on either side, but the conditions off Etolin Point
seem to disprove this.

The Nushagak River is assuming considerable importance as the location of a
trading station and of several large and well-equipped salmon-canning establishments.
Protection Point, the entrance to the river, is 50 miles SW. by W. from the Naknek
River, and, owing to swift currents and extensive shoals, it may be classed among the
most intricate pieces of navigation in Bristol Bay. A 6-knot current is frequently
encountered, hence the shifting of banks and shoals must be expected, and the neces-
sity for the constant use of the hand lead becomes tuo obvious to require remark ;
indeed, the warning from a lead on each side will leave but a small margin of safety
at times. The land on both sides of the entrance is very low, and it is difficult to
recognize Etolin Point even under favorable conditions. A vessel from the westward
would make the Walrus Group and follow the coast to Cape Constantine, and, having
cleared the outlying shoals, stand in for Protection Point, which is difficult of recog-
nition from a distance.

Nichol’s Hills, 280 feet in height, are a cluster of rounded elevations 5 miles north-
west of the above point, and are the first natural objects distinguishable on the penin-
sula. Bring them to bear west-northwest and stand in, keeping them on that bearing
until Protection Point bears about south, and anchor, making due allowance for falling
tide.

There is a pilot station on the Point, with a small flagstaff, on which a flag will
be hoisted if the pilot is at home. He is an Esquimau, and speaks very little English,
bat he knows the channel. If he is not at the Point when the vessel arrives, he will
probably be at Ekuk, and may be expected on board within a few hours if the weather
is not too rough for his kayak. A stranger should not attempt to enter without a
pilot, unless from necessity.

Clark’s Point is 18 miles north by west from Protection Point, the usual anchorage
being from half a mile to a mile above it.

Ekuk, an Esquimau village, is on the bluff nearly 3 miles below Clark’s Point.

Clark’s Point is a bluff 200 feet in height, beginning below Ekuk and extending
2 or 3 miles up the river, and thence to Nushagak. It varies from 100 to 150 feet in

FISHING GROUNDS OF BRISTOL BAY. f 285

height. The west side is generally lower, but from Coffee Point to the northward the
bluffs rise from 50 to 200 feet.

The reconnoissance of the Lower Nushagak was made during the few days we were
detained in the river. The principal points are located by triangulation, Clark’s Point
by astronomical observations, and the reduction of soundings to low water depends
upon the tides during our stay. It is to be regretted that we were unable to extend
the soundings to the west shore.

The Nushagak Packing Company have a cannery at Clark’s Point, and there are
three others, besides a trading station, in the river, the latter at Nushagak, formerly
called Fort Alexander. Vessels of moderate draft can reach fhe canneries, and, with
a little care, find anchorage with sufficient water even during the lowest tides. The
timber line is well defined about 3 miles below the mouth of Wood River, and extends
to the westward as far as the eye can reach. The weather was pleasant during our
stay, and, from all reports, they have less fog in the Nushagak than in any other part
of Bering Sea.

Clark’s Point (foot of bluff) is in latitude 58° 49/ 14” N, and longitude 158° 31/ 43.9”
W. High water, full and change, 0 hours 53 minutes, approximate; rise, 24 feet.
Variation, 23° 40/ east.

Cape Constantine, the southeast extremity of land at the entrance to the Nushagak,
is very low, and shoals extend 10 or 12 miles to the southward and eastward, making
its approach in thick weather very dangerous. There is said to be a channel between
the cape and the first shoal, but the report requires verification. The coast line
increases in height to the westward of the cape, the headlands in Kulukak and Togiak
Bays reaching an altitude of 500 feet or more.

_ The Walrus Group is composed of three islands and three rocks, all above water,
extending 16 miles east and west, and about 6 miles north and south.

Round Island, the easternmost of the group, lies W. 4 8., 36 miles from Cape Con-
stantine. It is nearly 2 miles in length, three-quarters of a mile wide, and about 800
feet high, its west end being in latitude 58° 36’ 09” N. and in longitude 159° 57’ 51.7” W.

Crooked Island is between 4 and 5 miles in length and 2 miles in greatest width.
The eastern part is rather low, but toward the western extremity the elevation is
nearly equal to that of Round Island. There is quite a large bay on the northeast
side, but we did not examine it.

High Island, the westernmost of the group, is 4 miles in length, about a mile in
width, and 900 feet or more in height.

The Twins are two isolated rocks 4 miles to the southward of Crooked Island,
the larger 300 and the smaller 100 feet in height.

Black Rock, about 150 feet high, lies 1 mile to the northward of the south end of
Crooked Island. :

No other outlying dangers were seen in passing between the islands and the main-
land. From 6 to 10 fathoms were found abreast of the group, the depth gradually
decreasing to 3 fathoms off the north end of Hagemeister Island. We were near the
' shore, however, and would doubtless have found more water in mid-channel.

