REPORT OP THE COMMISSIONERS OP INLAND FISHERIES. 5 



RHODE ISLAND. 



The tables presented show many phases of the fisheries not similarly exhibited 

 in the statistics of 1880; it is difficult therefore to institute comparisons in all 

 cases. There has been a large decrease in persons employed, amounting to 26 

 per cent , and an increase of 78 per cent, in capital invested and 18 per cent, in 

 the catch. This is due to the improvement in the vessels, especially those em- 

 ployed in menhaden fishing, in the menhaden factories, and in the pound-net 

 and trap fisheries. There is not much difference in the value of menhaden ves- 

 sels ; in the aggregate fewer vessels are now employed, but these are of an im- 

 proved type, and, with fewer men, perform the same work that was done by a 

 larger fleet in 1880. 



There has been a gratifying increase in the menhaden industry, the manufac- 

 tured products of which in 1880 were valued at $221,748, while in 1888 the 

 amount was $834,686, This is the most important fishery of the State, taking 

 the value of the manufactured products as a basis, but is excelled by the oyster in- 

 dustry, if we consider only the amount paid to fishermen for their catch. With 

 the exception of the menhaden industry, there is no important vessel fishery; the 

 craft employed are generally small and engaged in shore or market fishing. 



48. Table of persons employed. 



