Fishing Boats Improvements and the Modernization of Cod Fishing in the 1880s:

Focusing on the Introduction of Western-style Fishing Boats by Hokkaido Government and the Policies Taken Subsequently.

Abstract

This study examines the modernization policies implemented by Hokkaido Government in the 1880s to modernize a cod fishery and its role in both conventional and pelagic fisheries. In 1886, Hokkaido Government built and tested a Western-style fishing boat, the “Kairyo Maru”, to improve Hokkaido cod fishery, but this type of fishing boat was not put into practical use. The Government then developed and promoted “Improved Kawasaki Boat” to improve the conventional fishery, and conducted pelagic cod fishery trials to develop a pelagic fishery. In both cases, foreign technology was introduced. The pelagic cod fishery trials were also pioneering operations for the pelagic cod fishery in Japan.