120 EEPOET OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES. 



year 7,356,046 pounds of fresh fish, valued at $373,070, were sold, and 

 18,716,580 pounds (or 03,583 barrels) of salt fish, worth $1,004,124, were 

 packed. 



The decrease in the mackerel catch, as compared with 1880, has been 

 largely compensated for by the increase in the price. Thus, while the 

 yield of fresh mackerel in 1892 was but little more than a third that 

 in 1880, the value of the catch was one-fourth greater; and while the 

 output of salt mackerel in 1892 was less than one-fifth that in 1880, the 

 value of the salt fish was only about one-half less. 



Comparative table showing the quantities and values of fresh, and salt mackerel taken by 

 New England fisher men in 18S0, 1S87, 18S8, 1889, 1890, 1891, and 1892. 



a Approximate. 



A feature of some interest disclosed by the foregoing figures is the 

 relative proportion of mackerel sold fresh and salted in the years men- 

 tioned as compared with the conditions in 1880. The percentage of 

 mackerel leaving the hands of the fishermen in a fresh condition in 

 recent years was greater than in 1880, and the tendency toward the 

 disposal of the fish in a fresh state appears to be increasing yearly. 

 Thus, the percentage (by weight) of the total catch sold fresh was 28 

 in 1887, 35 in 1888, 37 in 1889, 53 in 1890, 51 in 1891, and 44 in 1892, 

 while in 18S0 it was only 30. 



