J FMAMJ J ASOND 



2000 



1600 



1200 



Q 800 

 < 



ID 



g 400 



JFMAMJJASOND 



JFMAMJJASOND 



Figure 25. Hawaiian Monthly Skipjack Landings 1949- 

 1952. The linnited area of fishing and scarcity of bait are not the 

 only restrictions on the fishery.' As shown in the above diagranms, 

 the catch during the winter season is very low with the landings 

 seldom exceeding 200, 000 pounds. Also there are large yearly 

 fluctuations. In 1951 the total landings were 12, 900, 000 pounds 

 while in 1952 they fell to 7, 260, 000 pounds. These highs and lows 

 of catches prevent the development and expansion of a stable fish- 

 ery industry in the Hawaiian Islands. 



We do not imagine that these natural fluctuations can 

 be controlled, but are hopeful that we can determine their causes, 

 perhaps forecast the seasonal catch with some degree of reliabi- 

 lity and find ways to increase or supplement the landings, espe- 

 cially during periods when fish are scarce. 



26 



