374 REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES. 



of vessels, and other work. During the past few years a steady 

 demand for hibor on shore at increased wages has induced the most 

 enterprising- of the fishermen to give more time to shore work at the 

 expense of the fisheries. 



The only boats employed in the fisheries of Porto Rico are small 

 open sail or row boats, and these are used only when the weather 

 conditions are favorable. 



The total consumption of fish-food products in Porto Rico during 

 1902 and the average amount per capita were as follows: 



SAN JUAN. 



The city of San Juan is but poorly supplied with fresh fish, sold 

 from two stalls in the city market and to a small extent b}" street vend- 

 ors, who carry their stock on their shoulders suspended from a pole, 

 a small pair of scales completing the outfit. The market prices for 

 undressed fish range from 8 to 12 cents a pound, the fishermen receiv- 

 ing an average of 5 cents a pound. 



The local fishermen of 1902 numbered 25, having 10 small boats. 

 Their aggregate catch amounted to 120,000 pounds, valued at $6,000. 

 This catch was all by liook and line and most of it from the waters of 

 San Juan Harbor, the species being the same as those taken bv the 

 neighlwring fishermen of Palo Seco, which furnishes the chief supply 

 to the citizens of San Juan. 



PALO SECO. 



This small fishing village is at the mouth of Bayamon River, nearly 

 opposite the city of San Juan and the entrance to its harbor. During 

 1902 the fishermen numbered 80, with some $6,000 invested in boats and 

 fishing gear. Their catch amounted to 280,000 pounds, valued at $16,800. 

 They appear satisfied with a small income which might be largel}^ 

 increased by working more continuously. Of the 80 fishermen, the 

 number daily engaged in fishing is said not to average over 20. The 

 catch is in the waters of the harbor, and, at times, b}^ trawls, hand 

 lines, and trolling a few miles outside of the harbor, and is marketed 

 at San Juan. This is one of the few places where fish are sold by 

 weight, averaging the fishermen 6 cents a pound gross. Fish are 

 fairly abundant at all seasons. 



The fishing apparatus consists of haul-seines of 125 to 150 fathoms 

 each, drift gill-nets 150 fathoms each, trawls with 150 hooks each, and 

 hand lines with 3 or 4 hooks each, used in deep water. Fish pots have 

 been discontinued. 



