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RESOURCES OF THE SHA

Bondon: C. J. CLAY anv SONS,
CAMBRIDGE UNIVERSITY PRESS WAREHOUSE,
AVE MARIA LANE.

Glasgow: 263, ARGYLE STREET.

DLeipsig: F. A. BROCKHAUS.
few Work: THE MACMILLAN COMPANY.
Bombay: HE. SEYMOUR HALE.

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SHOWN IN THE SCIENTIFIC EXPERIMENTS =
TO TEST THE EFFECTS OF TRAWLING AND
_ OF THE CLOSURE OF CERTAIN AREAS
Pe. OFF THE SCOTTISH SHORES.
BY "
eee MINTOSH, M.D., LL.D., F.BS., zre., ieee
-ROFESSOR OF NATURAL HISTORY IN THE UNIVERSITY OF “
ane ST ANDREWS, ue |
a) OR OF THE MUSEUM AND OF THE GATTY MARINE LABORATORY. 7

ILLUSTRATED.

LONDON:
C.J. CLAY snp SONS,

AVE MARIA LANE.
1899

Cambridge:
PRINTED BY J. AND C, F. CLAY,

AT THE UNIVERSITY PRESS.

DEDICATED

TO THE MEMORY OF

THOMAS LAYCOCK, M.D., eErc.,

_ PROFESSOR OF THE PRACTICE OF PHYSIC IN THE UNIVERSITY OF EDINBURGH,
a AND PHYSICIAN TO THE QUEEN IN SCOTLAND,
by A FAR-SEEING AND ACCOMPLISHED PHYSICIAN AND PSYCHOLOGIST,

ALEXANDER MACDUFF, Esg.,

D . OF BONHARD,
THE IDEAL OF A REFINED AND SAGACIOUS COUNTY ADMINISTRATOR,

ND THE MANY VALUED FRIENDS IN THE COUNTY
AND CITY OF PERTH, 1860—1883,

BY THE AUTHOR.

PREFACE.

THE author has felt it an urgent duty, since the work for
the Royal Commission under Lord Dalhousie, to watch the
various experiments to test the effects of trawling and of the
closure, the more especially as these had been originally sug-
gested by himself. Judgment was withheld until all the
necessary facts were available, and a sufficient margin of time
had supervened for the thorough investigation and testing
of the areas. Now, after the lapse of twelve years, and of
fifteen since the original work was begun; after a study of all
that had been done at home independently of these experi-
ments, and in other maritime countries; after a prolonged
investigation into the development and life-histories of the
food-fishes; and after the general statistics of the fisheries
had time to settle into a reliable condition, it has been deemed
prudent to make a critical survey of the work, and to form
conclusions on this important question.

It was hoped that opportunities would have been afforded
for repeating in 1898, on the same dates and, as far as
possible, under the same circumstances, the experiments of
1884, but the authorities did not appear to see either the way
or the importance of such an enterprise. The suggestion was
made in no narrow spirit, indeed its acceptance would have
entailed very serious responsibilities on the author.

The great aim of the survey has been to search for truth in
this complex subject, to weigh carefully every fact bearing on
its solution, and to bring an unbiassed mind to the task. To
the scientific investigator a conclusion favourable to the con-
tinuance of restrictive measures would have been as welcome

x PREFACE.

as the reverse, provided his facts warranted it. Misinterpreta-
tion or overstraining of the deductions in any case is equally
distasteful, and would be equally shortlived.

It is interesting that similar conclusions to those formed by
the author were reached by Professor Huxley and others from
a totally different stand-point, a fact which does not detract
from the strength of the position. The opportunities for
practical inquiries into every branch of the subject have been—
during the fifteen years’ inquiry—greater than at any former
period in this country.

While pondering over all the facts, and fully conscious of
the responsibility entailed, one relief has ever been present,
and that is—perfect faith in the marvellous ways of Nature in —
the ocean, ways which enable her to cope, in regard to the
food-fishes, with all the wonderful advances in apparatus for
capture, and with the steady increase of population.

It was intended to have printed every table prepared during
the ten years, but their number (108) was formidable, and
hence only such as were essential for the appreciation of the
facts have been given. In the preparation of these the author
has been aided by a series of valued young friends, amongst
whom the late Rev. R. Gillespie, M.A., the Rev. E. Teviotdale,
Mr W. E. Collinge, Mr Alex Thom, Mr Thomas Cargill,
Mr Frank M. Milne, and Mr A. F. Munro deserve special
mention. The genial companionship of these gentlemen and
their unwearied efforts were sources of sincere satisfaction.
The heaviest share of the work fell to Mr Frank M. Milne, M.A.

The author has also to acknowledge the aid received in
regard to the woodcuts of fishes from Dr Murie, LL.D., and
Messrs Cassell, Petter, Galpin and Co., and for photographs
from A. Wallace Brown, a name—for fully fifteen years—both
welcome and familiar to every worker at the Marine Laboratory.
To his valued colleague in the University, Dr Masterman, he is
indebted for the preparation of the Index.

In recent times great advances, inaugurated by Prof. Baird,
have been made in connection with the fisheries by the United
States Fish-Commission, and carried on by a distinguished
band of workers, amongst whom the names of Alex. Agassiz,

PREFACE. Xl

Whitman, Earle, Jordan, Tarleton Bean, Ryder, Brown-Goode,
and others are conspicuous. Canada, under the vigorous hand
of Sir Charles Tupper, made a new departure in its fisheries
by the appointment of the able and experienced Prof. Prince.
The labours of the French under Professors Marion and
Pouchet, Dr Sauvage, M. Guitel, Dr Canu, P. Gourret, G.
Roché, M. Odin, and others have largely added to our know-
ledge; as likewise have those of Prof. Hensen, Prof. Mobius,
Prof. Brandt, Dr Heincke, Dr Ehrenbaum and many others in
Germany. Valuable work has been done in Denmark by Capt.
Drechsel, A. V. Ljungman, and Dr Petersen, while the same
may be said of Prof. Hoffmann and Dr Hoek in the Nether-
lands. In Norway the labours of Prof. G. O. Sars are every-
where known, followed recently by those of Dr Hjort, and in
this country also the hatching of marine fishes under Capt.
Dannevig has been very successful; while in Sweden the
names of the Malms, father and son, and Lundberg are familiar.
In Belgium Prof. van Beneden’s talents were invaluable—as
his son’s are now—in the department, and in Italy those of
Prof. Giglioli. Russia has also made great progress under
Dr O. Grimm, Dr Borodine, Dr Kniepovitch, and others, and
_ Spain under Lieut. R. Vela. Lastly Japan is making active
efforts to master its fisheries under Prof. Kishinouye.

In Australia and the Cape of Good Hope able workers are
busy with the problems of the fisheries, for example, Prof.
Haswell, Mr Lindsay Thompson, and lately Dr Saville Kent in ~
the former, and Dr J. D. Gilchrist in the latter.

In our own country the earliest work was done at
St Andrews, which has never lost touch with the subject; and
the workers from which, e.g. Prof. E. Prince, W. L. Calderwood,
K. W. L. Holt, Dr Scharff, Dr H. Wilson, Dr A. T. Masterman,
W. E. Collinge, G. Sandeman, H. C. Williamson, J. R. Tosh,
H. M. Kyle, and others have extended our knowledge of the
subject in a noteworthy manner. The names of the late James
Duncan Matthews and the late George Brook, on the staff of
the Fishery Board for Scotland, again, will long be remembered
for the excellence of their work in connection with the food-
fishes. The Marine Biological Association at Plymouth has

x1l PREFACE.

also made important advances by means of the able researches
of W. Heape, J. T. Cunningham, G. C. Bourne, W. Bateson,
W. Garstang, E. J. Allen and others. Lastly, under the Rev.
W. 58. Green and Prof. Haddon, an important survey, especially
of the food-fishes in the deeper water, off the west coast of
Ireland, was made by the St Andrews workers, Prof. E. Prince
and KH. W. L. Holt.

Prof. Herdman on the Lancashire coast has in recent years
inaugurated modern methods in the fisheries with success,
while Mr Meek at Cullercoats on the opposite shore has also
made a commencement in the department.

In the criticism of the work of the Fishery Board for
Scotland and its methods in regard to closure, it must not be
supposed that the author has other feelings than those of
respect for that body, from whom in former days he received
much courtesy. It is sufficient to mention the names of Sir
Thomas Boyd and Mr P. Esslemont—the former distinguished
by his wide experience, the latter by his remarkable adminis-
trative powers, to indicate how ably the duty was done by each
in the office of Chairman, with the support of such well-known
members as Mr Maxtone Graham of Cultoquhey, Mr 8. Willam-
son, Mr J. J. Grieve, Mr William Boyd, and Sir James Gibson
Maitland of Howieton. The position and talents of the sheriffs,
again, and their intimate acquaintance with fishery laws and
administration, gave the Board both strength and _ prestige.
The loss of the counsels of Sheriff Guthrie Smith, Sheriff Forbes
Irvine, Sheriff Thoms and Sheriff Makechnie to the fisheries
and the public cannot be over-estimated. To the energy and
ability of the Board’s Superintendent of Scientific Investiga-
tions (Dr T. W. Fulton) the author would also pay a ae
tribute of commendation.

Nothing, however, has been allowed to interfere with the
faithful discharge, to the best of the author’s ability, of a public
duty, and in relation to a question of such vital importance in
the department.

It is a source of regret that the popular statesman who
was at the head of the Royal Commission (1883—85) has not
lived to see the result of these experiments in which, from

PREFACE. x11

their commencement in the beginning of January 1884, he
took so deep an interest. Even to the last he kept himself
acquainted with their progress, and though, when he died in
1887, the systematic work of the “Garland” had just begun, he
saw how necessary it was to test thoroughly and check previous
observations. Indeed, when in 1884 any decided view was
expressed, he was wont to add the caution “ Remember others
will follow, criticise and check every step taken.” Yet, perhaps,
his acutely sensitive mind, not to allude to his well-known
sympathy with the liners, whose hardy, daring ways aroused
his respect, and to whose appeals he ever cordially responded,
might have felt a shade of disappointment at a result so
different from the oft repeated views and wide-spread opinions
of the fishing-community and the public.

Gatty MARINE LABORATORY,
St ANDREWS.
15 November, 1898.

CONTENTS.

CHAPTER I.

INTRODUCTORY.

General Review of the Resources of the Sea and the Influence of Man
thereon

CHAPTER II.

Remarks on the Scientific mee to the Royal Commission on Trawling
(1884)
a. Effects of ete on Ge Tere cen :
b. Effects of the hooks of the Liners on the same grounds
ce. Effects of the Trawl on the Eggs of Fishes, on certain Ground-

fishes, and on very young fishes on the bottom

The Recommendations of the Royal Commission on Trawling (188385),
and the methods adopted by the Fishery Board for Scotland in
carrying them out : : . : : :

Closure of Areas

Changes in the Trawling- easels anil hor heparatue :

Changes in the Line-boats and their Apparatus

The present state of the Line and the Trawl Fisheries in relation = ie
Fishing Grounds and the Fishes

CHAPTER III.

PAGE

27
36
46

50
54
54
59
72

74

INVESTIGATIONS IN St ANDREWS Bay, 1886—1896 (p. 103).

CHAPTER IV.

INVESTIGATIONS IN FRITH OF FORTH, 1886—1896 (p. 133).

CHAPTER V.

INVESTIGATIONS IN Moray FRITH, 1887—1897 (p. 185).

CONTENTS. XV

CHAPTER VI.

INVESTIGATIONS IN FRITH OF CLYDE, 1888—1897 (p. 211).

writ.

TNT,

CHAPTER VII.

SUMMARY AND CONCLUSIONS (p. 218).

TABLES.

ST ANDREWS BAY.

Hauls during the months of the first and second quinquennial periods,
and number in colder and warmer months.

Number of saleable fishes per month 1886—1895.
Number of unsaleable fishes per month 1886—1895.
Average per haul at each station; average at all stations &c.

Totals of each species per year, 1886—1895, and average of the plaice,
dab, haddock and gurnard.

Saleable fishes in monthly lists (with sizes) 1886—1895.

Immature and unsaleable fishes in monthly lists (with sizes)
1886—1895.

FRITH OF FORTH.

Hauls during the first and second quinquennial periods, and number
in colder and warmer months.

Average per haul at each station, totals—saleable and unsaleable, and
averages.

Average per haul, or total numbers, of saleable and unsaleable fishes of
each species 1886—1895.

Saleable fishes in monthly lists (with sizes) 1886—1895.

Immature and unsaleable fishes in monthly lists (with sizes)
1886—1895.

XV1

XIII.
XIV.
eV
XVI.
XVII.
WV TE,

XIX.

XX.
XXI.
XXII.
XXIII.
OX:
ONE

XXVI.

XXVII.

XXVIII.

XXIX.
XXX,
XXXI.

XXXII.

TABLES.

MORAY FRITH.

Saleable fishes off Coast of Caithness and Smith Bank, 1884.
Unsaleable fishes off Coast of Caithness and Smith Bank, 1884.
Saleable fishes outside Moray Frith, 1898.

Immature (unsaleable) fishes outside Moray Frith, 1898.

Saleable in monthly lists (with sizes), Stations I to VI, 1887—1897.

Unsaleable (chiefly immature) fishes in monthly lists (with sizes),
Stations I to VI, 1887—1897.

Hauls during the months of the first period (five years) and second

period (six years), and number in warmer and colder months,
_ Stations I to VI.

Average per haul at each station (I to VI), and average at all
stations &e.

Totals of each species per year 1887—1897, and average of the
plaice, dab, haddock and gurnard, Stations I to VI.

Saleable fishes in monthly lists (with sizes), Stations VII to XVI,
1893—1897.

Unsaleable fishes in monthly lists (with sizes), Stations VII to XVI,
1893—1897.

Hauls during the months of the quinquennial period 1893—1897,
Stations VII to XVI.

Average per haul at each Station, average at all Stations per year,
&e., Stations VII to XVI.

Totals of each species per year, and averages of certain fishes,
Stations VII to XVI.

FRITH OF CLYDE.

Saleable fishes in monthly lists (with sizes), 1888—1890, 1895, 1896,
1897.

Unsaleable (chiefly immature) fishes in monthly lists (with sizes),
1888—1890, 1895, 1896, 1897.

Hauls during the months of the quinquennial period.

Totals of each species per year and averages of certain species.

Average per haul at each Station, totals, and average per haui at all
Stations.

Comparison of day- and night- hauls, 1896 and 1897.

The Gatty Marine Laboratory, St Andrews,

To face p. xiv]

Wa eu
iene

CHAPTER I.

INTRODUCTORY.

General Review of the Resources of the Sea and the Influence of Man thereon.

In this chapter is a general statement of facts which point
to the conclusion that, with some exceptions, the fauna of the
open sea, from its nature and environment, would appear, to a
large extent, to be independent of man’s influence. |

In examining the resources of the sea! we are confronted
with very different problems from those which meet us in the
consideration of the fresh waters and the land. Moreover, this
peculiar divergence has a tendency to mislead those whose
experiences have been accumulated in surroundings in which
all the operations of nature and of man are readily observed
and easily understood.

It is but recently since we relied, for instance, on the know-
ledge derived from the effects of the non-protection of land-
animals as a guide in dealing with the sea-fishes. It satisfied
some to urge that man’s influence had swept off the larger
mammals from great areas, and at the present moment is rapidly
diminishing the numbers of such forms as the right and other
whales, the elephants, giraffes, elks, buffalos and bisons. Com-
paratively recent legislation in our own country has year by

1 By the sea is meant the open ocean and the exposed shores, for enclosed
seas, like the Mediterranean, are placed under different conditions as regards the
fisheries. Consequently the effect of man’s interference in certain cases is

distinguishable—were it only in the single feature of the size of marine fishes
offered for consumption.

M. R. 1

—
i -

ie INFLUENCE OF MAN ON MAMMALS,

year rendered the hare rarer than it has ever been previously,
indeed it has swept this graceful denizen of the fields, this
delight of every lover of nature, as well as unrivalled nourish-
ment for the sick, almost out of certain counties, and may lead
to its almost total extinction; the wolf has disappeared, while
the badger is scarce, and where, we may ask, would the red deer,
the roe and the fox have been if a measure of protection had
not been meted out to them? Man’s interference caused the
extinction within a generation of the huge Rhytina (sea-cow),
though it was more or less marine in habit, and in the present day
the dugong and the manatee are diminishing and may follow
their relative. Asa rule, it is not difficult for man to influence
land-animals whether for abundance or scarcity. Yet even here,
under favourable surroundings, certain forms, as the rabbit in
Australia, the lemmings in Norway and Sweden, the rats and
mice of our houses, prove more than a match for his most potent
checks. In the vegetable world, again, it is an arduous and
often fruitless task to extirpate many plants—even with man’s
ingenuity and opportunities. Nature provides in the majority
a vast number of seeds, far beyond what is required for the
preservation of the species, indeed the older naturalists pointed
to this as a wise provision for the support of animals. It is
only when we come to the larger slow-growing kinds that the
action of man is so destructive, and yet the number of seeds in
the larger trees, as the pines, acacias and others, is very great,
30,000 for instance occurring in such as Mimosa Lebbec. Man’s
easy access and abundant opportunities are, however, very
different from the conditions existing in the ocean.