Hagemeister Island lies 9 miles west of High Island, and is 14 miles in length and
Sin width. Itis mountainous except for about 5 miles at the north end. Shoal ground
surrounds the island and extends from 20 to 25 miles to the eastward, including the
area between Hagemeister and the Walrus Group.

286 BULLETIN OF THE UNITED STATES FISH COMMISSION.

Hagemeister Channel is about 16 miles in length and lies bet ween the island of that
name and the mainland. It is from 3 to 4 miles in width, but shingle spits contract it
in two places to less than 2 miles. The least water was 44 fathoms. Good anchorage
was found under Tongue Point, the shingle spit making out from the mainland about
midway of the channel. From the above anchorage the Albatross stood directly to
sea, passing within a mile of the southwestern extremity of Hagemeister Island;
thence S. $ W., shoaling the water to 3 fathoms 7 miles from the island. Greater
depths might possibly be found by taking a more westerly course. The tides are very
strong through the channel. We were visited by a number of Esquimaux while at
anchor under Tongue Point.

Cape Peirce is of moderate height and symmetrical form, while Cape Newenham
is high, with sharp peaks and rugged tines. The Albatross found anchorage under
the latter cape near Seal Rock during a southerly gale, and laid it out very comfort-
ably, notwithstanding swift currents and heavy tide rips.

The Kuskokwim River is much dreaded by navigators on account of its extensive
shoals, strong currents, etc. The Albatross ascended it between 35 and 40 miles with-
out difficulty or delay, but encountered extensive shoals on her return. Thick weather
and the lack of time prevented an extended examination. They commenced about 9
miles west-southwest from Good News Bay and extended in a westerly direction for 10
miles or more. There is achannel between the shoal and the land about 4 miles wide,
having a depth of 5 fathoms. From a point 5 miles west-southwest from the west
head of Good News Bay we stood direct for Cape Newenham, the least depth being 4
fathoms. Great quantities of fresh water are borne down the Kuskokwim by the
rapid currents, and, while there have been no surveys by which changes can be noted,
there seems no reasonable doubt that great alterations have taken place since Cook
ascended the river in the last century.

METEOROLOGICAL CONDITIONS OF BRISTOL BAY.

The winds and weather in Bristol Bay and the other parts of Bering Sea visited by
the Albatross from the last of May to the 1st of September, 1890, may be summarized
in a few words.

Southwest winds prevailed, but we had them frequently from southeast to north-
west. It was boisterous weather nearly half the time, but seldom rough enough to
interfere with our work. We had several summer gales of moderate force, but no
severe storms. Fog and mist prevailed, and a clear day was the rareexception. The
tidal currents were strongest in the vicinity of Unimak Pass and at the head of the
bay; they were greatly affected, however, ty the winds. ‘The flood stream set to the
northward and slightly inshore along the coasts of Unimak and the peninsula, the
ebb to the southward and offshore. The former was invariably the stronger, and
probably found an outlet by sweeping past Cape Constantine in the direction of Cape
Newenham. There has been no systematic study of the currents of Bering Sea, and
the almost constant fogs prevent the navigator from adding much to our meager
knowledge concerning them.

FISHING GROUNDS OF BRISTOL BAY. 287
THE CODFISHING BANKS OF BRISTOL BAY.

The codfish banks of Bristol Bay extend from Unimak Pass, along the Bering
Sea shores of the island of that name and the Alaska Peninsula, to Cape Chichagof,
and thence to the Kulukak Ground and the vicinity of Cape Newenham.

Slime Bank extends from Northwest Cape of Unimak to the vicinity of Amak
Island, embracing depths from 20 to 50 fathoms. It is about 85 miles in length, 17 in
average width, and covers an area of 1,445 square miles. The character of the
bottom is generally black sand and gravel, pebbles being frequently added, with rocks
near shore and mud in the greater depths.

The bank received its name from the fishermen on account of the number of
medusze or jelly fishes found on it. The species was unknown to our naturalists, but
it may be described as brownish or rusty in color, from 6 to 18 inches in diameter, and
with long slender tentacles well covered with stinging cells. These jelly fishes seem
to inhabit an intermediate space near the bottom, very few being seen on the surface.
Their numbers increase during the season until they become a great nuisance to the
fishermen. Codfish of fair size and good quality were very plentiful over the whole
bank, and scattering specimens of small halibut were taken.

A well-found fishing schooner could anchor anywhere on this ground between May
and September with an even chance of being able to lay out any gale she would
encounter. Shaw Bay affords excellent protection against winds from southeast to
south west.

