Bowfin are so named because of the fin that looks like it runs from the back of their head all the way around their tail half way up the belly. The bowfin is able to breathe air, using its swim bladder which allows it to regulate buoyancy in the water, as a primitive lung.
Now the puzzle: Each number could be three or four different letters and with a little logic you will figure it out. just keep in mind what you are trying to spell out.
North: 368789636877383636878963687
West: 3444893769376749348384733663