354 BULLETIN OF THE BUREAU OF FISHERIES. 
Chilean boats, which are said to use the whaling gun and explosive harpoon, 
probably take chiefly the sperm whales; while the native whalers confine their 
attention to the humpback whales found nearer the shore in the Gulf of Guaya- 
quil, and employ only the harpoon and lance thrown by hand. The Gulf of 
Guayaquil is reputed to be a favored breeding ground of the humpback whale, 
and it is about at the bearing season (May, June, etc.) that the local fishery is 
pursued. 
Except the preparation of oil from turtles at Pisco and the capture of 
whales at Tumbes, there is no fishery for oils in Peru. 
For a time the sea lions (“‘lobos de mar”) were taken for the oil and hides, 
but the government prohibited the continuance of the fishery, partly because 
of the use of dynamite and partly that an inquiry might first be made as to 
the relation of the sea lions to the guano-producing birds. It was a question 
whether the lobos were injurious to the birds, in the competition for food, or 
were of real assistance to them in so herding and demoralizing the surface 
fishes as to make them more available to the birds. It is probable now that the 
fishery will be resumed under proper regulations and restrictions. 
The porpoises and dolphins seem never to have been sought; in fact, many 
of the fishermen have a peculiarly friendly feeling for these animals, believing 
that in some way they aid the Christians (“ayuda los Cristianos”’). 
Fur seals, ‘“‘lobos finos” or ‘‘lobos de dos pelos” (lobos of two coats), 
while undoubtedly occurring on the coast as far north as Paracas, are not 
abundant enough, nor perhaps of sufficient value, to support a fishery. The 
“gato de mar’’ (sea-cat), a species of river otter (Lutra) that lives in the 
sea, is not uncommon in some regions, but is never abundant. Its pelt when 
taken is regarded as of some value.” 
FUTURE OF THE FISHERY INDUSTRY. 
In spite of the antiquity of the fisheries of Peru, and notwithstanding 
the introduction of European fishermen with their improved boats and nets, 
the industry is now so inadequate and unsatisfactory that the larger part 
of the people of Peru are not supplied with a class of food which they peculiarly 
appreciate. 
Some of the difficulties are inherent in the situation in a country whose 
industrial life in all its phases is relatively undeveloped, and many of these 
difficulties will disappear naturally as the country generally advances further 
in the path of industrial progress which it has so propitiously entered. Rapid 
and frequent transportation between ports is wanting, railroad rates are neces- 
@ We are not concerned with the preservation of the large fresh-water fishes by smoking and 
other methods which are practiced on the headwaters of the Amazon. I have been informed that this 
is such an extensive industry that smoked fish in that part of Peru is a more common food than beef. 
