Why Fishing & Whaling Dominated Colonial New England’s Economy

Two maritime industries powered early New England:

Fishing

• Abundant cod, haddock, mackerel on Georges Bank and coastal waters.
• High European demand for salted/dried fish (protein for Catholic fast days).
• British subsidies & tax breaks encouraged colonial fleets.

Whaling

• Plentiful whales migrating near shore (right, sperm).
• Whale oil lit lamps and lubricated machinery worldwide.
• Same government incentives applied.

These trades built ports like Boston, Gloucester, and New Bedford into global maritime hubs.