Wide variations exist in landings of albacore (Thunnus germo) in Oregon and Washington. In 1944, Oregon and Washington landings reached 34 million pounds, but dropped to 0.6 million ponnds a decade later. Variations in landings may be a result of fluctuations in availability. Distribution of albacore along the North American coast is known to be influenced by sea temperatures. Although weather conditions and economic factors are reflected in Oregon-Washington landing statistics, it may be that annual variations in sea surface temperatures are also affecting the success of the fishery by varying availability to the fishermen.