454 



REPOKT OF THE COMMISSIONER OF FISHERIES. 



Table showing by countries the exports of fishery products during the calendar years 



1901, 1902, and 1903. 



THE FISH MARKETS AND THE FISH TRADE. 



During 1903 there were 7 fish markets in operation on the various 

 islands, 2 each at Honolulu (Oahu) and Hilo (Hawaii) and 3 at Lahaina 

 (Maui). Since then several new markets have been opened in Hono- 

 lulu, and the latter cit}' is rapidly becoming one of the important fishery 

 centers of the countr3^ In the sections not accessible to the markets 

 the people are supplied by peddlers, who carry their fish in small carts 

 or on the backs of asses. Despite the rapid extension of this branch 

 of the business during the last four years there is still great room for 

 improvement, as many sections are without the opportunity of pur- 

 chasing fresh fish, while others but rarely receive visits from the ped- 

 dlers. A more strict supervision should be exercised over these 

 peddlers, for they undoubtedly often sell stale and tainted fish. 



HILO, HAWAII. 



The retail market house at this place was quite fully described in a 

 previous report. In August, 1901, an official fish inspector was 

 appointed, a want which had long been felt because of the large 

 quantities of tainted fish which the dealers had foisted upon the people. 

 During the year 1903 there were employed in and around this market 

 23 Japanese and 4 Chinese. 



Owing to the heavy surf in the vicinity of the market house, fishing- 

 boats find it impossible to land here with their catch, and for some 