Even in the domain of the air, which in its vastness excels
that of the sea, the effects of man’s interference—secondary
though it may be—1is often noteworthy, mainly because its
denizens deposit their eggs or young on the surface of the land,
and thus, though the adults may wing their way into the ether,
and even feed therein, as in the case of the bats and swallows,
the helpless young and eggs are within his reach. In the
flightless birds the same rules apply as in the land-mammals,
and how few of these now live! The moa, the great auk, and
the dodo have gone, and the ostrich, emu, cassowary and kiwi

ON BIRDS, INSECTS AND FRESH-WATER FISHES. 3

(Apteryx) will require protection to retain them. In a few
instances, as in the penguins, remote haunts, active aquatic
habits and great boldness have aided the species in warding off
destruction and placed them in a different category. The
agency of man quickly diminishes many of the larger birds of
flight, and this notwithstanding legislative protection. Without
the latter where would our wild swans, geese and ducks have
been? where the capercaillie, black-cock, grouse, pheasant and
partridge? The same lesson is learned when we contrast the
former condition of the rook with the present one of modified
protection. A few birds, as the sparrow, cushat and passenger-
pigeon, appear to be exceptions under certain conditions; but
these in the former case are due to the complications of civilized
life itself, and in the latter often depend on immigration, and
thus are seldom altogether beyond man’s influence.

The air, however, differs from the land not only in its vast-
ness, but in the fact that certain of its inhabitants, eg. the
insects, seem to defy man’s power and ingenuity in limiting their
numbers. Thus, is the house-fly less abundant now than in
the days of the ancient Egyptians? Do the hordes of locusts,
gnats, Hessian flies, mosquitoes, or other forms show marked
diminution? Yet in all these instances the eggs are deposited
on or near the surface of the earth and within man’s reach.
Even where elaborate measures are taken to encompass the
destruction of a noxious form, e.g. the vine-parasite, Phylloxera,
on plants under man’s immediate care, how difficult is it, with
all the resources of modern chemistry, to attain success. The
same applies to the larger insects, such as wasps, the nests of
which are easily reached.

From age to age these denizens of the air have kept their
ground against all the forces man could bring against them,
and yet they would have required aérial eggs to have placed
them on a similar footing to most of the food-fishes of our
waters.

The elaborate laws framed for the protection of the more
valuable fishes of the fresh waters of our country are suffi-
cient proofs of the care which is necessary for their protec-
tion. Diminution of these is readily caused by the various

1—2

4 INFLUENCE OF MAN ON FAUNA OF THE OCEAN,

nets and other instruments used by man for capture. But just
as—even in large areas of fresh water—the stock of fishes may
be reduced to small dimensions by over-fishing, so restoration
by artificial measures can be effectively carried out. In both
respects, therefore, fresh waters offer a contrast to the sea.

When we come to the ocean the problems connected with
man’s influence on certain of its denizens assume a much greater
degree of complexity. In the first place, though the almost
boundless space of the air far surpasses the sea, the latter
greatly exceeds the land, since it occupies about three-fourths
of the earth’s surface. Yet this gives but an imperfect com-
parison, for, whereas it is chiefly on the surface of the earth
that terrestrial animals are found, it is altogether different with
the ocean, the inhabitants of which not only people the bottom,
but glide over the latter, frequent mid-water and the surface,
indeed, may be said to be scattered everywhere throughout its
mass as well as fringe its margins. Moreover, while we can
pursue the mammal on land, entrap the fish in the stream or
lake, or follow the flight of the bird to a certain extent in the
air, it 1s otherwise with the sea. Its ever-changing and often
opaque and tempestuous waters offer a barrier to the pursuit
of its larger forms, even were it possible to track them to its
distant abysses, while the more minute for the most part escape
observation. Thus with all the skill and perseverance of ages
much yet remains to be accomplished in regard to our know-
ledge of the sea and its inhabitants, both plant and animal.
One feature, however, sufficiently distinguishes the sea from the
air, viz. its being almost everywhere permeated by life—both
plant and animal, and thus it affords a never-failing supply of
food to its inhabitants, each of which finds in the surrounding
water the nourishment best suited for it.

The resources of the ocean, however, are limited in the case
of the large air-breathing forms pursued by man, such as the
right whale or “bow-head,” which has steadily decreased in
numbers during the present century. The reckless slaughter
of the young whales accompanying their dams, a sure method
of capturing the unfortunate and solicitous mothers, has intensi-
fied the effect of this eager chase by various nations for whale-

ON WHALES AND SEALS. 5

bone and oil. Producing but a single young one at a birth,
this huge and harmless mammal will probably disappear unless
measures are taken for its preservation. The same may be said
of the other whalebone whales which are pursued for profit,
and of the dugong and manatee, the oil, skin and skeletons
of which are of value. The huge Pacific grey whale (Rhachi-
nectes glaucus) of the lagoons of the Californian coast has, indeed,
been entirely destroyed by man.

The effect of the slaughter of hundreds of the ca’ing whale
(Globtocephalus melas) is not so clear, but the xiphoid whales
captured in the north seas for their oil are in greater danger. In
no species has the inability of recuperation from constant attacks
been better illustrated than in the sperm-whale, the numbers
of which have been seriously diminished within recent times.

The effect of man’s keen pursuit is also well shown in the
seals, which are now so scarce on many parts of our own shores.
Only in the more remote regions (as in the sound of Harris)
are they to be met with in considerable numbers. Yet here
and there the absence of interference and the presence of a
favourite food may occasionally lead to their appearance in
larger numbers, as at the mouth of the Tay. Man's effective
influence on them in their headquarters in the Arctic seas is
unchallenged, since their breeding places are on land.

These large air-breathing marine forms, therefore, occupy a
special position, and make a contrast with the majority of the
types we have now to consider.

Of great importance in connection with the subsequent
groups is the plenitude and variety of marine plants. Familiar
forms of these are the green, red and olive weeds of the rocky
shores and tidal pools, and the grass-wrack of the muddy flats.
In certain places indeed the perennial growth of the olive
weeds was formerly of at least as much importance to the
inhabitants as their grain-crops. The immense Sargasso-sea
off the Azores, and the smaller ones in the Atlantic, again,
have long been a source of interest and wonder. Various
naturalists further have noted the discoloration of the sea
from the abundance of microscopic plants, have observed the
occurrence of vast masses of diatoms in the south Pacific, and

6 PELAGIC PLANT-LIFE,

as an ancient marine deposit on land; while others have
secured many in the stomachs of ascidians.

Though it is not so long since the intimate connection
between this ubiquitous plant-life as food for the higher marine
forms has been prominently demonstrated, yet it had not
altogether been overlooked. The herbivorous cetaceans, as the
manatees and dugongs were called, are well-known instances.
From time immemorial dulce, Irish moss, many other alge,
and edible swallows’ nests (an algoid substance), have been
esteemed by man; and certain land-animals, as pigs, cattle and
ponies, eat with avidity tangles or other olive sea-weeds. Even
the microscopic plants of the ocean (viz. diatoms) in their
innutritious condition as a deposit on land (mountain-flour)
were formerly mixed with the pounded inner bark of the Scotch
fir to satisfy the simple appetites of the Norse peasantry.

The presence of the minuter forms of plant-lfe must have
been familiar to fishermen and voyagers from early times,
either as a coating on their nets, as causing discoloration of
the sea, or stranded as a scum on the beach. The occurrence
of diatoms and other minute forms has also been noted by
scientific observers such as Sir Joseph Banks, Sir Joseph
Hooker, Dr Gwyn Jeffreys and the various explorers of modern
times, e.g. those on board the ‘Challenger,’ as well as the staff
of the German Plankton Expedition. The great abundance of
diatoms in the Arctic and still more in the Antarctic seas is
well known, while in the depths of the Black Sea all else is
stated to be absent but bacteria.

Detailed examination of the pelagic life of St Andrews
Bay and the offshore waters of the east coast for many years
showed the vast abundance and variety of minute plants at all
seasons, from January to December’. Their occurrence in the
stomachs of many invertebrates and even in some fishes further
indicated the important part played by them. The presence of
such as Rhizosolenia not only coloured the sea, but coated nets
with an odoriferous layer. The intimate connection between.
the two great kingdoms was clearly pointed out as follows :— It
is a remarkable fact that it is primarily to plants in inshore

1 [7th Ann. Report, S. F. B., 1889, pp. 259—310, 4 Plates.

PELAGIC PLANTS AND FORAMINIFERA. t

waters that the abundance and variety of animals are in many
respects due, especially if estuaries also debouch in the neigh-
bourhood. Thus nowhere are the swarms of Sagittz, Appen-
dicularians, Crustaceans, and other groups of fish-food more
conspicuous than in the midst of a sea teeming with diatoms,
Rhizosoleniz and other algoid structures.’...... ‘Now this plant-
life is specially rich in April and May, just when the larval
and very young post-larval fishes appear more abundantly in
the inshore waters, so that the cycle is nearly complete, viz.,
from the inorganic medium—through microscopical plant and
larval crustacean—to the post-larval fish’. Similar views have
been broached by Prof. Hensen of the German Expeditions and
Dr George Murray of the British Museum; while Prof. Cleve,
of Upsala, is of opinion that even the origin of the coastal
currents in certain cases may be traced by their diatoms”

Besides, both adult and adolescent marine fishes such as
sand-eels devour the green and greyish-green alge of the
Kden, even to the distention of their stomachs in May. Alge,
again, are not uncommon accompaniments of food in other
fishes.

Broadly speaking, therefore, the sea has within its area a
vast and ever-present source of nourishment for its teeming
animals—a source altogether independent of the increment
from fixed marine vegetation on shore or swept into it by
rivers. This supply can in no way be affected by the action of
man, who is as powerless to modify it as to modify the tides.
So long as it remains, one of the most important factors for the
safety of the food-fishes is secured.

In the ocean are immense numbers of Foraminifera and
Radiolarians upon which the lower invertebrates prey both at
the surface and the bottom. They in turn feed on diatoms and
other simple plants and animals, and thus aid in completing
the cycle from plant to fish. The records of the rocks show
that many of both groups were as prevalent in the ancient seas

1 Lecture, Royal Instit. of Great Britain, Friday, February 1, 1889, p. 10.
* Dr Petersen, of the Danish Zoological Station, has just issued an interest-

ing addition to our knowledge of this subject—from observations in the
Limfjord.

8 MAN’S INFLUENCE ON LOWER FORMS—SPONGES ;

as in the modern. In the warmer areas, again, the water
teems with the minute phosphorescent Woctiluca.

The Cilioflagellates, such as Peridinium and Ceratium,
occur in great abundance throughout the year. In the warmer
months these and the pelagic Infusoria (e.g. Tintinnus) are
especially conspicuous at the surface. Their multiplication
and that of other free and parasitic Infusorians—upon which
many simple forms and even fishes feed—is beyond the sphere
of human influence. :

Amongst the lower invertebrates we meet with a group
which in itself has been the source of a special fishery, viz. the
sponges. From time immemorial the Levant and for a less
period the Bahamas and Florida have furnished large supplies.
Moreover, comparatively little care has been taken to propagate
them by artificial means, and yet so nicely do all the surround-
ings fit them to continue the race that, after all these years, no
sign of extinction is apparent. The fragments left on the
rocks or stones as well as the pelagic larvee which represent
them in the water around have sufficed to fill up the gaps
caused by the sponge-fishermen.

The non-commercial kinds of sponge, on the other hand,
are free from special pursuit, being only captured by trawls
and hooks to be again returned to the sea. The lacerated
fragments or their contained eggs and larve enable each species
to keep up its numbers in all our seas. Storms, moreover,
toss many on the beach, but neither the one loss nor the other
affects their abundance. Nature persistently carries out her
measures of economy from age to age, and no more conspicuous
example of this exists than the wide-spread disintegration of
limestone rocks and the densest shells by the ceaseless borings
of a sponge (Cliona).

In no group are the resources of the sea in regard to re-
cuperation more prominently exhibited than in the hydroid
zoophytes, jelly-fishes, anemones and corals. The hardihood of
the common freshwater Hydra, so graphically told by Abraham
Trembley, the old naturalist of Geneva, is characteristic of the
majority of the race. The immense profusion of such zoophytes
as Obelva in inshore waters and the rapidity of their growth

ON ZOOPHYTES AND JELLY-FISHES. 9

show the ever ready resources of nature in restoring losses and
spreading useful forms on every suitable site. Though it were
possible in a given area to remove every vestige of such a form
from the sea-bottom, a single summer tide would carry a
sufficiency of little ripe jelly-fishes (Hydromedusce) to repeople
it. ‘The countless swarms of these graceful and beautiful glassy
creatures, which stretch for miles round our shores and far
beyond into the open ocean, is one of the most striking features
in marine life. From the eggs of these swimming jelly-fishes
larve arise which by-and-by settle on rocks, stones, salmon
stake-nets and other zoophytes, indeed, upon everything that
affords a suitable hold, and rapidly grow into the plant-like
original with which the cycle commenced. In their pelagic
condition they are for the most part unaffected by any mode of
fishing, though they are often beached in multitudes by the
tide. Nature herself in another instance ordains an annual
check to growth on the mussels of the Eden, for the dense and
graceful tufts—heavily laden with young mussels—are swept
off in October. But before this happens the spore-sacs of the
-zoophyte (Gonothyrea) have given rise to multitudes of pelagic
young which ere long renew the feathery coating on the mussels.

Some of this group, again, such as Corymorpha, live
immersed in sand, and are difficult to dislodge, even when
specially sought after by trawl, dredge or net. Thus a large
species obtained in considerable numbers on the ground-rope
and trawl of the ‘Medusa’ in 1884 in St Andrews Bay has
never been procured since, notwithstanding various efforts.
Yet the free-swimming jelly-fishes it apparently throws off are
common at certain seasons, showing that the parent-stock still
remains. A rare plant (eg. Asplenvwm septentrionale of
Stenton Crag) can readily be extirpated by the hand of man,
but it is otherwise with the denizens of the sea. It is not
easy, indeed, to check the growth of such marine animals,
amidst which other types lurk and feed, in turn to become
sustenance for the food-fishes, which occasionally, as in the
young cod, browse directly on certain zoophytes. Even the
gigantic whales engulph many of the little jelly-fishes mingled
with other forms on their feeding grounds in the Arctic Ocean.

10 FALLACIES AS TO MAKING OCEAN BARREN.

In this connection the notion which places on the trawl the
onus of removing the food of the fishes by rendering the bottom
“barren” may briefly be alluded to. Where, when, and how this
barrenness has been found is not stated, but its results are said
to be as disastrous to the fishes as the destruction of the grass
in an enemy’s country would be to the flocks and herds. Such
writers appear to be unaware of the vast abundance and
variety of pelagic beings—from fishes to plants—which own
relationship neither to the bottom nor to the locality, but are
swept hither and thither to nourish, with cosmopolitan lber-
ality, the fishes of our own and the neighbouring shores. They
have overlooked the wealth of life in the sand and mud, which
no trawl can seriously disturb. No barren area of this nature
in the open sea is known to us, and a consideration of the
forces of nature in the sea would show that its barrenness if not
wholly hypothetical would be short-lived. A trawl that would
simultaneously remove the contents of the water from surface
to bottom, sweep the loose forms on the latter as well as those
deeply immersed in it——has yet to be invented.

To return from this digression, we observe in other mem-
bers of the sub-kingdom the same remarkable recuperation and
persistence. Though along a limited line of beach the larger
anemones, a valued bait for cod, may be removed by the
fishermen almost entirely from the tidal rocks, yet the same
species flourishes in the neighbouring and deeper waters, and
sooner or later the blanks are obliterated. The other large
forms in deep water are in no danger, and even crushing under
foot on the deck of a ship does not always destroy them, for
each piece becomes an independent animal. It is stated that
in one of the West Indian Islands a proprietor, wishing to
extirpate a colony of gorgeous anemones’ which attracted

1 By the kindness of Mr J. EH. Duerden, Curator of the Museum of the
Institute of Jamaica, I am able to identify this form with Condylactis passiflora,
Duch. and Mich., a gorgeously coloured anemone. Its column, incapable of
retraction, is bright scarlet or orange, either diffuse or in granulations, while
distally it is brownish red. The long adhesive and somewhat thick tentacles,
which wave gracefully, are also incapable of complete retraction, and are dark
brown with minute white granulations, while the tips are bright purple or
greenish-yellow, or in partial collapse rich iridescent green.

INFLUENCE ON ANEMONES AND CORALS. 11

visitors and so affected the amenity of his grounds, had the
holes in the rocks from which they protruded bored by an
auger, yet by-and-by recuperation followed, and they expanded
their beautiful discs as before.

The anemones which dwell in sand, such as Peachia and
Edwardsia, though occasionally extending in the Channel
Islands to the tidal regions, are as a rule beyond the reach of
man. Yet the cod pursues the former, it may be after dis-
lodgment by storms, while the stomachs of dabs and flounders
are often distended by the latter. Even were it granted that
every one of these anemones were swept off an area by storms
or by dredges (for trawls do not appear to affect them) nature
is not unprepared, for their minute pelagic young are carried
everywhere by currents, and even occasionally borne as it were
on a graceful carriage by the minute jelly-fishes, to the discs
of which they adhere by their tentacles. They then settle on
a suitable site and repeople an old area or extend the dis-
tribution of the species on a new. Such forms have thus a
double protection—firstly by a life in the sand, and, secondly,
-by a free-swimming larval condition.

The wonderful extension, slow but sure, of coral reefs in
tropical regions is another instance of the vast resources of
nature—in the development of which man is powerless either
to check or modify. The multitudes of free-swimming larva of
such stocks—far above the needs of coral extension—must
form, moreover, an important element in the food-supplies of
the ocean in the neighbourhood, whilst some holothurians
(sea-cucumbers) and fishes (Scarus) feed directly on the coral
itself.

