THE COMMERCIAL FISHERIES OF THE HAWATIAN ISLANDS 
IN 1903. 
By Joun N. Coss, 
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 publisbed 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 courtesy and assistance of the officials 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), Lysiansky (1857), Palmyra (1862), Ocean (1886), 
Necker (1894), French Frigate Shoal (1895), Gardener, Mara or Moro 
Reef, 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 
aCommercial Fisheries of the Hawaiian Islands. By John N.Cobb. Report U.S. Fish Commission, 
1901, pp. 353-499. 1902. Reprinted in Bulletin of the U.S. Fish Commission, 1903, Pt. II, pp. 715-765. 
1905. 
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