III. THE COMMERCIAL FISHERIES OF THE HAWAIIAN ISLANDS. 



By John N. Cobb, 

 Agent of the United States Fish Commission. 



INTRODUCTION. 



On May 1, 1901, the writer was detailed to accompany the party which was to 

 make an investigation of the fishes and fishei'ies of the Hawaiian Islands under the 

 direction of Dr. David Starr Jordan and Dr. Barton Warren Evermann, in order to 

 make a thoroua'h canvass of not only the present condition of the commercial fisheries 

 of the islands, but also of their past history and "the changes in the methods, extent, 

 and character of the fisheries in historic times, as shown by records or traditions, 

 particularly since the coming of Americans, Europeans, and Asiatics. " The history 

 of fishery legislation and the possibility of improvements in the present laws were 

 among the questions which received careful consideration. 



These inquiries occupied a period of three months, during which all of the larger 

 inhabited islands were visited. All available official and private documents, news- 

 papers, and publications relating to the islands were perused, and oral statements 

 were gathered from the older fishermen and othei's conversant with the subjects in 

 question. 



Commercial fishing is prosecuted on the islands of Oahu, Hawaii, Maui, Molokai, 

 Kauai, Lanai, and Niihau. It is also carried on about some of the smaller islands of 

 the group, but by fishermen from those above named. The fisheries are of consider- 

 able importance now, and could easily be expanded if the proper efforts and attention 

 were given to them. 



At present but little deep-sea fishing is done, although this could be made a very 

 profitable industry. Some of the best grounds are off the coasts of Molokai, and 

 quite a fleet of Japanese boats from Honolulu resort thither. They usually leave on 

 Monday and return on Fi'iday or Saturday. 



At various places around the islands sponges of a fair quality have been picked 

 up on the beaches, where they had been cast up by storms. The writer secured a 

 few specimens at Oahu and Hawaii and found them of an inferior grade, but still 

 marketable. It is probable that but few of the better quality of sponges would be 

 washed ashore, as they would be too firmly attached to the bottom. 



The bubonic plague broke out in Honolulu in December, 1899, and lasted several 

 months, proving a serious detriment to the sale of fresh fishery products while it 

 lasted, as many persons thought that the disease might be transmitted in this wa3'. 



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