In our own waters the dead men’s fingers (Alcyoniwm) and
sea-pens (Pennatula and Funiculina) maintain their ground
against hook and trawl just as the red coral of commerce does
in the Mediterranean and elsewhere.

The capture of marine products for food or for commerce
has in some cases been carried on for centuries before science
stepped in to ascertain their nature, map out their life-histories,
and indicate the true course for legislative interference. The
fishery for the red or the precious coral of commerce in this

12 MAN’S INFLUENCE ON CORALS,

respect agrees with that for the food-fishes. Both had been
carried on for centuries before they attracted the earnest
attention of the scientific, and both are examples of the
long-continued prevalence of error, and, in the case of fishes,
even culpable. lack of knowledge about a food-supply so
important. Indeed, the application of science to the problem
of the food-fishes is of much more recent date than that to the
coral of commerce, just as if personal adornment, and not
practical utility, were of primary importance in the world!

Contrasted with some oceanic forms the red coral is not
only represented by limited numbers, comparatively slow growth
and moderate powers of increase, but the area of distribution is
circumscribed. Moreover, fixed to rocks, stones, shells and dead
pieces of coral at the bottom of the sea, it could neither escape
the engines of capture, nor, by a pelagic habit, aid in the
spread of its larvee over a wide area. Yet, though hundreds
of boats’ crews (Corallint) annually sweep the ground with
heavy bars of wood weighted with stones and fringed with
hempen tangles, this valuable treasure of the sea has by no
means been extirpated on the very sites where the ancestors of
the modern fishermen followed the same pursuit. The pelagic
larvee—perhaps only escaping as the parent-stock is drawn to
the surface—plant the species on the same or new areas and
defeat man’s efforts to destroy it.

Cydippe swimming downwards after engulphing a larval crab (Zoéa).

ON STARFISHES AND ANNELIDS. 13

The whole sub-kingdom of the Ccelenterates, therefore, 18
conspicuous in the pelagic wealth of the sea in every clime,
and is a vast and never-failing supply of food to many higher
forms, while they (i.e. the Celenterates) in turn occasionally
levy a tax on animals as high in the scale as fishes.

For hundreds of years fishermen of various kinds have
waged a war of extermination against the common cross-fish
or starfish, a form which lives on the bottom, but, like many
other marine animals, has free-swimming larve (bipinnarians
and brachiolarians) which occur in countless swarms during the
warm months. Notwithstanding the constant slaughter by
liners, mussel-, clam- and oyster-fishermen this species does not
seem to be less abundant than it was centuries ago, or within
the memory of the oldest inhabitant. While man’s pursuit is
not stimulated by the value of the starfish in the market or its
use as food, yet the injuries it inflicts on the liner by removing
his bait, or rendering the fishes unsightly when hooked, and its
ravages on oyster-, clam- and mussel-beds suffice to render the
annual destruction by man noteworthy, without taking into
consideration the loss by storms or by other starfishes (Solaster).
Though limited areas in shallow water or the tidal regions may
be more or less freed from their attacks by constant care, yet
taken broadly man has little effect either on their general
increase or diminution. Their enormous numbers on certain
fishing grounds, on which under favourable circumstances they
may be seen closely covering hundreds of square yards of the
bottom, besides spreading into deeper waters where they are
less visible, is sufficient proof that to-day they are no less
numerous than formerly. The old plan of tearing them across
the body before returning them to the water only helped to
increase their numbers, for each portion of the disc was re-
generated and became a complete five-rayed starfish. The
expensive measure of collecting them by hand or by other
means on oyster- and mussel-beds and placing them on land to
dry in the sun is only partially successful, since gulls often
carry them back to sea before life is extinct.

The destructive agencies of man have not affected the other
members of the starfish-group (Echinoderms) to any appreciable

14 MAN’S INFLUENCE ON ANNELIDS AND CRABS.

degree. Thus the Béche de mer (Trepang) fishery of Australia
and the South Sea Islands seems to show no sign of exhaustion
—notwithstanding the eager search for these holothurians as a
favourite article of diet for the Chinese. Doubtless the pelagic
larvae, like those of the brittle-stars and sea-urchins, enable
them to survive. Indeed it would appear that the echinoderms
in which the larve are reptant (and not pelagic) are fewer in
numbers than those provided with free-swimming young. The
group as a whole is important and furnishes food for many
invertebrates, fishes and gulls.

Amongst the annelids there are a few forms which have
been persistently sought from early times by man for bait, e.g.
the lobworm (Arenicola marina). On limited areas of sand or
muddy sand numerous fishermen have almost daily plied their
spades, and while, perhaps, the examples may not be so
abundant as at first, there is, as a rule, no lack of them on
most beaches. The lobworm, indeed, is an instance of a marine
form—placed within easy reach of the instruments of capture—
which has resisted the attacks of man, probably because a
sufficient stock of ripe examples and the very young are
covered at all times by the tide. The Palolo of Samoa and
Tonga, so much esteemed as food by the natives, and captured
in itsseason with the utmost keenness, is still as abundant as in
former generations. This annelid lives amongst the coral reefs
of these islands, becomes pelagic for the sake of discharging its
egos into the surrounding water, and is then captured in great
quantities for food. Man has persistently taken as many of each
species as he could, yet both maintain their abundance.

The enormous numbers of pelagic larval annelids, in suc-
cessive swarms, which throng the sea throughout the greater
part of the year, together with such adults as Tomopteris and
the Chetognath, Sagitta, show in this group alone a great
perennial source of nourishment. The demersal adults are
everywhere a favourite food of fishes, which find them where
man cannot.

In no class is the boundless wealth of the sea in all
latitudes more conspicuous than in the crustaceans or crabs.
It is necessary, however, to consider them in two groups, viz.,

ON CRABS OF VARIOUS KINDS. 15

the smaller and for the most part pelagic forms, which are not
sought by man for food, and the larger, amongst which are the
edible kinds. Every ocean and bay, from the Arctic to the
Antarctic region, teems with minute crustaceans, chiefly
copepods, which at various stages of growth form the food
of the younger fishes. It must not be supposed that their
small size is a barrier to their being preyed on by the most
gigantic inhabitants of the sea, since they form a large pro-
portion of the food of the right whale. In their larval stages
(Nauplii) they are fitted for the needs of the youngest
fishes, such as the cod and the turbot, just after the absorp-
tion of the yolk, and they are important links in the cycle
of marine life culminating in the fishes. Their ranks are
largely augmented by the larval stages of the sea-acorns
(Balant), which swarm in the inshore waters during the
spring months, and afterwards settle in dense multitudes to
form calcareous crusts on rocks, boats, stakes and stones in
the sea. The copepods occur during every month of the
year, and have been found by Dr George Murray and our-
selves to feed on diatoms, so that the links from plant to fishes
receive another illustration. These and the crowds of the
sessile-eyed crustaceans (such as Parathemisto in mid-winter)
provide an inexhaustible supply of food over which human
agency has no influence. Man in a minor way and with great
difficulty may protect his boats and ships, the piles of harbours
and other places of easy access, from the ravages of the
“oribble” (a minute crustacean called Limnoria), but he is
helpless in the case of floating or submerged timber. Nature
almost invariably carries out her own laws, and, as a rule, in
the sea these are beyond man’s influence.

Another group of crustaceans, viz., the Schizopods, are of
importance in most seas, even to a great depth, from their vast
abundance at certain seasons, and from their forming a
favourite food of valuable fishes such as the herring. For
instance in autumn the water near Crail, at the mouth of
the Forth, is occasionally crowded with Thysanoéssa either
alone or accompanied by Boreophausia and Nyctiphanes—all
shrimp-like species of some size, and they may be stranded

16 MAN'S INFLUENCE ON HIGHER CRUSTACEANS,

on the beach in such numbers that it appears to be strewn

with long stripes of chaff. Only in the Channel Islands, as
at Jersey, are the members of this group (Myside) captured
by fine nets in masses by men in boats, to be utilized as
ground-bait in rod-fishing for mullets’.

Besides these swimming (pelagic) forms the higher crusta-
ceans inhabiting the bottom, such as the shrimps, prawns, edible
and shore-crabs, the hermit-crabs and lobsters, continually send
up a series of larvee to join the free-swimming multitudes, and
at a later and larger stage they again pass to the bottom, thus
giving the fishes a double opportunity, the smaller seizing
them on their upward journey and in their pelagic stage,
the older and larger as they descend?. The circulation of
such larval and post-larval crustaceans in the ocean is thus
an important factor in the food of other marine animals.

With regard to the edible crustaceans it cannot be said
that man has yet made a notable reduction on the shrimps and
prawns so largely captured on many of our shores for food.
Where they formerly occurred in great numbers they still
prevail; where they are fewer, and where no diminution has
been caused by man, they remain as before, without any
apparent increase.

It is otherwise with the large slow-growing lobsters and
edible crabs, the numbers of the former, especially im our
own country and on the shores of Canada, having shown
signs of diminution during recent years, from the exertions
made to capture them for food. The lobster in its adult con-
dition is chiefly an inshore form, and thus is easily reached by
the instruments for capture ; while its slowly developing eggs,
attached to the abdomen of the female nearly a year, encounter
many risks, irrespective of the capture of the adult. It is a
species, in short, which readily yields to adverse forces, though
at the same time there is no sign of extinction. Its chief safe-
guard is the pelagic stage of its larva, but as the adults are for
the most part imshore forms, and the free-swimming stage

1 J. Hornell, Jour. Marine Zool. and Micros., 11. 1897, p. 90.
2 Vide Trawling Report, 1884, p. 370.

ON POLYZOA AND SHELL-FISHES, 17

brief, its circumstances are different from those, for instance,
of a fish with pelagic eggs.

In this group, therefore, we see that, while the more minute
and lower forms are beyond the interference of man, certain of
the larger and higher species can be notably diminished. So
far as can be ascertained, however, the species found on the
bottom of the open sea are as abundant as in former ages, and
constitute an important element in the nourishment of the
ground-feeding fishes, such as the cod.

The wealth of oceanic life receives a considerable increment
from the Polyzoa, which are either tufted plant-like forms or
calcareous crusts on stones and sea-weeds. The group, how-
ever, is not a conspicuous one in the pelagic fauna, though the
larvee certainly occur in abundance, and for many months of
the year. The sea-mats (Flustrw) are especially plentiful on
some fishing-grounds, and, besides the larvae which increase the
pelagic life, the arborescent tufts give shelter to other forms on
which fishes feed.

In the offshore as well as the inshore areas, in shallows and
in very great depths, at the surface, in mid-water and on the
bottom, the group of the shell-fishes is everywhere disseminated.
The vast resources of the sea in this respect cannot be over-
estimated. For the present purpose the class may be divided
into two groups, viz., (1) the pelagic, and (2) those frequenting
the bottom.

The pteropods, heteropods, and the pelagic stages of
demersal forms—both univalve and bivalve—are universally
distributed from the Arctic to the Antarctic seas. Thus Clione
and Limacina form conspicuous elements of the pelagic food of
the right whale in the Arctic seas, while the tropical and
sub-tropical pteropods are even more numerous. That these
and their allies are a favourite food of fishes is well known,
though it is less generally understood that even ducks feed on
them in the surface-water. Mixed with the purely pelagic
mollusks are immense numbers of the larval stages (veligers)
of bivalves and univalves, besides sea-slugs and their allies,
and they are found during every month of the year, most
numerously in spring and summer. The neighbourhood of a

M, R. 9

18 MAN’S INFLUENCE ON SHELL-FISHES.

mussel-bed, for instance, has a marked influence on the abund-
ance of the pelagic larval mussels, just as the vicinity of a bed
of oysters or of clams produces similar effects. In fine
weather many of these molluscan larve, rising from the
bottom, sport at the surface, while by-and-by as they get
older they leave the upper regions of the water to descend
either to bore in the sand or other medium or take up their
habitat on the bottom. The fishes thus, as in the case of the
crustaceans, have a double opportunity—first on their rising
and again on their descent. The pelagic mollusks, from their
enormous numbers and wide distribution, would alone support
a great oceanic fauna of predatory animals, and, as they live
on microscopic plants and similar minute food, they likewise
illustrate the close connection between the two kingdoms.
Moreover as food for young fishes they not only give abundance,
but afford the necessary variety in dietary.

For ages man has gathered the sedentary and creeping
shell-fishes, such as mussels, cockles, and whelks, for food and
bait, often without the slightest restriction, as in the case of the
whelk and limpet, yet extinction has not ensued, not even in
the much abused mussel, which has suffered on the one hand
from reckless fishing and on the other from the very varied sup-
positions of fishermen, mussel-merchants, and politicians. Some
years ago an agitation was raised about mussels. Pamphlets and
the newspapers of the day kept attention directed to the urgent
need for mussel-reform in view of the decrease of the supply.
A Committee under Lord Tweedmouth (then Mr Marjoribanks)
was appointed by Parliament to investigate the subject. The
committee made important recommendations, giving the Fishery
Board powers to regulate the various mussel-beds and prevent
waste. Very little change, however, has ensued in regard to the
distribution or increase of the mussel, and it may be supposed
that the agitation in some cases was not disinterested. At any
rate, the supply of mussels at this moment is sufficient. The
most elementary administration and the bed-system enable this
species to maintain its ground. That a populous centre should
send companies of cockle-gatherers almost daily to a sandy
flat and this for hundreds of years—without exhausting the

ON SHELL-FISHES AND CUTTLEFISHES. 19

supply—is evidence that the ways of nature are full of purpose
though they may not always be understood.

Man’s influence over the preceding mollusks is limited to
the inshore, and especially the tidal mussel, cockle, clam, and
oyster-beds, to the periwinkle, limpet, and ear-shell between
tide-marks, and there it ceases. Even were he to destroy every
mussel, cockle, clam, and oyster-bed within his reach, the gaps
would be filled up by forms (including those mentioned) beyond
his power, and the wealth of molluscan life maintained to
succeeding generations. The operations of nature elsewhere
are on too vast a scale for his interference. By a single storm
she teaches him the inefficiency of dredge, trawl and net, and
strews the beach with myriads of shell-fishes of every size, few
or none of which are ever disturbed by his operations,Xand
which prove a valuable harvest of bait to the fishermen, and
_ perhaps bring many a predatory food-fish inshore in search of
the easily captured spoil. More powerful than the “gribble,”
the boring shell-fishes (Xylophaga and Teredo) tunnel their
way in submerged timber of all kinds and rapidly disintegrate
the masses of wood borne to the sea by great rivers. Man can
neither arrest their ravages in unprotected wood throughout
the ocean, nor utilize their labours as he desires.

From early times, again, cuttlefishes have been used as food
by man, and still more extensively by the larger fishes, such as
the bonito, as well as by the whales. No delicacy was valued
more highly amongst the ancients on the eastern shores of the
Mediterranean than these mollusks. In modern times they
have been eagerly sought for bait and so highly prized that as
many as possible are captured for this purpose, both on our
own and other shores. Some whales, such as the Sperm-whale
(Fig. p. 20), live to a large extent on them, so that when this
Species was more common than it 1s now the annual consump-
tion must have been great’. The majority of the cuttlefishes
are, however, pelagic in their adult state, and the young of

1 It has happened that a sum of £5 or even £10 has been given for a single
box of cuttlefishes as bait. The cost of a year’s consumption in the case of this
whale must be enormous.

2—2

20 MAN’S INFLUENCE ON CUTTLEFISHES,

almost all are so, and thus they have the protection of a vast
area, besides the provision of the inky secretion.

n, nasal passage; b, nostril or blow-hole.

Outline and skeleton of Sperm-whale, which lives largely on cuttlefishes; s, region of spermaceti ;

OK RT I AATONO) iG |
Lael ey v3

ON ASCIDIANS AND FOOD-FISHES. ZT

It would appear, therefore, that for ages the inhabitants of
the sea have largely used the cuttlefishes as food, and to some
extent man, both as food and bait, yet these active and
generally pelagic forms have not been extirpated. The com-
mon species seem to be as abundant as formerly, though their
appearance is at all times uncertain. They occur, like so many
oceanic forms, suddenly in great numbers on certain grounds,
destroying the fishes on the hooks and boldly rising to the
surface after their prey as it is drawn up by the fishermen.
They also occasionally seriously interfere with the success of
the herring fishing (as in 1897) by appearing in great numbers
—to the injury of both fishes and nets. In the deeper
waters of the Pacific as well as in the other great seas they are
abundant, notwithstanding the constant warfare of whales and
fishes. This is probably due, as already indicated, as much to
the vastness of the area of their distribution, the depths which
they frequent, and the provision of the inky cloud, as to the
protection of the eggs in tough capsules, by a shell or by
enveloping mucus, and the pelagic young. A few, again, have
Hoating eggs, and thus the means for their increase are both
varied and extensive as well as beyond the influence of man.

The group of the Urochordates offers few points for remark
—except that there is no sign of exhaustion in the common
forms within tide-marks and beyond it. The enormous num-
bers of the pelagic appendicularians and their gelatinous houses
is one of the features of the ocean, which in certain places is
discoloured by them. Moreover, they feed on microscopic
plants, while the smaller fishes and other forms prey on them.
The cycle between oceanic plants and fishes has therefore more
than one illustration. In this and allied groups the larval form
is often more conspicuous than the adult, thus the larva of
Phoronis abounds in St Andrews Bay from July to September,
yet the adult has never been found within it.

We now come to the consideration of by far the most im-
portant group in relation to man, viz., the food-fishes of the sea.
These comprise the ordinary round fishes, such as the cod and
the herring, the various kinds of flat fishes, the skate (belonging
to the cartilaginous fishes), and a few others. For ages these

22 MAN’S INFLUENCE ON FOOD-FISHES.

have been eagerly followed by generation after generation of
men belonging to every nation bordering on the sea. Yet
after all these thousands of years can it be said that there are
evident signs of the extinction of any modern marine fish ?