Baird Bank has been named by the writer in honor of the late Prof. Spencer F.
Baird, the first U. S. Commissioner of Fish and Fisheries, through whose untiring
efforts the great scheme of deepsea fishery investigation was inaugurated. This
bank is the largest and most valuable of the fishing grounds yet discovered in Bering
Sea. Commencing in the vicinity of Amak Island, it stretches along the coast of the
peninsula to Cape Chichagof, 230 miles, with an average width of 40 miles, and thus
covers an area of 9,200 square miles. The depths range from 15 to 50 fathoms, with
a bottom of fine gray sand, occasional spots of black sand, black sand and gravel,
and a few rocky patches near the shore.

Well-equipped fishing vessels can anchor anywhere on Baird Bank and lay out
such winds as she would be likely to encounter during the summer months. The penin-
sula will afford a weather shore for southeast winds, and Amak Island offers fairly
good protection on its southeast and southwest sides. Port Méller and Herendeen
Bay will be ports of call for fishermen when they become better known. Port Haiden
also may become available after it has been surveyed.

We found codfish in great abundance and of good quality over the whole bank, but
the best fishing ground is without doubt in depths between 25 and 40 fathoms, and
the Port Moller region is the most prolific. Fish taken near shore were smaller and
apparently not in as good condition. Codfish are found on the Kulukak Ground and
in the region of Cape Newenham, but they are smaller and inferior in quality to those
on the shores of Unimak and the peninsula.

Codfish have their enemies in Bering Sea as well as in other parts of the world.
Many wounded fish are seen, particularly in spring and fall, after the passage of the
seals into and out of the sea. This phenomenon is observed more noticeably near the
passes between the Aleutian Islands. Bering Sea also suffers, in common with other

288 BULLETIN OF THE UNITED STATES FISH COMMISSION.

prolific grounds that are not much fished upon, in that numbers of fish are left to die
of old age or other natural causes. At a certain age the fish become weak and more
liable to be infested with parasites, all of which is soon apparent from the general
condition of the victims. This is a trouble which decreases, however, as a bank
becomes more generally fished.

Scattering specimens of small halibut of fine quality were found on Baird Bank.
Flounders of several species, some of them excellent fish, were also taken in the beam
trawl wherever it was lowered in Bering Sea.

sign

RS
———

: »® — . :
aa
” ; | xu

Kutukak |\Grou,

| Bee e

| |

7 ers na - . ppsstilictte sleutiutculiuabiitl lu
ao :
: ef ie? EE a
“ aad pSiea |
| |
|

cf
NY
2

2)
;

te

7
As
7 .

mre

Benen
Ds
t
.)
?
!

goa
vu
ay

|
* i
“pte i}
ie =
f x,
» f ote

if ARS
br ddl \\ :

dt

~s:
- Cape Okino
| - ~ as wp

6
g

oes fbernabeur 1
P craked (SR Pmcepres 2 Se & ? yned
5, taag’ f ¥ 4
” Sanomon AE as, - ¥ ae ~ -

“a

\
Chiohagot

» & his
?
a

oo

oe aa ee al

a

cae

ip) Mae
ae

==

= 3 :

hy “ mers ae
xt Lin i ie

138" | 40

a

U.S.Commission of Fish and Fisherie;
_Marshall McDonald, Commissioner.
ee ine

CHART OF

LOWER NUSHAGAK RIVER
@ 0. —ALASKA—

(BRISTOL BAY DISTRICT)
1890

NOTE
From a reconnaissance made tre June 1890 by
the Officers of the US Fish Commission Steamer
Albatross’ Lieut. Comdr ZL Tanner USN Comdp.
Astronomical Statin Clarks Point
Lat. 56°49 1 North, Long 158° 31 439 West
Tides, Local Establishment.

53 minutes approximate rise and fall 24 ft

| + tno Seale of Miles
| [oS

Cape Constantine

“on lwtis rooneD PF

ANNERY

(4 % Fort. Alexander |
od Nushagak Village }

b eds ¢

- Pa =: ae ed a) faa ‘+a nie ee es ee

-"

A eee ee ee att ee : ” x

— - * as =:
se ; e had 7

U.S.Commission of Fish and Fisheries
Marshall McDonald, Commissioner:

CHART OF
PORT MOLLER ann HERENDEEN BAY
ALASKA.

— 1890 —

vey mate by the Officers of (he
ommixsion Steamer ALBATROSS

to mean tow water
int Mine sardor
F 2 West Long.
Tides Local Rstabiiahnent approximate, VIL beurs aos Pal AB
Pr Te pay Wale foe
2S SS a
Tmautiea!)

LIBRARY OF CONGRESS

iui