^HE FISHERIES AND FISH TRADE OF PORTO RICO IN IDO'^. 



By W. a. Wilcox, 

 Agent of the United States Fish Commission. 



INTRODUCTION. 



During the winter of 1898-99, soon after the occupation of Porto 

 Rico b3^the United States Government, an investigation of the fishery 

 resources and fishery business of that island was made b}^ the United 

 States Commission of Fisheries. Four years having elapsed since the 

 change from Spanish to United States rule, it was thought desirable 

 to revisit the island and make a canvass of the fisheries, with special 

 reference to the present conditions, the amount of capital invested, 

 apparatus used, amount and value of products, and number of fisher- 

 men; also the amount and value of fishery products imported during 

 the past four years. The results of this canvass, which was made by 

 the writer in January, February, and March, 1903, are here presented. 

 The statistical and general information pertain to the calendar year 

 1902 unless otherwise stated. 



For courtesies and assistance rendered acknowledgments are given 

 to the following persons: Hon. Charles Hartzell, secretary of state; 

 Hon. James S. Harlan, judge-advocate; Hon. John R. Garrison, 

 auditor; Hon. A. R. Cruzen, collector of customs and deputies; F. D. 

 Griflith, of the auditors office; Messrs. Fritze Lundt & Co., of 

 San Juan and Mavaguez; and the French Transatlantic Steamship 

 Companv. 



IMPORTATIONS OF FISHERY PRODUCTS. 



Porto Rico is divided into seven districts, the population of each, by 

 the census of 1899, being as follows: 



Aguadilla 99, 645 



Arecibo 162, 308 



Bayamon 160, 046 



Guyama 111,986 



Huraaeao 88, 501 



Mavaguez 127, 566 



Ponce 203, 191 



Total 953, 243 



The values of fishery products imported into Porto Rico during the 

 past ten years, with the duties paid, are shown in the following table. 

 The amounts given for 1899 to 1902 are in United States money, 



F. C. 1902 24 369 