It has been shown how easy it is to affect the numbers of
the larger land-animals, the oceanic mammals and fresh-water
fishes, by extensive and long-continued attacks. The problem
of the marine food-fishes, however, is less easily solved. The
majority of these produce a vast number of minute pelagic
egos, and thus even before the larve are born the species 1s
disseminated throughout a great area, it may be, so far as
fishing is concerned, of untouched ocean’. There is no definite
limit, for instance, on either side of the Atlantic beyond which
we can say this or that fish does not go. On the contrary, a
vast reserve of water more or less unfished by man is always
present in the larger seas, and as these are but parts of one
great whole which covers three-fourths of the earth’s surface,
the extermination of any form by man is rendered difficult,—
nearly as difficult as if nature had provided insects with aérial
eggs, and man had endeavoured to annihilate them.

At first sight 1t seems almost incredible that such species as
the cod, haddock, whiting, plaice, and sole could withstand the
vast annual drain caused by the operations of the fishermen of
various nations. Yet at this moment all these species in the
open seas present as wide a distribution, and, in some, as little
diminution in numbers as if the constant persecution of man
had not been. Nor must we confine our attention to the
ravages of man alone. Whales, seals, sea-birds?, sharks, dog-
fishes, skate, their own and other species of bony fishes, and in
their young stages many invertebrates, continually prey on
them and have preyed on them for ages. } The yearly consump-
tion by the foregoing diverse forms represents an enormous
sacrifice of the food-fishes. These and other natural checks
are beyond the influence of man, and probably at no period
were less powerful than they are now. Man’s interference is

1 Sir J. Murray thinks cooling of the surface destroyed forms having pelagic
larve, but his grounds are open to doubt.
2 H.g. penguins, gannets, cormorants, guillemots, puffins, gulls, terns, &c.

ON FOOD-FISHES. 23

chiefly confined to a belt within a reasonable distance of land,
and to which a constant immigration—active or passive—takes
place from more distant waters. It is true that the larger
examples of the common species of food-fishes become fewer by
persistent fishing, but it cannot be said that, in the case of
either round or flat fishes in the majority of the areas, signs of
extinction are apparent. ‘The resources of nature, as in most
of the invertebrates, would appear to be sufficient for recupera-
tion. The round fishes are a wandering race, moving hither
and thither in search of food or for other reasons, and thus
their abundance or scarcity, as tested by hook, net, and
trawl, is subject to remarkable variations of greater or less
duration. The flat fishes, again, by their submersion in the
sand, by their activity and by their nomad life in the earlier
stages have considerable aids in their preservation. It is
probable, however, that it is mainly to the vast number of eggs
produced by each species, to their transparency and pelagic
nature, and to the existence of boundless reserve-margins of
the sea that the food-fishes have been enabled to resist extine-
tion by natural agencies and by the various methods of fishing
suggested by the ingenuity of man’. Yet the hordes of dog-
fishes and the abundance of skate are kept up by forms which
have a very few large eggs of slow development, protected
either in the body of the parent or in a tough horny capsule.
The young fish enters life, therefore, at an advanced stage, and
escapes the dangers of minute size and great delicacy.

On the other hand, the vast numbers of the herrings spring
from eggs fixed in masses to various structures on the bottom.
That the young stages of the cod should seek the tidal margins
of the rocks, whereas the young stages of the haddock should
keep to deep water, and that the habit in each case should
conduce to the prevalence of the species, is another instance
of the marvellous prescience of nature.

Even if, in the waters within a reasonable distance of land,
fishing were carried to such a degree that it would be no
longer profitable to pursue it, it is possible that the adjoining

1 Enforced close-times, by storms, and in certain parts by ice have also to be
considered.

24, MAN’S INFLUENCE ON FOOD-FISHES.

areas and the wonderful powers of increase of the few fishes
remaining would by-and-by people the waters as before, because
everything in the sea around, including the plenitude of food,
so nicely fitted for every stage of growth, would conduce to
this end. To those who are annually familiar with square
miles of sea (unknown as a spawning-ground) carpeted with
myriads of tiny young herrings like fragments of thread, the
not uncommon cry of “ruin of the fisheries” seems to need
qualification. When, further, in areas supposed to be exhausted,

Sand-eel, a favourite food of fishes both in its adult and
young states.

many adult food-fishes are found, whilst the water teems with
myriads of pelagic sand-eels’, flat fishes and other forms, the
same necessity for caution holds.

In this group, therefore, as in the majority of the inverte-
brates, it is apparently beyond man’s control either to reduce
to vanishing point or greatly to increase the yield of the open
sea. The larger forms of such species as the halibut, for
instance, may be thinned by constant attacks, but the race
continues as before with a resilience and pertinacity none the
less sure that they are often doubted and may even be denied.
It is a satisfactory proof of the powers of recuperation inherent
in the ocean that for ages the British seas, for example, have
withstood the almost daily tax of fishermen from both sides of

1 The richest food of almost all fishes.

ON FOOD-FISHES. 25

the Channel, and the incursions of the eastern boats on
the west, in addition to the local population. The wonder,
perhaps, is lessened when we consider that for five or six
hundred years at least the limited area of the estuary of the
Thames has been persistently fished for shrimps by man, and
that his nets have simultaneously killed the young soles, plaice
and dabs throughout this long period without, up to this date,
affecting in any marked manner the prevalence of either
crustaceans or fishes. The independence of nature in the sea
and man’s helplessness are further shown in connection with
the swarms of dog-fishes that occasionally occur in the north-
west and in the south, and which ruin his captured fishes and
nets.

Step by step we have thus briefly passed under review the
whole series—from minute floating plants and invertebrates to
fishes, and find that they constitute a complex cycle, linked
together in intricate bonds, indissoluble by any agency man
can devise. Hven in the most insignificant group, the opera-
tions of nature are on a scale which forbids the possibility of
human intervention. Only in certain species exposed by the
tide or which frequent shallow water and are easily operated on
by man’s agency, or are under special conditions in deep water,
has the etfect been evident. All the rest on a free sea-board
appear to resist attempts to reduce to vanishing point or to
increase, some becoming for the moment rare or altogether
absent, and, just as their doom has been pronounced, reappear-
ing in countless multitudes on the same sites.

The survey of the sea and its inhabitants, therefore, in the
main affords no grounds for pessimistic views, but, on the
contrary, conduces to reliance on the resources of nature (by
which we mean Divine Providence) in this vast area. Genera-
tions of men may weave their theories and propound their
generalizations, but century after century the oceanic plants
and animals maintain their abundance and demonstrate their
independence of all artificial regulations. On our shores it
may be wise or it may be politic to make such regulations, yet,
speaking generally, they seem to have but a feeble effect on the
great laws of nature, and especially on the wonderful cycle of

26 MAN’S INFLUENCE ON FOOD-FISHES.

life culminating in the food-fishes. The story of these restric-
tive measures hereafter to be detailed, indeed, shows that they
must now be retained on another basis than that afforded by
science. We may calculate, as the Duke of Argyll’s Commis-
sion did, the probable duration of our coal-supply, but the
perennial abundance of our marine food-fishes depends on so
many factors, each of which has stood every test so well, that,
after due precautions and careful experiments, we may, with-
out distrust, look forward to the future.

End-view of a vessel with otter-trawls on board. Aberdeen, August, 1898.

To face p. 26}

a A

CHAPTER IL.

Remarks on the Scientific Report to the Royal Commission on Trawling
(1884) :—
(a) Effect of Trawling on the Invertebrate Fauna of the Sea-bottom
(forming Fish-food) and Collateral Relations with Pelagic Life.
(b) Effects of the Hooks of the Liners on the same Ground.
(c) Hffects of the Trawl on the Eggs of Fishes, on certain Ground-
Fishes, and Very Young Fishes on the Bottom.
The Recommendations of the Royal Commission on Trawling (1883-85),
and the method adopted by the Fishery Board for Scotland in carrying them out.
Closure of Areas. :
Changes in the Trawling-vessels and their Apparatus.
Changes in the Line-boats and their Apparatus.
The present state of the Line- and the Trawl-Fisheries in relation to the
Fishing grounds and the Fishes.

REMARKS ON THE AUTHOR'S TRAWLING REPORT OF 1884.

I. General Remarks.

FULLY fifteen years having elapsed since the Report on
Trawling on the eastern shores was presented to the Trawling
Commission (composed of the late Earl of Dalhousie, chairman ;
Right Hon. Edward Marjoribanks, M.P., now Lord Tweedmouth ;
Prof. Huxley’; Mr W.S. Caine, M.P.; and Mr, now Sir T. F.
Brady), it appears to be desirable to review the statements
contained therein in the light of the information which the
impetus given by the Commission has produced. Moreover,

1 Tt has been alleged that Prof. Huxley’s health prevented him from
sharing in the responsibility for the conclusions and recommendations of the
Report of the Commission. Cunningham, Marketable Fishes, p. 15. He
at least read the scientific Report and expressed his approval of it.

28 REVIEW OF TRAWLING REPORT OF 1884.

this examination of results is all the more necessary, since in
1893 another important body—viz., the Select Committee of the
House of Commons on Fisheries, presided over by Mr Marjori-
banks, M.P.—issued a new Blue-book containing the finding
of the Committee and a mass of evidence.

In criticising this Report on Trawling it is necessary to bear
in mind that certain definite instructions were given by the
Commission in regard to the hauls of the trawl. These fall
under Section 6, and are as follow :—‘ The results of each haul
of the trawl, so far as regards food-fishes, should be carefully
registered, in order that positive data may be obtained:

‘(a) As to the proportional quantity of immature fishes
taken at various seasons.

‘(b) As to the destruction of the spawn of food-fishes.

‘(c) As to the proportion of live and dead fishes.’

It is important to remember, also, that the choice of ground
lay with the trawler in almost every case, and that the most
productive ground, so far as could be ascertained, would in all
probability be selected.

In the Report of 1884 the fishes were grouped into ‘saleable,’
‘unsaleable,’ and ‘young,’ the latter term being synonymous
with that now in general use, viz. ‘immature ’—a term, indeed,
which was introduced prominently in this Report with precisely
the modern meaning. These three heads are well understood,
and need cause no ambiguity, since even the fishing community
are quite able to understand them—a size-limit, of course, in
every case having been considered. To the Royal Commis-
sioners the fact that a young or immature dab was under
7 inches was not of great utility, but the number of such young
forms was of the utmost importance in view of the statements
then prevalent. Due care was taken to see personally that
every example was authenticated, and if any weight is to be
attached to the statement that the ‘great defect of the Report’
is that no information whatever is given as to the limit of size

1 Prof. Ray Lankester, Sea Fisheries, Chicago Exhibition, 1893, p. 64. The
communication, which appears under Prof. Ray Lankester’s name in this
publication, is inserted in the Marketable Fishes by Mr Cunningham as his
own.

REVIEW OF TRAWLING REPORT OF 1884. 29

dividing the saleable fish from the immature,’ there will be little
difficulty in remedying it. Besides, it was not the scientific
observer who regulated the sizes of the saleable fishes, but
fishermen engaged in an industrial pursuit, and who had to
bear in mind the demands of the public. Moreover, a fish of a
size that was saleable at St Andrews might not be so at
Aberdeen, and vice versa, though, as a rule, the variation under
this head was not great. According to the state of the market,
again, fishes—e.g., gurnards—that were saleable at one season
were unsaleable at another. As pointed out in the Report,
‘It is remarkable that so good a fish should be hable to
variation in this respect, and that it should not always be taken
to market, even during the height of the herring-season. Frog-
fishes even occasionally found a ready sale in the great central
towns of England after the head, skin, and fins were removed ;
and in the Outer Hebrides dog-fishes formed, and still form, an
important item in the crofters’ diet-roll, the piles of skins in
front of their dwellings being characteristic.

The supposition that because a standard of size is not rigidly
in evidence on every occasion, the conclusions will be more
or less fallacious, cannot be maintained when dealing with the
question of the food-supply. The public do not care whether a
fish is mature or immature in the scientific sense of the words,
but they are greatly concerned as to whether a fish is saleable
or unsaleable. Therefore, after the lapse of a considerable num-
ber of years, the author sees no reason to alter the views held
during the experiments for the Royal Commission on Trawling,
and which have been adopted in dealing with the statistics of
the Scotch Fishery Board in the present work. It is true the
distinction between the two groups rests on a size-limit, and is
by no means a haphazard convenience’; but it is unnecessary
to dilate on the special features as to maturity or immaturity
in an inquiry like the present—however important these may
be in other respects. What has to be done is to discriminate
between those which are marketable and those which are not.
Besides, some writers seem to forget what was clearly stated
more than once in the Trawling Report, viz. that the commercial

' Rept. S. F. B., 1894, p. 166, and present work, pp. 30, 31.

30 REVIEW OF TRAWLING REPORT OF 1884.

ships avoided localities where small fishes abounded, whereas
the ‘Garland’ and similar ships did not. They would not dip
a second net where these formed the bulk of the haul.

The trawling observations had to do with things as they
were and are in the race for marketable fishes, and the exact
numbers in each case are reliable.

The statements in the official Report of the Scotch Fishery
Board’ therefore, in regard to the alleged capture of immature
fishes by the trawl, may with perfect justice be affirmed of other
methods of fishing. For instance, how many mature plaice are
caught by the liners in St Andrews Bay? As a rule not one.
All are immature, yet the majority are saleable—even to the
high sum of 26s. or more per half box of 6 stones. The experi-
ments carried on with hook and line on board the ‘Garland’’ can
scarcely be taken as average examples. Experience in line-
fishing, as it 1s, proves that young round fishes of all kinds will
be captured if the lines are shot amongst them, and perhaps of
a smaller size than those caught by the commercial trawl. How
often has it happened that the less enterprising liners fishing
inshore have filled their boxes only with young haddocks of 5 to
7 inches proceeding inwards from deep water, while their more
adventurous neighbours had quite as many boxes of large
haddocks from the offshore. It has happened indeed that this
capture of the small haddocks day after day has roused the ire
of the offshore fishermen, who made a law for themselves,
boarded the offenders’ boats and flung their small haddocks
into the sea, just as in more recent times they did with their
neighbours’ fishes when they defied the trades-union arrange-
ment, and purchased mussels at a higher rate than was con-
sidered reasonable, so as to continue their calling. Very small
fishes (e.g. of 4 inches) are captured everywhere, that is on the
grounds where they occur, by the ordinary methods of fishing.

To take the fishes in the order in which they are mentioned
in the Trawling Report, the following sizes formed the lower
limit of the saleable fishes :—Skate (including grey, thornback,
starry, sandy, &c.), 10-12 im. across the pectorals; herring, 7-8

1 8th Ann. Report, Part 111., p. 185.
2 Ibid. p. 189,

REVIEW OF TRAWLING REPORT OF 1884. 31

in., but those obtained were all much larger; codling (young
cod), 8-10 in., but no example so small occurred in the series ;
haddock, 8-9 in., when so small their price is insignificant—
about 1s. per box; whiting, 8-9 in.; poor-cod, 7 in.; bib, 6-7
—in.; coal-fish, 1 ft.; hake, 1 ft., though seldom seen below 15 in.;
ling, 15-20 in.; halibut, 13 in.; sail-fluke, 8 in.; craig-fluke
(witch), 7 in.; long-rough dab, 7 in.; turbot, 6—7 in.; brill, 7-8
me plaice, ¢ in.; dab, 7 in.; lemon-dab, 7 in.; sole, 7 in.;
flounder, 7 in., rarely sold; grey gurnard, 9 in.; bream, 9-10
in.; cat-fish or wolf-fish, 15 in., though all those obtained were
large. By the term ‘saleable, of course, saleable in the food-
market is meant, since much smaller examples of every species
might be utilised for manure, either as landed or after prepara-
tion in a factory.

In regard to the unsaleable round fishes, the remarks of the
Commissioners of 1866 were :—‘ It has never been alleged that
ling, cod, and conger, in which the line fishermen are so largely
interested, or mackerel, pilchards, or herrings, upon which the
seine- and drift-fishermen depend, are caught by the trawl in
an immature and uneatable condition.’ ‘Whiting and haddocks
of small size, thought marketable, are taken by the trawl; but
fish of similar dimensions are also captured by the liners, against
whom, indeed, the charge of taking immature cod has especially
been brought.’

In the Report of 1884 it was stated that ‘a considerable
number of young cod were present in most of the good hauls,
but all were saleable fishes. Quite as many immature cod
(codling) were caught by the liners in the same waters; and
off the Bell Rock, perhaps, the proportion is even greater.’
The same state of matters exists at this moment. On the
other hand, the number of very small haddocks caught by the
liners, ¢.g., in 1898, off the east coast of Scotland, far exceeded
anything of the kind captured by trawlers. The one mode of
fishing was as destructive to these immature forms as the other.
The small fishes swarmed on the ground, and were caught in
every haul of the liners just as they were swept into the trawl,
but many of the smaller forms escaped from the latter through
the meshes while they were held fast by the hooks, and so

ay REVIEW OF TRAWLING REPORT OF 1884.

injured that, although they had been returned to the water, it
is doubtful if they would have survived.

The remarks made then (1884) on the capture of very young
cod and very young haddocks, therefore, remain suitable for
to-day, and at this moment (Oct. 6, 1898) numerous boxes of
young cod about 10 inches in length come from the lines on
the hard ground near Crail; and the same may be said of
those on whiting, ling, hake, gurnards, coal-fishes, pollack, bib,
and poor-cod.

