fuel for fishing boats began as early as August 1941. Shortages of nets* 
boat repair parts and other equipment were reported in 1941 and became 
widespread after 1943. 
At first the outlying fisheries — Northern waters, trawling and 
deep sea in "home waters" — were most affected by these shortages, but 
the production of coastal fishermen also declined despite attempts to keep 
their production as high as possible. Output of the coastal fisheries 
was noticeably reduced in many areas by late 1943 because of these war¬ 
time shortages. In addition to these shortages there has been dissatis¬ 
faction among coastal fishermen with the prices established by the 
government and in recent months fear of destruction by Allied naval 
operations further curtailed fishing. Agriculture production, although 
encouraged throughout the war period, is thought to have increased little, 
if at all, due to manpower shortages. 
Wartime Distribution 
In late 1941 fish was first rationed locally in those areas of 
Japan where supplies were short and irregular and in early 1943 the Pood 
Control Bill provided partial control of marine foods. This bill, de¬ 
signed to strengthen government control of food, established a control 
structure national in scope and under the general supervision of the 
Bureau of Food Control of the Ministry of Agriculture and Commerce. 2/ 
2/ In the Cabinet reorganization of November 1943 the Ministry of Agri¬ 
culture and Forestry and the Ministry of Commerce and Industry were 
combined to form the Ministry of Agriculture and Commerce. The new name 
is used in this section. 
- 6 - 
16-031 P24 
