THE COMMERCIAL FISHERIES OF THE HAWAIIAN ISLANDS 



IN 1903. 



By John N. Cobb, 

 Agent of the Bureau of Fisheries. 



INTRODUCTION.. 



The first investigation of the commercial fisheries of the Hawaiian 

 Islands ever undertaken was made by the writer in 1901, and the 

 results were published in the early part of 1902." In 1904, in order 

 to supply data of comparative value, another investigation was con- 

 ducted, the inquiry relating to the calendar year 1903. The canvass 

 was greatly facilitated by the courtes}^ and assistance of the oflScials and 

 various citizens of the islands. The statistical and other information 

 gathered appears in the following pages. 



The most diverse statements have appeared in both official and pri- 

 vate reports as to the islands properly to be included in the Hawaiian 

 group. The following list, which was published in the Hawaiian 

 Almanac and Annual for 1904, was compiled for the purpose of clear- 

 ing up the matter, and contains the date of annexation of the more 

 recent additions to the group: Hawaii, Maui, Oahu, Kauai, Molokai, 

 Lanai, Niihau, Kahoolawe, Lehua, Molokini, Nihoa or Bird Island 

 (1822), Laysan (1857), Lysiausky (1857), Palmyra (1862), Ocean (1886), 

 Necker (1894), French Frigate Shoal (1895), Gardener, Mara or Moro 

 Keef, Pearl and Hermes Reef, Gambia Bank, and Johnston or Corn- 

 wallis Island. The first eight have a permanent population; the 

 others are visited during certain seasons or only occasionally, by 

 guano workers, roving fishermen, and hunters. 



FISHERY LAWS. 



Private ownership of the fishes found in the open sea and bays in 

 the immediate vicinity of the shore was one of the peculiar features of 

 the Hawaiian fisheries before the annexation of the islands by the 

 United States. Such "fishery rights" (which are described in detail 



a Commercial Fisheries of the Hawaiian Islands. By John N. Cobb. Keport U. S. Fish Commission, 

 1901, pp. 363-499. 1902. Reprinted in Bulletin of the U. S. Fish Commission, 1903, Pt. II, pp. 715-765. 

 1905. 



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