In the Trawling Report it was stated that large cod and
other adult fishes were now seldom caught within the limits
of the Bay of St Andrews, and this was in accordance with
the evidence then obtainable. The use of anemones as bait,
together with the closure of the bay, shows that as many as
sixty or eighty good cod are occasionally caught by a single
boat, the lines being buoyed and left in the water all night.
Some fine congers, which do not appear in the Fishery returns,
are also occasionally obtained off the east rocks. Moreover,
excellent haddocks are procured in the same area early in
the year, and for two years (1893 and 1894) small haddocks
abounded. Large green cod also occasionally leap out of the
water in pursuit of their prey, and are captured on the beach,
while a few pollack are got in the salmon-stake nets or on
hooks. It would thus appear that further experience leads to
a modification of the statement mn the Trawling Report. The
increase in numbers captured has been due less to the closure
and absence of molestation than to the fixed and extensive
lines and special bait.

The closure of the mshore waters—eg., St Andrews Bay—
must have conduced to the prosperity of the turbot and the
brill of that neighbourhood, most of the turbot (ranging from
9-11 inches) which formerly were captured by the trawlers
(sailing- and steam-) now being unmolested, and reaching the
outer waters when of some size. ‘The salmon stake-nets, how-
ever, on sandy beaches still prove destructive to many turbot
from 5} inches upwards. These small examples of this valuable
fish are only used as bait for crab-pots. It is true the trawlers
sweep the outer waters into which the young turbot and brill

REVIEW OF TRAWLING REPORT OF 1884. 39

pass, but the area is wider, and the size of those captured
considerably larger.

No fish formed the subject of greater solicitude in the
Trawling Report than the plaice, both from its wide distribu-
tion and its great abundance, as well as from the supposed view
that this was a form specially destroyed by the trawl, which
had cleared out of St Andrews Bay, for example, all the
full-grown adults, and left only the smaller forms. It is
apparent, therefore, that during the past twelve years such
inshore waters have had sufficient time for recuperation—at
least to some extent—if these views can be maintained. The
results of the trawling-work of the ‘Garland’ up to 1892 have
already been dealt with in this connection’, so that other
observations, and the statistics of fishes captured by the liners
in this area, have only to be considered. Without at present
going into detail, it is found that comparatively few full-grown
plaice are captured in the enclosed waters of St Andrews Bay.
Most of the large specimens that have occurred have been
either diseased—e.g., blind or emaciated—or injured. An
enormous number of immature or half-grown plaice, however,
are reared in the area, and are captured by the liners, chiefly
with lob-worm, their lines being buoyed and left in the water
for such periods as they please, relays of lines being often used.
The success with which the local fishermen ply their trade in
early spring amongst the plaice is indicated by the fact that a
single haul of the lines of a small fishing-boat in February 1894
produced a sum of £9, and that a larger ‘catch’ was procured
by the same boat within the week. The closure of the inshore
waters, therefore, while it places the trawl-fishermen at a
disadvantage, benefits the line-fishermen, and does not deprive
the public altogether of the supply of flat fishes from the
enclosed area. It does not, however, produce many large
flat fishes, for as these get older they appear to seek the deeper
waters outside the limit, either from a natural habit, or as the
result of constant interference by man. This habit, indeed,
was noticed in the Report when dealing with the question of
instituting the closure within the three-mile limit, thus :—

1 «4 Brief Sketch of the Scottish Fisheries,’ 1882—1892, p. 6.
M. R, 3

34 REVIEW OF TRAWLING REPORT OF 1884.

‘The flat fishes, such as turbot, brill, plaice, soles, dabs, and
thornback (skate) would certainly be left in comparative se-
curity m certain bays, as at St Andrews, the larger only,
perhaps, seeking the grounds in the offing.” These larger
flat-fishes, many of which are mature (that is, spawning) are
captured outside the three-mile limit in great numbers, and
thus the supply of ova and young fishes for the inshore waters
is affected, for, as previously pointed out, the latter waters
depend to a large extent on the former in this respect. Few
or no spawning plaice (none within our experience) are ever
captured within the bay, though eggs and young in various
stages are abundant. It is stated, however, that adult ripe
plaice were formerly procured by hook and line off the rocky
shore towards the mouth of the bay between Boarhills and
Fife-Ness, on hard ground on which no trawl could work. The
adult spawning plaice in greater numbers occur in the offshore
waters, and, so far as known, there is no passage of these from
the outer to the inner area for the purpose of discharging their
egges—as was formerly believed in regard to many fishes. If it
had been for the advantage of the eggs and larval plaice that
the adults should only spawn close inshore in the shallow
water, there is no reason to doubt that such would have been
the arrangement. It is apparent, however, that it is otherwise.
Before reaching the shallow water of the bays the scattered ova
have advanced towards hatching or have hatched, the majority
probably in the latter condition, the open water being perhaps
better suited for their safety. The yolk-sac of the larval fish is
soon absorbed, the symmetrical post-larval condition is reached,
by-and-by transformation occurs, and the little fish takes to the
bottom, swarms being found in the muddy rock-pools towards
the end of April and beginning of May. The life-history of
this species would seem to show that—in dealing artificially
with the eggs and larvee—the most natural method is to place
the larval fishes, just before the yolk-sac is absorbed, some
distance from shore. They are more or less transparent, and
will escape many of the dangers they run in such waters, and,
before being carried close inshore, will either be transformed or
about to be transformed, and more capable of escaping, by their

REVIEW OF TRAWLING REPORT OF 1884. 35

own exertions, from their enemies. If the larvee are placed in
the sea close to a rocky beach or stretch of tidal sand or gravel,
it is possible that many would be stranded by the tide.
Therefore, though the observation that the young plaice (with
eyes now on the right side) abound in spring in the shallow
rock-pools and elsewhere is perfectly correct, it 1s no argument
for placing the larval fishes in their neighbourhood, when in a
truly pelagic condition. In the same way the spawning ling
are found far from the inshore waters, their minute eggs being
hatched in the open ocean, and the young stages passed long
before reaching the margin of low water. The ling has not,
indeed, been found in inshore waters till it reaches about
3 inches (34) in length, and then in very limited numbers. It
is more frequently secured when from 6 to 8 inches in length—
at extreme low water at the margins of the rocks. As it gets
larger it seeks the offshore, and thus, as in the plaice, there is a
double migration—the wafting of the eggs, larval and young
fishes shorewards, and the return of the adolescent and the
larger forms seawards. A similar life-history appears to be
present in many of the food-fishes—e.g., the turbot, brill, and
halibut, though in the case of the dab, long-rough dab, and
some others, there are marked exceptions, as pointed out in the
Trawling Report. Thus, ‘the large proportion of immature
dabs found 15 miles off St Abb’s Head is interesting, and
shows that such are not confined to shallow bays like that of
St Andrews. Moreover, the occurrence of relatively small
specimens at this and even greater distances from land would
raise a doubt as to whether all such young forms have been
reared on a sandy beach inshore?’ Since the foregoing was
written, opportunities, by aid of the ‘Garland, for using the
special trawl-like tow-net and the mid-water net near and at
the bottom on the grounds 15 to 20 miles south-east of the
Island of May, have been afforded, and great numbers of larval,
post-larval, and young dabs, long-rough dabs, and other forms
have been obtained, thus confirming the opinion formerly
expressed. Moreover, the trawling work of the ‘Garland’ on
its various stations from the Moray Firth to the Forth bears out
1 Report Roy. Com. on Trawling, p. 361.

3—2

36 EFFECT OF TRAWLING ON INVERTEBRATES.

the same conclusion. Again, the deeper water is the home of
the post-larval frog-fish, even the pelagic eggs being rather
uncommon near shore. The adolescent and adults, on the
other hand, are frequent in shallow sandy bays like St Andrews.

It is apparent, from certain remarks in the preceding
paragraph, that it is a mistake to say that the trawl alone can
capture flat fishes. If the bait be suitable, the lines are toler-
ably effective in regard to plaice, lemon-dabs, dabs, and
flounders. Again, halibut-fishing (by hook) is the most pro-
ductive method off the coasts of Iceland, Farée, and elsewhere,
and even the turbot and the sole are occasionally caught by the
liners.

a. LEffect of Trawling on the Invertebrate Fauna of the Sea-
bottom (forming Fish-food), and Collateral Relations with
Pelagic Life.

The value of the bottom-fauna, in regard to the sustenance
of the food-fishes, has been fully recognised by all zoologists.
In the Trawling Report for 1884 it was stated’, ‘There
cannot be a doubt about the importance of maintaining the
invertebrate fauna of these parts (Forth) in a flourishing condi-
tion, since upon this many of the food-fishes depend for much
of their nourishment; indeed, both adult and young fishes
could hardly exist without such, notwithstanding the abundance
of herring and other pelagic food at some seasons?.’

In considering the effect of the trawl on the sea-bottom, it
must be borne in mind that while many sponges, zoophytes, -
star-fishes, crabs, and shell-fishes are, in their adult state,
inhabitants of the bottom, their larve and young are pelagic,
that is, free-swimming, and quite beyond the reach of injury,
so that were the majority of their parents killed and the sea-
bottom rendered barren’ (of which, apparently, there is an

1 «A Brief Sketch of the Scottish Fisheries,’’ 1882—1892, p. 6.

20); Clie, ho BK

3 Vide an interesting Essay on this subject by Mr Anderson Smith, Trans.
Highland and Agricultural Society, 1890, p. 45.

EFFECT OF TRAWLING ON INVERTEBRATES. 37

absence of proof), swarms of the young would settle on the
sites thus bereft of their predecessors. This interchange
between the surrounding water and the bottom was pointed
out in the Trawling Report, thus:—‘The sedentary fauna of
any such ground ’—referring to fishing-banks— brought up in
the trawl, does not, however, give the whole explanation, for it
has to be remembered that almost throughout the entire year
a constant succession of eggs or young forms is given off by
the inhabitants’ (on the bottom), ‘while there is another and
less minute increment derived from the older forms which are
forsaking pelagic life to settle on the banks!’ It is the vast
abundance of the pelagic fauna (which often has no connection
with the particular ground examined), for instance, that is so
important in regard to the food of the herring.

Again, the forms immersed in the sand are, for the most
part, free from serious injury. This was pointed out, speaking
of certain annelids, in the Trawling Report, as follows :— The
trawl has little or no effect on such as the foregoing, for their
tubes in general are buried in the sand, their lives being passed
in boring through it—for food and for shelter. So difficult is
it to interfere with annelids sunk in the sand that one may
sweep over a sandy surface, in which rare forms lurk, again
and again, without discovering their presence. Even if a
dredge is dipped, perhaps, only a head with its tentacles
will reward the haul. Yet the sand may teem with them
from 5 fathoms shorewards, and every spadeful—at extreme
low water—may produce several. A single storm would appear
to inflict greater destruction on these than it is possible to
do by trawling?’

A careful summary of the effects of the trawl on the sea-
bottom and its fauna was given at the end of the chapter on
the ‘Fauna of the Trawling-Grounds in relation to Food-
Fishes?’ and, with all the experience since gained, it is
doubtful if any change can conscientiously be made. The
only fact of moment to be stated is that it is several years

1 Report, Royal Commission on Trawling, 1885, p. 370.
* Ibid., 1885, p. 368.
e°1bid.,-p. 310.

*

38 EFFECT OF TRAWLING ON SPONGES AND ZOOPHYTES.

since the West Sands at St Andrews have been so extensively
covered with marine organisms in débris, as, for instance, in
the spring of 1857, when the misty air was alive with hooded
crows and gulls that fed on the stranded animals. Smaller
numbers have been seen, but not the vast numbers of sea-mice,
sea-urchins, star-fishes, shell-fishes, zoophytes, crabs, and other
forms.

Besides the evidence (and there is much) of the capture
and injury of the invertebrates in the trawl, and the conse-
quent removal of part of the food of the fishes at the bottom,
it is necessary to show that by constant trawling the sea-bottom
is rendered destitute of nourishment for the food-fishes. Nature
has provided in the case of such forms a remarkable power of
recuperation, and a vitality that renders complete destruction
difficult. Thus, the crushing and division of sponges is not
followed by the death of all the fragments, and each of those
which survives is capable of flourishing as an independent
organism (not to allude to the liberation of ova which may
happen to be present). The ordinary zoophytes are, as a rule,
little affected by being carried on board ship, for, though in
the more delicate, such as Tubularia, the soft polypites may
fall off, they are reproduced when returned to the water. The
very general provision of free-swimming buds which bear the
reproductive elements is also a complete safeguard in the
majority of this group, as already stated. Whence do the
immense multitudes of the zoophyte (Obelia), which coats with
a feathery forest every rope and buoy of the salmon stake-nets,
come? Certainly not from the bottom, but from the myriads
of minute pelagic jelly-fishes. Each half of a bisected anemone
becomes an independent animal. Again, the sand-dwelling
forms, such as Peachia and Edwardsia, the latter occasionally
eaten by flounders and dabs, have pelagic young which are
swept in every direction by the currents, or sometimes are
carried hither and thither attached to the disks of the
swimming jelly-fishes. These forms are, indeed, doubly pro-
tected, since they live in the sand, and are seldom or never
captured by the trawl, while their young are wholly pelagic.
‘The masses of dead men’s fingers (Alcyonium), though

EFFECT ON ECHINODERMS. 39

occasionally crushed, would, for the most part, survive after their
presence on deck’.’ The sea-pen (Pennatula), unless seriously
crushed, readily survives—whether captured by trawl or hook,
and would have no difficulty in again taking up its position on
the bottom. ‘More decided injury is inflicted in many cases
on the members of the star-fish group, which form no incon-
siderable part of the food of the cod, haddock, and flat-fishes.
Their brittle nature can ill withstand the rude trials of the
trawl, and still less the trampling on the deck of the trawler,
when the fishes are packed. All suffer more or less, the
majority seriously; the forms most liable being brittle-stars,
sea-urchins, and heart-urchins’.. Such was the view expressed
in the Trawling Report, and, though less pronounced than
some more recent opinions, it appears to state the case not
unfavourably for the opponents of the trawl. Thus, the see-
cucumbers, or Holothurians, often brought up from the bottom
amidst stones and sea-weeds, are, for the most part, uninjured ;
and, since they can voluntarily eject their entire alimentary
system, and, as the patient and persevering Sir J. G. Dalyell
showed, reproduce it without serious inconvenience in about
three months, they are not likely to suffer from the hands of
the trawler. The cod is a more exacting marauder of the
bottom in regard to the smaller Holothurians, since they are
chiefly found in its stomach, and not in the trawl. The ‘dreg’
of the Zetlandic fisherman, as he searches for ‘ yoags’ (horse-
mussels) for bait, is also a more effective engine for the capture
of the great ‘sea-puddings, as these Holothurians are called.
While the brittle-stars are mutilated, they are by no means in
all cases killed. The disk produces new arms where they have
been broken off, and even an injured disk is repaired. While
many of the sand-stars are entangled in the trawl, the majority
escape by being imbedded in the sand, as can easily be shown
by using a dredge on the same ground over which many a
trawl has passed. The sea-urchins suffer considerably by the
trawl in certain regions, as, for instance, in the outer parts of
the estuary of the Tay, and it is doubtful if many of those
1 Trawling Report, 1884, p. 370.
2 Ibid., 1884, p. 370.

40 EFFECT OF TRAWLING ON ANNELIDS.

injured would survive. On the other hand, many fine examples
frequent the rocky borders where no trawl can touch them.
The delicate heart-urchins are, for the most part, ruined in the
trawl, yet the habitat of many is deeply buried in the sand
beyond the reach of ‘sole’-rope or iron trawl-heads. Then,
again, how many liners, how many mussel-, clam-, and oyster-
farmers, would gladly subsidise the trawler to remove the
swarms of common cross-fishes, whose multitudes form, for
acres, a carpet on the bed of the ocean!

Not a few annelids, such as sea-mice, nereids, ‘ scale-backs,
serpulids, and nemerteans are entangled in the ground-rope
and the net of the trawl, or in old shells and other débris from
the bottom; but the injury to this group, as formerly mentioned,
is not great, for many reach the sea alive amongst the -débris,
and regenerate lost parts or discharge their ova into the sur-
rounding water, or the larve swim from under the scales or
from the sacs. It is an interesting fact in this connection that
certain annelids at the breeding season undergo a change of
form, leave the rocks, cavities under stones, or other places of
shelter, and swim freely in the water (that is, become pelagic),
discharging their reproductive elements when thus en voyage.
It is during these pelagic periods that the huge Alztta wrens
(a worm reaching occasionally about 3 feet, and a valuable bait
for fishes) is thrown by storms in great numbers on the sands,
even before the function for which nature ordained the pelagic
period is performed. In the same way, Mr Thomas Scott, and
Mr Duthie, recently found the inshore water at Castlebay,
Barra, swarming with the sexual forms of a Nereis. An
examination of the stomachs of food-fishes shows that such a
provision as the foregoing is duly taken advantage of by them,
and it is well, since the annelids are destined to perish after
the escape of the reproductive elements. This subject was
specially treated of many years ago’, and in the recent Reports
of the Fishery Board further investigations have been made by
Mr Ramsay Smith”. Some annelids, again, are purely pelagic,

1 Invertebrate Fauna and Fishes of St Andrews, p. 101, et seq., and also
Dr Day in Literature, Fisheries Hxhib. 1883.
2 Vide Annual Report of the Fishery Board for Scotland, 1895.

EFFECT OF TRAWLING ON CRABS. Al

like Alciope and Tomopteris, the latter being one of the most
striking features of the tow-nets, both inshore and offshore,
and frequently in great abundance. Moreover, like the masses
of Sagitta, it is eaten by many food-fishes, and is another
evidence that the question is viewed only from one side, when
all the wealth of the pelagic fauna and flora, especially the
multitudes that are independent of any particular inshore area,
or of any land at all, is overlooked.

In 1884, after a careful and extensive inquiry, the effect of
the trawl on the crab-tribe or crustaceans was given as follows :—
‘Like the star-fishes, the crustaceans are evidently damaged
less by the effects of the trawl than by the feet of the men in
gathering the fishes.’...‘ Many hermit-crabs, sea-acorns (Balanz),
and Galatheew are returned to the sea alive. No injury to soft
crabs was observed, and even so slender a form as the northern
stone-crab, besides others, have been brought on deck in good
condition!. The most prominent form referred to was the
Norway lobster, which occurs in great numbers off the Forth,
and a caution was given that care should be taken to return it
to the sea alive, for it is chiefly injured on deck, in selecting
the fishes. This is a very important element in the diet of
the cod in the neighbourhood, and every measure should be
taken for its preservation. The muscular parts of the abdomen
form excellent food, but they are seldom brought to market.
After hatching, under the abdomen of the female, the young of
this lobster is pelagic, and is often found in masses amongst
jelly-fishes off the Isle of May, forming a rich nourishment for
the smaller fishes. Not a single lobster was observed in the
trawl, and only from the inshore grounds, north of Aberdeen,
were a few edible crabs obtained. The condition of the lobster-
and crab-fisheries near St Andrews, Dunbar and elsewhere has
improved within recent years, but how far this is due to the
security from molestation which the crab-traps now have, and
which has caused an increase in their number, or to other
circumstances, is unknown. Taken generally, however, in
Scotland, and so far as the statistics go, it is seen that there is
a decrease in the quinquennial period 1888-1892 of 107, 840

1° Op. cit., p. 370.

42 EFFECT OF TRAWLING ON CRABS.

lobsters, and 2013 crabs,—from that in 1883-1887. The
decrease, however, seems to be in no way connected with the
trawling industry. An increase both in quantity and value
has since occurred. Trawling élose inshore with a small-
meshed net (naturalists’) often produces large numbers of
swimming crabs, but such is a rare occurrence on board an
ordinary trawler.

While, therefore, in trawling the injury to the crustaceans
inhabiting the bottom is considerable, it has to be borne in
mind that the pelagic crustacean fauna is one of the most
marked features in the ocean, from the north to the south pole,
and some of its members, e.g., barnacles attached to floating
timber, sessile-eyed crustaceans, schizopods, and thysanopods
are large enough to be the food of haddocks and herrings.
Moreover, vast swarms of the smaller copepods nourish the
younger food-fishes, and other types, again, are eaten by the
larger fishes. Near the mouth of the Forth, at certain seasons
(viz., in autumn), the water near the ‘Hairst’ at Crail is almost
thickened by Thysanoessa. The tow-nets, under these cir-
cumstances, soon become filled with their masses. Some, how-
ever, may be disposed to treat the pelagic crustacean food, in
connection with the nourishment of the fishes, with indifference,
deeming such small animals of little moment in contrast with
the more substantial denizens of the bottom. Irrespective of
the circumstance that where they abound other and larger
forms are in their wake, the fact that so gigantic an animal as
the right, or whalebone-whale of commerce, lives solely upon
such pelagic food in the Arctic seas, is sufficient to show how
important an element this floating or swimming fauna is in
regard to the welfare of the fisheries. The larger part of the
masses in the tow-net, kindly used in 1893 by Dr Allan of
Glasgow on board the whaling-ship ‘ Aurora’ of Dundee, con-
sisted of the little crustaceans (copepods) above-mentioned,
and this in the actual food-line of the whale as it swam to and
fro in the water near an ice-pack. In our own waters, in
addition to what is mentioned above, the sea-acorns, which so
extensively cover rocks, stones, shells, and other structures
within tide-mark, as well in deeper water (not to speak of

& a
i
fy
th
* .
one
we
?
j
a
1
a
.
{

To face p. 43)

crab-pots

on St Andrews “slip,” June, 1898.

EFFECT ON ASCIDIANS AND MOLLUSKS. 43°

those adherent to the skins of various whales), send off a
multitude of free-swimming young which often crowd the
inshore water, and extend far beyond before settling down
on every available surface. Many other instances of the pleni-
tude of crustacean pelagic life, and its adaptation for the
nourishment of fishes, might be given, but sufficient has been
cited to show that, besides the crustaceans of the bottom, those
frequenting the water itself must be considered.

The ascidians or ‘sea-squirts’ of the bottom are occasionally
brought up in the trawl attached to shells, stones, and sea-
weeds; and such forms, along with pieces of ‘sea-mat, are not
unfrequent in the stomachs of cod and haddock. They are
usually sent overboard in a condition by no means unfavourable
for existence, though it has to be stated that numerous pieces
of adherent sea-mat are often brought to shore on the ground-
rope and meshes of the trawl from certain areas. The young
ascidians are free-swimming (tadpole-like), and escape inter-
ference till they settle on shells, stones, and sea-weeds. An
interesting species in this group (Oikopleura or Appendicularia)
is pelagic throughout life, and often occurs with its gelatinous
‘houses’ in dense multitudes in our inshore waters. It lives
upon microscopic plants and similar structures in the water,
while the smaller fishes and other forms prey on it.

The last group of the invertebrates liable to injury by the
trawl is that of the shell-fishes and cuttle-fishes (Mollusca).
In 1884 the opinion expressed was that, ‘amongst the mollusks,
the nudibranchs suffer a little on, deck, but the cuttle-fishes
are more delicate, the majority being almost lifeless on removal
from the net. The horse-mussels are occasionally fractured,
but the whelks are uninjured.’ With the exception of water-
logged wood bored by the ship-worm, horse-mussels, and whelks
of various kinds, the majority of the shells brought on board
were old and empty, either covered with growths of various
kinds, such as zoophytes, or harbouring star-fishes and annelids
in their interstices. As a rule, the horse-mussels were un-
injured, and were consigned in safety to the water with the
débris. On some of these such delicate organisms as the
spawn of the Norwegian whelk (Fusus norvegicus), with the

4,4, EFFECT OF TRAWLING ON SHELL-FISHES.

contained embryos in a thin capsule nearly an inch in diameter,
were in perfect condition, and are now in the University Museum.
These mussels occur in deep water, and often form large masses
bound together by the threads of the byssus or ‘beard, and
are quite as frequently drawn up by the liners on their hooks
on their particular ground. Moreover, some of the liners for
years used to bring quantities close inshore and deposit them
off the rocks, thinking to create a bed of horse-mussels, but all
disappeared. Not a trace remains of the many tons of horse-
mussels thus transplanted, except an occasional and solitary
small example in a chink of the rocks, perhaps an inshore and
last surviving descendant of the transplanted shell-fishes. The
living whelks were generally entire, those (Fusus) having the
rare anemone (Hormathia the ‘necklet’) adhering externally,
being in perfect condition, just as the much more delicate dead
Natica, overgrown with sponge, and tenanted by a hermit crab,
often came up uninjured. Masses of the spawn both of the
great whelk and Fusus are frequently brought up by the trawl,
but much of these is uninjured on again reaching the water.
iven on great stretches of sand, in which many shell-fishes
abound, comparatively few bivalves are interfered with, since
they are buried more or less under the surface, and afford little
hold to the ground-rope. The molluscan fauna of muddy
ground is also inconspicuous in regard to injury, the smaller
forms, which are sometimes numerous, escaping entirely. A
single severe storm dislodges those on sandy ground more
surely and extensively than years of continual trawling. The
spawn of the whelks, and that of the nudibranchs and cuttle-
fishes, is more likely to suffer, yet only to a limited extent,
since all is again consigned to the water; and even a some-
what lengthened exposure on deck is not fatal, if a little
moisture be present, since many can be hatched after the
arrival of the ship in port. In these remarks trawling over a
mussel-bed, a clam-bed, or over an oyster-bed, is not considered,
since it is strictly and rightly prohibited. On the whole, then,
the shell-fishes do not suffer conspicuous injury by the use of
the ordinary trawl, a fact sufficiently plain at St Andrews,
where the larger mollusks were eagerly sought for bait by the

EFFECT ON CUTTLE-FISHES. 45

fishermen using trawls. It was only after a storm that a few
were occasionally procured in a trawl, but they never failed to
find multitudes strewn on the beach at the West Sands after a
severe storm, of which occurrences, indeed, zoologists have
frequent personal experiences.

Many cuttle-fishes, again, are captured by the trawl, and, as
above mentioned, as a rule, are killed. But these are carefully
preserved for sale, and in certain cases form no inconsiderable
item in the proceeds of the fishing, for a sum of money, varying
from £1 to £5 or even double the amount, is paid for each box
of this valued bait. Further, the cuttle-fishes caught by the
trawl are chiefly Lohigo and Ommastrephes—squids as they are
usually called. Now, these are pelagic or free-swimming cuttle-
fishes that do not necessarily fall under the bottom-fauna,
though, when captured, they are probably seeking their prey
there, or in the stratum just above it. The occurrence of
Eledone (a ground-form) in the trawl is less common than the
foregoing. Moreover, the squids are mollusks particularly
obnoxious in the active condition to liners, so much so that
advice has been asked as to how to get rid of them’. They
occur in such numbers now and then that the fishermen despair
of their catches, for the cuttle-fishes so disfigure the haddocks
and other fishes fixed on the hooks—by devouring the muscles
behind the head—as to render them unsaleable. So eager are
they, indeed, that they sometimes follow the hooked fishes to
the surface, as the lines are hauled, and are captured by a
hand-net. Opinions, therefore, might differ as to the disadvan-
tages of thinning this group of mollusks, which, when full-
grown, are as much destined for the nourishment of the whales
as the food-fishes, though they.are also eaten by larger examples
of the latter (eg., the cod), and in their younger stages by
many others.

The case of the molluscan fauna of the bottom as food for
fishes in relation to the action of the trawl, however, cannot be
considered without the pelagic or free-swimming representa-
tives of the same group on the particular ground. Almost all
the shell-fishes living on the bottom send off pelagic young,

* Vide Fourth Annual Report of the Fishery Board for Scotland, p. 204,

46 EFFECT OF LINES ON INVERTEBRATES.

which crowd, throughout the greater part of the year, the
region over the bottom, and ascend to the surface. Swarms
of purely pelagic forms, such as Spzrialis, which, small though
it be, is often eaten by ducks at the surface, and more abun-
dantly by many young fishes near the bottom, are mingled
with these and the larval nudibranchs, and occasionally even
with Clione. The latter does not attain the bulk of the Arctic
examples, but is by no means infrequent at certain seasons.
Finally, the proximity of a mussel-bed, or the presence of an
extensive coating of small mussels on the rocks, fills the water
(June and July) with myriads of pelagic mussels, which by-
and-by adhere to everything affording a surface, and form a
favourite food of young fishes, and even of some of the
adults.

Irrespective of its direct relation to fish-food, this unceasing
wealth of pelagic life has a close connection with the susten-
ance of the bottom-fauna. Every invertebrate group, mentioned
in the foregoing paragraphs, feeds on the pelagic fauna or its
débris ; for, even the highest—viz., the cuttle-fishes—frequently
devour the pelagic fishes. The whole system forms a wonderful
cycle, and is far more important, from a fisheries’ point of view,
than at first sight appears.

In returning the contents of the trawl to the water, many
forms are doubtless devoured by fishes in their descent to the
bottom, just as the gulls which follow the herring-boats in the
western lochs, or the wake of a trawler on the eastern coasts,
swoop on the offal thrown overboard, or on the injured fishes
which escape from the net at the surface when hauling. The
same remark applies to the invertebrates thrown overboard by

the liners.

b. Effects of the Hooks of the Liners on the same Ground.

In considering the effect of the trawl on the animals
frequenting the bottom of the so-called fishing banks, it must

EFFECTS OF LINES ON SPONGES AND ZOOPHYTES. AT

be remembered that for ages the hooks of the liners have
brought from the same banks representatives of every group of
invertebrate animals, and that they are not always replaced im
the sea alive. To the hooks of the liners, and also to their
ready courtesy, most of the museums in this and other
countries owe much. Some of the finest sponges in British
waters, and the beautiful Venus’s flower-baskets and g!ass-rope
sponges abroad have been procured in this way. A constant
and large supply of hydroid zoophytes (‘sea-trees ’) is almost
daily brought on shore from the deeper water. Some of the
largest and finest anemones—studded, it may be, on the
mandible of a small rorquhal, on a piece of submerged wood, on
flat or other stones, on shells, or even on the thigh-bone of an
unfortunate sailor—are similarly procured, along with stony
corals and other coral-like structures (Polyzoa). If the trawler
is accredited with the destruction of the great sea-pen (Funt-
culina)' of the western waters, what is to be said of its ruddy
ally (Pennatula), the ‘pink’ of the eastern fishermen? Almost
every hook for considerable portions of lines on certain grounds
bringing up its example, and this not by any action on the part
of this pretty sea-pen, but simply by the force of the tide on
the line as it drags the hooks over the surface of the soft
ground. Several jars have been filled in a single trip with
these from such sources, and yet no scarcity of them exists, nor
is it hinted that the cod directly, or the haddock indirectly,
will be robbed of its food. In the same way fine masses of
‘dead men’s fingers’ (Alcyoniuwm), the slender sea-pen of the
Forth (Virgularia), a rarer and larger type new to this country,
and other forms, are captured by the liners.

Before and since the days of Edward Forbes the liner has
been the mainstay for many rare star-fishes, and those who, like
the genial naturalist just mentioned, have eagerly waited in the
dim morning light—with the ready pail of fresh water, or, still
better, with the jar of strong spirit—for the advent of the
brittle Lwdia on board will appreciate the services of the

_ 1 The late lamented Professor Milnes Marshall thought that the cod had a
particular fancy for these great sea-pens, biting the tips as it swam amidst the
phosphorescent stems, and leaving many in a truncated condition.

48 EFFECT OF LINES ON STAR-FISHES AND WORMS.

fishermen in this respect. The daily captures of the common
cross-fishes by the liners amount to a great annual total, yet
such is unavoidable, and, indeed, the species is a pest to both
the liner and the shell-fish farmer. As already said, it is the
liner who procures many of the smaller holothurians, and who
first made us acquainted with the rarer heart-urchins and sea-
urchins (e.g., the ‘ piper’).

In the group of the worms, one of the most gigantic
Nemerteans (3 feet long and nearly an inch broad) has hitherto
only come from the liner, and even the black line-worm is
occasionally caught on the hooks. In the débris from deep-sea
fishing-boats many of the rarer bristled annelids have been
procured, and serpulids, the coral-like masses of Filigrana, and
many others, come from the same method of fishing. It is an
interesting fact, and a criticism on man’s influence on the
inhabitants of the ocean, that neither liner nor trawler has ever
captured the characteristic spoonworm (4chiurus pallasit) of
St Andrews, and that storms alone toss them in multitudes on
the beach. Food-fishes, however, find them out, and feed on
them in their haunts.

If we regard crab- and lobster-fishing as a branch of the
trade of the limer—and it apparently has little connection in
any respect with the trawler—the effect of other instruments
than the trawl in reducing the number of these animals is
conspicuous. The larger forms by-and-by become rare, and
all become fewer. There is no proof that the trawl ever
seriously affects either species, but its use, close to rocky
borders in bays, may occasionally in former days have inter-
fered with the traps. The hooks of the liner now and then
capture both species, and furnish many hermit-crabs in shells,
Norway lobsters, some of the rarer long-tailed forms (eg.,
Munida), and many of the short-tailed crabs (e.g., Atelecyclus
and Hurynome). The hooks, likewise, bring up branches of
submerged trees, coated with large sea-acorns, and affording
shelter around the feathery tufts of zoophytes to many small
sessile-eyed crabs.

Fine masses of sea-mats and bunches of sea-grapes (As-
cidians) are very common on board the liners, the hooks

EFFECT OF LINES ON ASCIDIANS AND SHELL-FISHES. 49

penetrating the tough tests of the latter (Ascidians) as the
lines are carried by the currents. Only from the liners are
the curious and rather rare ‘sandy-nipples’ (Pelonaza) pro-
cured—another of the remarkable forms characteristic of St
_ Andrews. Hundreds are sometimes brought on shore, the
drifting hooks having penetrated the thinner superior part
of the test as the creature was plying its respiratory and
nutritive currents on the bottom. None have yet been ob-
tained from the trawl, for the ground is rough. The multi-
tudes of dead shells brought up by the liners have been one
of the richest fields for the encrusting forms of the Polyzoa—
such as Leprala, the foliaceous—as Eschara and Retepora,
and the more or less ramified Cellepora and Serialaria.

When we come to the group of the shell-fishes or mollusks,
the great variety that have been obtained from the hooks of
the liners for hundreds of years is noteworthy. No collection
of marine shells, worthy of the name, and made long before
trawling was introduced into Scottish waters, exists—but is
a standing proof of the fact that the hooks are almost as
effective in furnishing rare specimens as the trawl. Some of
the smaller forms, indeed, are more surely obtained in this
way than by the trawl. Many are found in the deébris
attached to the masses of horse-mussels so frequently brought
up from the bottom, others are fixed to dead valves of the
larger shells, or have their siphons, foot or other parts, pierced
by the hooks. On the zoophytes brought up by the lines, such
naked forms as Doto, and, on Alcyonvum, Tritonia plebera are
found in numbers, while the larger Tritonia Hombergu, “a sea
lemon,” is occasionally pierced by a hook as it drags over the
bottom. The active cuttle-fishes do not seem to be frequently
caught by the hooks, though, when attacking the fishes on the
lines, or interfering with bait, an arm or other part is now and
then fixed. In contrast with the trawl, however, few cuttle-
fishes are captured by the lines.

It is by no means to be supposed from the foregoing remarks
that any blame is to be attached to the liner for interfering
with the bottom-fauna. The notion would be unwarrantable.
In the course of his operations the forms indicated have been

M, R. 4.

50 EFFECT OF TRAWL ON EGGS OF FISHES.

unavoidably hooked, and he brings them on shore or throws
them overboard without giving much heed to them, unless
requested to do so. No marine zoologist of note would con-
sider, on this head, that the .liner was ruining the food of
fishes, or to any extent affecting the welfare of the fisheries.
On the contrary, his ready courtesy and keen observation
have been frequently of the greatest service to the naturalist,
who has been in the past, and is in the present, greatly indebted
to him for many rarities. Yet the fact remains that the liner
likewise captures numbers of every group whose wholesale
destruction is by some attributed to the trawler. A calm
survey of the situation, therefore, does not lend support to the
notion that the trawl, as ordinarily employed in sea-fishing, is
the only destroyer of the invertebrate animals of the bottom ;
and, further, experience does not demonstrate that the sea-
bottom in any known region has been, by the use of such line
or trawl, so seriously impoverished as to be unable to support

fish-life.

c. ffects of the Trawl on the Eggs of Fishes, on certain
Ground-Fishes, and very Young Fishes on the Bottom.

In the Report of 1884 it was stated that ‘no feature was
more remarkable in the inquiry than the rarity of fish-spawn
(eggs) in the trawl—notwithstanding the careful search for
such on every occasion. A few zoophytes, with clusters of
adherent eggs—then considered to be those of the herring—
were all that could be found. Accordingly, it was reported
‘that the trawl is almost innocuous so far as the ova of fishes
is concerned ;’ and doubt was expressed, even if it passed over
masses of the eggs of the herring, whether injury would always
take place.

It has frequently been stated that the use of the trawl on
the spawning-grounds of the herring drives away the herring

EFFECT ON EGGS OF FISHES. 51

and injures the spawn and spawning fishes. No details, how-
ever, are given as to whether line-trawling or beam-trawling is
referred to, nor are the facts dealing with the destruction of the
spawn and the lesions of the spawning fishes presented in a
tangible form. The herring is a fish sometimes exceedingly
tenacious of purpose, and a thousand intervening boats with
their nets, as at Peterhead, will not prevent it from breaking
through and spawning inshore. Again, it has been known to
leave old spawning-grounds, e.g., the ‘Old Hake’ off the coast
of Fife, upon which no trawl ever descended, or indeed could
descend with safety. Many reasons have been given for such
changes—from the breaking up of the shoal by the boats at
sea, to the firing of big guns—but there is a lack of defini-
tion. In the Trawling Report of 1884, it was recommended
that trawlers (1.¢., beam-trawlers) should avoid shoals of
herring, and the same suggestion holds to-day.

Since 1884, no opportunity of observing the effect of a
trawl on ground covered by the spawn of the herring has
occurred. The boats employed in herring-fishing in winter,
however, frequently bring to port masses of the spawn of
the herring on their decks, and little difficulty is found in
hatching these eggs in the Laboratory, even after sixteen
hours’ exposure on deck. Thus, even if the eggs of the
herring were brought on board during the operations of the
trawl, there are good grounds for believing that many would
survive after being replaced in the water. In St Andrews
Bay the local trawlers formerly brought to land pieces of
seaweed, zoophytes, and similar structures to which the eggs of
Montaeu’s sucker and other forms adhered. These were all
readily hatched in the Laboratory. The same eggs are
frequently brought up on the hooks of the liners. Further,
about the middle of January 1886, one of these local
trawlers brought a huge adherent mass of large eggs amongst
mud to the harbour—thinking it was the spawn of the salmon.
After lying on deck a considerable time, the attendant removed
the mass from the mud and débris, rather rudely tore it in
several pieces, and placed them under sea-water—some of the
advanced embryos escaping in the process. The majority of

4—2

52 EFFECT OF TRAWL ON EGGS AND YOUNG OF FISHES.

these eggs were hatched, and the larval fishes were vigorous,
and enabled an account to be given of the development of the
wolf-fish (‘ cat-fish’ of the fishermen), to which it was found
the eggs pertained. At least once since the same eggs have
been brought up in the trawl (from the Forth) about the
period of hatching. It was rare to find, even in such sandy
bays as St Andrews, that the egg-‘purses’ of the thornback
or other forms were brought in by the trawl, though many
containmg embryos are stranded on the West Sands after
storms in October, and especially in November. Such eggs
are at least as frequently procured on board the liners, e.g.,
those of the grey, starry, and sandy rays. Before the spawn-
ing of the sand-eel was fully elucidated’, it was often a matter
of conjecture as to how the ova escaped the small trawls on
inshore ground ; but now the eggs are known to be adhesive—
probably to the sand, and thus avoid interference.

The ordinary trawl, again, seldom or never retains such
active ground-fishes as the smaller rocklings, the gobies, the
gunnel, the eel, and the sand-eel, while the glutinous hag and
the lamprey are almost unknown in it. The hag-fish is, on the
other hand, caught abundantly by the liners when they shoot
their lines too near a well-known ‘ hole’ south-east of the Island
of May, and the lamprey occasionally adheres to a fishing-boat.
When the trawl is used on hard ground, wolf-fishes are often
captured, but they are as common on board the liners on the
same areas. Similar remarks apply to the dragonet on soft
ground, and perhaps it is more frequent in the trawl than on
the lines.

If a trawl were to pass over masses of the spawn of the
herring at the moment the young fishes were escaping, the
ground-rope and other parts would certainly do serious injury—
just as a sweep-net on the rivers would to the tender young
salmon lying with the large yolk-sac amongst the gravel of the
spawning bed. A wound of the yolk-sac alone is generally
fatal. The extraordinary multitudes of tiny young herrings (of
the thickness of thread) occasionally carpeting square miles of

1 Vide Ninth Annual Report Fishery Board for Scotland, p. 331, and Dr
Masterman’s interesting account, Ann. Nat. Hist., Sept. 1895.

Wing of otter-trawl at stern of ship. The chain and block passing obliquely from the right
is for hoisting. The cod-end of the net, with a rubbing-piece, is tied to the wing (for
drying) on the upper right.

To face p. 52]

EFFECT ON YOUNG FISHES. 53

the sea—in St Andrews Bay, for instance, in March, would
indicate the propriety of protecting them from all interference
on this head, especially as they are then frequently just above
the bottom. The very young sand-eels in the same way are
often in great numbers just over the bottom, and, as this fish is
perhaps next to the herring, the most important food-supply
for the more valuable food-fishes, it lkewise should not be
interfered with. The enormous numbers of sand-eels on certain
fishing-banks is one of the features of spring, and they are
often mistaken by the fishermen for young herrings. The habit
of the adult in burying itself in moist sand at and near low
water is another illustration of the fact that a trawl may pass
frequently over the same area, and yet leave, irrespective of
those that escape through the meshes, a considerable number
of animals untouched.

In the course of the ordinary trawling on the fishing-banks,
no indication of the great number and variety of the post-larval
and very young fishes is obtained. They are swept through the
meshes, or otherwise escape. Yet, on sinking the great tri-
angular mid-water net to within a fathom or two of the bottom,
or by using the bottom trawl-like tow-net, crowds of the post-
larval and very young food-fishes—flat and round—are
captured ; for example, those of the long-rough dab, lemon-dab,
top-knot, ling, frog-fish, gurnard, dragonet, herring, and other
forms. Neither trawler nor liner would seem to interfere at
the stages indicated with these on such areas. In the same
way, on other grounds, vast numbers of the young sand-eels,
from 15 to 40 mm. (that is, from 2 to 1,9, inches long) occur in
the surface-nets in May, of which the only knowledge hitherto
obtaimed was from the mouths of the fishes captured by liner or
trawler, as neither interfered with them directly or indirectly
in the pursuit of his calling.

The young fishes, on escaping from the pelagic eggs, are at
first helplessly borne hither and thither by the currents, but
the nature of their pigment, or even their transparency in most
cases, probably proves protective. They are incapable of seeking
shelter anywhere for a considerable time. When the flat fishes
descend to the bottom their protective pigment on the upper

54 RECOMMENDATIONS OF COMMISSION.

side so closely mimics the sand or mud which they frequent
that they are independent of growths, such as zoophytes or sea-
weeds’. The very young round fishes again keep to the open
water until they are of some size, and do not seem to seek either
food or shelter at the bottom, and thus do not come in the way
of the trawl. As they get older, many, such as the cod, coal-
fish, and pollack, approach the rocky margins, swimming actively
amidst the forests of tangles and other sea-weeds, and feed on
the abundant animal life in that region. There they are also
freed, for the most part, from interference by man.

THe RECOMMENDATIONS OF THE ROYAL COMMISSION ON
TRAWLING (1883—85) AND THE METHOD ADOPTED BY
THE FISHERY BOARD FOR SCOTLAND IN CARRYING THEM
OUT. CLOSURE OF AREAS.

IT is now necessary to glance at some of the efforts of man
to interfere with the marine food-fishes. As many are aware
certain areas of the east coast have been closed for fully 12
years, and the whole of the three-mile limit for a shorter period.
The former areas were selected in 1884 and 1885—very much
at the authors suggestion—by the Royal Commission on
Trawling and its lamented chairman, the late Lord Dalhousie,
one of the most deservedly popular administrators Scotland has
ever had. No one has watched with keener interest, therefore,
the result of this experiment than the author, who felt a
certain amount of responsibility, at least to science, on these
important investigations’, After operations of more than

1 These young flat fishes swarm all round our shores in April and May, on
sandy and muddy flats, shallow rock-pools, estuaries, such as the Eden, and in
the Swilcan burn as it debouches on the sands at St Andrews. They also,
however, occur in the deeper waters.

2 Those who read the Fishery Boards reports of to-day would imagine that
the whole Trawling experiments and their adjuncts were the creations of the

CLOSURE OF FORTH, ST ANDREWS, AND ABERDEEN BAYS. 55

twelve years’ duration can it be said to-day that the closure
of the areas of the Forth and St Andrews Bay or any other
area has been followed by a notable increase in the numbers
and in the size of the food-fishes therein? What evidence
have the experimenters produced in regard to the oft-repeated
statement that trawling on the same line soon exhausted the
stock of fishes? What has been done—in the opportunity
afforded by closure—to increase the valuable forms such as the
sole and turbot in Scottish waters ?

Before answering these, it may conduce to perspicuity if
the various steps of the executive are briefly narrated. The
areas carefully selected for closure—in 1884 and 1885—were,
from south to north, the Forth, St Andrews Bay, and Aberdeen
Bay. The Forth gives the results of closure in a great estuary
or inland gulf having a considerable depth of water and various
intrinsic sources of food-supply. St Andrews Bay is a typical
shallow sandy bay on the east coast, with the estuaries of the
Eden and the Tay opening into it. This area is more open to
the North Sea than the Forth, and thus the “pulse” of the
North Sea is more readily felt. The third, Aberdeen Bay, is
wholly different from the others, since its perfectly open sea-
board is defined—to the three-mile limit—only by artificial
lines running eastward from Girdleness on the one hand and
the Cruden Scars on the other, a distance of about 18 miles.
It appeared to be important to have an accurate record of the
seasonal variations of the food-fishes in Aberdeen Bay—for con-
trast and comparison with the two former areas, since the coast
is even more exposed to the North Sea than St Andrews Bay.

The Reporters in the Sixth Annual Report of the Fishery
Board (Prof. Ewart and the late Sir Jas. Gibson Maitland and
their able assistants, the late Mr Jas. Duncan Matthews and
Dr Fulton) fully understood one main function that was to be
performed by the trawling experiments of the ‘Garland, viz.
“what effect this mode of fishing was likely to have upon the
ultimate productiveness of the waters around the coasts of
Scotland, and especially in the territorial waters.”

Board itself, whereas they were carefully discussed and mapped out by the
Trawling Commission and especially looked after by Lord Dalhousie.

56 PROCEDURE OF FISHERY BOARD.

After a very brief experience, however, the Fishery Board
ceased to examine the last area on the ground that “it has been
impossible to obtain accurate statistics owing to the limited
nature of the area closed, and for the reason that the takes
of the ‘Garland’ have been extremely variable, and the results
have not been considered of sufficient importance to warrant
Aberdeen Bay being further closed for experimental purposes.”
There can be little doubt that the cessation of experiments in
Aberdeen Bay arose from a misapprehension.

Carefully considered advice had been given to the Fishery
Board by Lord Dalhousie, and he had exerted himself to procure
the necessary supplies for carrying out the experiments in the
selected areas—which he, as Secretary for Scotland, by and by
closed. These experiments were to form the basis for future
fishery legislation, and, therefore, their importance was beyond
question.

For the carrying out of the experiments, the Fishery Board,
possibly from lack of funds, deviated from the fundamental
advice given, viz. that a powerful ship (like a first-class trawler)
capable of carrying a 50-foot beam, and fit to proceed to sea in
rough weather, should be procured, together with a smaller
steam-vessel or tender for inshore work. The Board unfor-
tunately selected an inefficient ship—both as regards the
eastern seas and the manipulation of a trawl of sufficient size
to search the grounds in an effectual manner. This has more
or less crippled the experiments, especially as the work has
only been conducted by day, and as a rule by a statistical, not
a fishery expert, on board.

In carrying out the experiments lines were selected in the
various closed areas, and along these the ‘Garland’ worked at
intervals. Unfortunately, no regularity as to date, so important
in making comparisons year by year, was maintained. This
trawling along lines was the advice of the Trawling Commission,
but the selection of them in the particular areas was left to the
Board. At this moment the author is inclined to think that 1t
would have been as well to make loops in stated parts of the
areas so as to allow greater freedom in connection with wind
and tide. Indeed, it may be a question whether perfect

FURTHER CLOSURES, 1887—1889. 57

freedom should not have been given, so that the ship might, at
uniform intervals, search the area in its most productive parts.

Shortly after the commencement of the operations the
Fishery Board, as just mentioned, released Aberdeen Bay, and
after a brief inquiry by aid of the ‘Garland’ in August, 1886,
resolved to close the three-mile limit in the Moray Firth from
the Ord of Caithness to Brora, Tarbat Ness, Balintore, then a
point opposite the mouth of the Findhorn river, and thence to
Kinnaird Head. This was done, it was alleged, in order “that
valuable scientific results might be obtained were beam-trawling
restricted in that district.” In addition, the areas of the Forth
and St Andrews Bay were increased seawards. The Board
considered that the closure of the Forth and St Andrews Bay
had already made signs of improvement both in the number
and size of the less migratory flat fishes, a conclusion, on their
own showing, subsequently abandoned.

The high average of fishes caught by the ‘Garland’ in the
closed waters in 1887 still further seems to have influenced the
Fishery Board in closing additional areas. Thus the territorial
waters between Red Head and Kinnaird Head were closed in
February, 1889, and thereafter the area of the Clyde. The
‘Herring Fishery’ Act of the same year, again, brought about the
closure of the whole of the Scottish waters within the three-
mile limit; and soon (1891) the entire Moray Firth from
Duncansbay Head to Rattray Head was closed “to protect the
fishes on their spawning-grounds (eg. Smith Bank) and to
ascertain the extent to which such measures are likely to be
beneficial to the fish-supply.”

The scientific grounds on which such action was taken have
in the first place to be dealt with. The political or social
reasons which may have had influence in effecting the closure
do not at present concern us.

Now it will, in the first place, be apparent that before any
reliable results could have been obtained from the experiments
Lord Dalhousie’s Commission mapped out, fresh areas were
closed. The principle on which the closure was originally
applied was that systematic and careful examination of these
areas should be carried out for a considerable time. But such

58 BOARD'S REASONS FOR FURTHER CLOSURES.

was impossible in the circumstances—especially of time and
ship. Further, when the high averages of the ‘Garland’s’
captures in 1887 in the Forth and St Andrews Bay are
critically examined it is found that these were largely due to
the fact that work was carried on solely during productive
months, viz. May, June, August, and September, no winter
month with its small captures reducing the average. The same
misapprehension occurred later, when contrasting the captures
of the ‘Garland’ during the first five years with those of the
last five years of the period. The Fishery Board came to the
conclusion that, since the captures during the first period were
greater than in the second, deterioration had taken place in
the protected waters—a very different finding from that
(based on their earlier experiments) which they had formerly
given as a reason for extending the closed areas. The Board
now asserted “that there has been a diminution of the more
important flat fishes in the closed waters, instead of an increase
as was anticipated; and that this may probably be traced to
the influence of beam-trawling in the open waters where the
fishes spawn.” Consequently it was urged that the Board
should experiment by closing certain spawning-areas, such as
the Moray Firth, and it was done.

No one will question the right of the Government to take
such a step in the interests of the fishing-population—on
philanthropic, social, or even on political grounds; but if such a
step were taken on the basis of the scientific evidence furnished
by the Fishery Board, then it would appear that the premises
(and here all matters of fact are included) do not warrant the
conclusion. There is, for instance, a serious misapprehension
in contrasting an experimental period of five years in which a
preponderance of work falls on the summer or productive
months with an equal period in which the preponderance falls
on winter or comparatively unproductive months. Let one in-
stance suffice. In St Andrews Bay, in the first period, no hauls
of the trawl were made in the unproductive month of February,
whereas no less than 21 hauls occurred during this month in
the second period. The two cases are thus widely different.

59

CHANGES IN THE TRAWLING-VESSELS AND
THEIR APPARATUS’.

With the exception of a few small sailing vessels and boats,
trawling in Scottish waters is carried on, as it was in 1884,
almost exclusively by steam-vessels; but, whereas at the latter
period many of the vessels were old tugs or modified paddle-
steamers formerly used for other purposes, most of the modern
vessels, e¢.g., those sailing from Granton and Aberdeen, are
specially built for the purpose. The finest vessels do not cost
much more than the serviceable vessels of the General Steam
Fishing Company did in 1884, viz., £4500, but very considerable
improvements have occurred in the arrangement and equipment.
-Some of these iron ships are 100 to 120 feet between the
perpendiculars, and considerably more on deck, with a depth of
10 to 12 feet. The paddle-ships at Montrose’ are 116 feet
between the perpendiculars, 21 feet broad, and 10 feet deep;
while the fine screw vessel is no less than 120 feet between the
perpendiculars, 21 feet broad, and 11 feet 6 inches deep. The
three latter have comparatively low bows, like many of the
ships from Granton. The newer ships at Granton have also
increased in size. Moreover, greatly creased height is given
to the bow of the vessels at Aberdeen, so that the foothold on
the fore-deck must be very uncertain, especially if slippery ;
but the water is kept out of the ship by such an arrangement.
The after-part of the ship, however, is more or less flat, so that
the trawls can easily be worked. These vessels range from 140
to 180 tons burthen, with engines from 40 to 65 horse-power.

Instead of having the steam-winch near the fore-cabin, in
the newest ships it is placed on deck close to the engine-room,
so that the steadiness of the ship is increased, and the bow
kept out of the water. The screw-vessel at Montrose has two

1 This account may be contrasted with that in the Trawling Report of 1884.
2 Messrs Joseph Johnston & Sons.

60 CHANGES IN TRAWLING VESSELS SINCE 1884,

winches, one being behind the foremast, the other (smaller)
behind the mainmast. The latter is very useful in discharging
fishes, and in working the dandy. In general, the Granton
ships have the steam-winch in front, with the capstan behind,
just before the engine-room, a different arrangement from that
at Aberdeen. Moreover, a decided improvement is introduced
by the presence of a ‘brake’ in connection with this apparatus.
In. 1884 reliance was placed on the old hawser fixed to the
trawl-warp in the case of the net being held by a sunken wreck
or a rock. Now, the moment the net is fixed, the ‘brake’
(which is secured to a moderate degree) permits the trawl-warp
to run out, and thus save the net from serious rupture or total
destruction while the ship is being stopped. In the Granton
ships an iron-wire rope is used instead of a hawser from a hook
on the mainmast, to save rubbing on the rail. This is fixed to
the trawl-warp by spun-yarn. The length of the trawl-warp,
which is of steel-wire rope, ranges from 200 to 240 fathoms.
The warp has six outer and a central strand. The older warps
had a Manilla centre, but the newer have wire. <A change has
also been made in the teeth of the wheels of the winch, for,
instead of being transverse, they are now helical or oblique, in
such ships as the ‘Belcher. The warp is run round a capstan
in rear, and out by a slit with rollers in the bulwarks of the
ship. The large ends of the winch are used, as formerly, for
winding the bridles and all ropes and tackle, the latter being
still the method of hoisting on board the bag of the trawl.
Instead, however, of the snatch-blocks being fixed to the deck,
they now are attached to the top of the engine-room. A
considerable number of the paddle-ships still use a 9-inch
Manilla hawser as trawl-warp, and it is wound round a capstan
from wheels beneath the deck. These also have the piece of
old hawser (at Montrose of about 13 fathoms) as a guard
during trawling, but, as indicated, the best screw-trawlers have
the ‘brake’ on the winch. In one or two of the older trawlers
at Granton, the narrowness of the ship has caused the winch to
be placed on the fore-part longitudinally, not transversely.

In the trawling ships of to-day the front wing of the otter-
trawl is set free and the sole-rope and net follow it. The mate

CHANGES IN TRAWLING VESSELS. 61

at the stern-wing, which has been made ready, waits till the
other (wing) is at right angles to the ship and then lets go, the
ship still moving, and the wire ropes are then both sent out to
the required length, e.g. 150 fathoms on 50 fathoms’ ground.
When the ropes are fully payed out, the outer or bow-rope is
hooked by a grapnel, and entered in a snatch-block at the stern-
taffrail, so that both are near each other.

In some of the ships at Aberdeen the steering- or wheel-
house has a roof, with side-panels and panes, so as to protect
the men, and it occupies the same position, viz., in the centre
of the vessel. Others have simply a canvas shelter above the
wood. In one of the newest vessels at Aberdeen, the steering-
house is open, as it is stated the men are apt to sleep in the
covered houses, and prefer to be in the open air during their
watches, while it is interesting to note that the Granton
General Steam-Fishing Company’s ships have always had open
wooden wheel-houses. Besides a spirit-compass on a stand, a new
vessel has an inverted one on a wooden pole, so that two are
available in steering. Coals are still carried in the side-
bunkers, which in the best ships have a floor of cement, so as
to minimise the danger from fire. At Aberdeen small English
coals are largely used!, and instead of being piled loosely on
deck at starting, as in some of the vessels from Granton, the
extra coals are stored in bags, and are thus more easily handled.
The finest vessels carry about 60 tons of coals in the side-
bunkers adjoining the engine-room, and burn about 24 tons per
diem, with surface-condensing boilers; but fairly good ships
often exceed this quantity?» The consumption of coal in such
cases 1s, of course, a vital point im the economy of the trade,
and a vessel which will consume 60 tons in 12 days is seriously
handicapped. Some think that the larger vessels, which re-
quire more coal, are less fitted for remunerative work, since
they catch no greater number of fishes. They might, however,
be safer at sea. An improvement is the placing of the iron
water-tank, which will hold about 270 gallons, under the deck,

1 At 11s. per ton.
2 This is much less than the quantity consumed by some of the old paddle-
ships in 1884, e.g., about 35 tons a week,

62 CHANGES IN TRAWLING VESSELS.

thus economising space and avoiding accidents. It is filled by
a hose-pipe fixed to a screw-hole on deck. In the large screw-
vessel from Montrose, the tank is placed behind the bulk-head
of the engine-room, and a hand-pump raises water to the deck.
In the newest ships an oil-tank, to hold from 40 to 50 gallons,
is also filled beneath the deck in the same way.

The bulwarks of the new ships have self-acting scuppers for
heavy seas, besides the usual small permanent ones, but no
cement-gutters are now present at the sides, as it was found
that they were rather a disadvantage, for, in such as have seen
service, the cement becomes dilapidated. In 1884 the ships
working off Aberdeen usually carried their fishes in covered com-
partments at the bulwarks in front, or they were even permitted
to lie loosely on deck. This arrangement is now seldom seen,
probably owing to the use of ice and the greater distances
traversed. The bag of the traw] containing the fishes is
emptied in the Aberdeen ships in a series of pounds (about five
in number), formed by passing stout planks into upright
grooves on deck in front of the winch, and in these the fishes
are sorted and ‘gutted, preparatory to being placed in the
fish-hold in ice. The labour involved by this method is a
contrast to that of previous years off the eastern Scottish
shores. Hence, when the catch at night includes haddocks of
from 8 to 10 inches in length, these are considered unremune-
rative to treat in this way, and are thrown overboard. i

Outline of old trawl used for many years by the liners of St Andrews.
The beam measured 35 feet.

In the ships of 1884 the stout boat was either carried
on deck, or suspended from davits at the sides. It can be
easily launched from the latter, but may be carried away, and,
besides, the top-weight of the vessel is increased. At Granton
the vessels formerly described have placed their boats on
strong iron rails, 6 feet 6 inches high, on the starboard side,

CHANGES IN TRAWLING VESSELS. 63

and bolted to the engine-room on one hand and the bul-
warks on the other. A larger boat in the newer vessels is
placed on rests in the centre of the ship over the engine-
room, while in the most recent it occupies the centre of the
stern, and the front ‘stock’ or support has a swivel. Moreover,
in the ‘ Belcher, the hook of the chain-lashing is jointed and
fastened with a ring, so that the boat can be made ready in a
minute. The modern boat is considerably larger, and is covered
with canvas. :

In connection with the fittings on deck, the use of raised or
projecting figures or letters of sheet-iron on the funnel is one of
the modern changes; they are very easily seen at a distance.
The initial letter of the owner is sometimes added. Each
vessel is, of course, marked likewise on quarter and bow.

The ice-house, which had just been introduced in 1884, is
now an important part of the vessel, usually in front of the
fish-hold. Five tons of broken ice are taken in the larger
vessels to the distant grounds. It is sent from the stores in
barrels, and passed from the cart to the hold by a funnel. So
important has this feature become both for liners and trawlers,
in Aberdeen for instance, that special factories have been
erected for the manufacture of ice by the ammonia-system,
about 90 tons being made daily in one’ near the harbour, and
55 in another’ On the distant grounds, where most of the
work of the larger vessels occurs, the ice is placed over the
fishes after they are ‘ gutted’ and consigned to the hold, as was
done by the English trawlers from the distant grounds in 1884.
The price of ice (at present 17s. 6d. per ton crushed and
delivered alongside the ships) is thus an item of moment in the
trawling expenditure. On discharging the fishes from Iceland,
FarGe, or the Great Fisher Bank, the old ice is thrown over-
board, and, though it might seem economical to keep it for use
in a subsequent voyage, e.g., for the preservation of the offal,
for which 10s. per ton is got from the manure-companies, yet
it is certainly the safer method. No wind-sails are now
employed.

* North Brit. Ice Co. (Mr Lang’s).
2 Aberdeen Ice Co,

64 CHANGES IN TRAWLING VESSELS.

The fish-hold in the best ships is from 9 to 10 feet in
height, divided into compartments, each with two shelves. In
the ‘Southesk,’ a screw-vessel at Montrose, there are two holds.
When fishes are stored with alternate layers of ice, the front of
the compartment is closed with planks, unpainted or coated
green with enamel-paint, which is readily purified by washing.
The shelves, again, in each division, are useful in diminishing
compression. This alone is a marked change on the Granton
trawling-vessels of 1884, for the newest ships then had only an
ice-chamber surrounding a central compartment im which the
fish-boxes were placed. The smacks from Grimsby and other
parts in England, it is true, used ice in the manner now
described in 1884 and previously, but it was comparatively rare
in Scotland at that period. It is necessitated now by the
lengthened voyages to the more distant grounds. Durimg the
voyage the water which collects from the fishes and the melted
ice 1s carefully pumped out by a ‘donkey’ engine, so as to keep
the fish-hold dry. The hold will contain about 700 boxes of
fishes, and great care is taken to keep it pure. In the Granton
General Steam Fishing Company’s ships ice is not used during
the winter, for the fishes can be carried fresh to the market by
means of one ship acting as a ‘carrier’ daily. In the warmer
weather, however, ice in bags is taken on board each vessel.
Few ships at Granton, indeed, have the compartments for
packing the fishes in ice, with the slips of board for closing
them. This shows that the majority fish in the less distant
waters.

In some of the newest vessels the accommodation for all the
crew is in the aft-cabin, the fore-part of the vessel being rele-
gated to the fish-hold and stores. This appears to be a decided
improvement in regard to the maintenance of a cool tempera-
ture and pure air near the fishes, especially when long voyages
are undertaken. Formerly the crew had a fore-cabin, and the
captain and mate an aft-cabin, and in many vessels the same
arrangement still occurs.

The engine-room of the newer vessels is better ventilated,
and the arrangements for the working of the engines facilitated.
Even the ventilators are utilised for the hoisting of cinders

CHANGES IN TRAWLING VESSELS. 65

from the hold by the aid of a small windlass. Moreover, in one
the engine-room has an entrance from the galley as well as
from the side, a convenience in stormy weather. A feature in
contrasting the ships at Granton and Leith with those at
Aberdeen is the small elevation of the engine-room above deck
in the former.

In some ships the shrouds from the mizzen-mast are
fastened to the deck about a yard from the bulwarks, so as to
leave a clear space for working the trawl. In the larger ships,
however, this is not necessary, the space in rear of the shrouds
being sufficient for the trawl, or shrouds are altogether dis-
pensed with, as in the Montrose paddle-ships, which have only
a foremast.

The galley for the cook is in many under the bridge in
front of engine-room, or in some in the forecastle peak; but in
the Montrose paddle-ships it, with the water-tank, is at the
side near the paddle. These, also, have two tow-rails, one in
front of the cabin for the crew, and one behind the cabin for
the captain (aft), as the vessels are used for towing. A hand-
windlass for raising the anchor is also present.

The average length of the trawl-beam in the best ships? is
54 feet, it beg found that a longer beam does not work so
satisfactorily or catch so many fishes. At Montrose the beam
is 52 feet. As before, it is composed of two or three pieces of
oak or French elm, though occasionally it is in a single piece,
and has a diameter varying from 10 inches to a foot. The
shape of the iron trawl-head is scarcely altered, the posterior
iron plate in a few being somewhat more abrupt than in 1884,
thus conforming to the English type of trawl. The height of
the beam from the ground varies from 3 feet 8 inches to about
4 feet. The ‘Athole, one of the General Steam Fishing
Company’s ships, was in 1894 provided with an ‘otter’ trawl?
with large wooden ends about 12 feet long by 5 feet broad,
which take the place of the ‘hammer’ of the pole-trawl
described by the Commissioners of 1863°, and which are simply

1 Tn 1894.

* The invention of Mr Scott.
% Report, Sea Fisheries of the United Kingdom, vol. i., Appendix, p. 3.

M. R, 5

66 CHANGES IN TRAWLING VESSELS.

the much-enlarged wooden ends in use in the otter-trawls in
the Forth in 1858. These huge wooden (door-like) ends have
on one side in front two powerful iron bars meeting to form a
V, and supported by two accessory stays, the whole forming a
projecting apparatus to which the chain connected with the
warp is fixed. Towards the rear a perforated iron plate gives ~
passage to two chains (one from each of the powerful iron bars
above-mentioned) for the attachment of the swivel for the
trawl-net. The lower edge of the wooden end is weighted
anteriorly with a heavy bar of iron, which occupies nearly half
the length of the apparatus. A special and powerful rect-
angular frame of wood, with a top snatch-block, is fixed at the
port-bow and taffrail for hoisting the ends on board; and they
form a striking feature from a distance, as—with the boards—
they project 6 or 7 feet above the bulwarks. The foregoing
trawl is said to capture cod more freely than the beam-trawl, as
many as 20 score having been secured in one haul. It has
been adopted by most of the modern trawlers, a much greater
width of net and increased powers of capture being possible
with this apparatus.

It was formerly pointed out that, when the iron trawl-head
was dislodged, great difficulty was experienced in repairing it—
especially in rough weather. The new trawls at Aberdeen had
in 1894 a broad band of iron which bends round the end of the
beam, and on which the loop of the trawl-head goes. It is
secured by an iron pin and safe. This sheath protects the end
of the beam, and must save much time at sea. At Granton
the ends of the trawls were guarded by flat iron plates, but they
did not form a loop over the ends. The trawl-heads were secured
by a pin, as already mentioned. In the finest ships the length
of the trawl-net is about 118 feet, and the arrangement is as
follows :—For the first 56 feet next the beam the mesh of the
net is 3inches from knot to knot; the next 38 feet has at first
a 24-inch mesh, diminishing to 2 inches towards the posterior
end, while for 24 feet the bag or ‘cod’-end of the trawl-net has
14-inch mesh. At Montrose the trawl-net consists of 44 feet of
3-inch mesh next the beam, then 44 feet ranging from 24 inches
downwards, while the last 14 feet has 14-inch mesh. There is

CHANGES IN TRAWLING VESSELS. 67

thus no diminution of the mesh at the ‘cod’-end. Moreover,
no improvement in the shape of a ‘bonnet’ or apparatus for
preventing the compression of the fishes has been found
serviceable notwithstanding various recent statements to the
contrary. The net has various rubbing-pieces of old net and
‘bass’ ropes, and the usual pockets internally. The ground-
rope is variable in composition. The majority have this part of
the trawl composed of rope only—an outer layer being wound
round a central rope. The ground-rope of the Montrose ships
is of Manilla soaked in tar, 8 inches in circumference, and made
up to 13 with others twisted round; and in the finest ships
elsewhere it is 124 feet long. In some, two pieces of chain are
inserted at the ends, thus making three divisions of the ground-
rope, viz., a central, entirely of rope, and two lateral, with a
centre of 18 feet of chain, each being tied to the other with
spun-yarn. Ground-ropes with chain throughout are not now
used. In certain ships the ground-rope has a centre of wire-
rope with a series of wooden rollers, with occasionally, here and
there, a pair of metal rollers (12 in all—Gunn’s patent). The
rope is also in three divisions, and costs about £6. 10s., or 30s.
more than the ordinary form composed only of Manilla ropes.
This arrangement is thought at Aberdeen to give an increased
catch of fishes—sometimes about 5 or 6 baskets more than by
the ordinary ground-rope. In some ships, again, the port- and
starboard-trawls have each a different ground-rope; in the one
the rope is all of one piece, whereas in the other three breaks
occur, viz., two of wire and a third of chain. In one ship, the
ground-rope had only 8 feet of chain at each end, while the
centre had rope. All, however, do not think that the rollers
are so satisfactory as a ground-rope with pieces of lead in the
centre. Moreover, one of the features which contrasts strongly
with the condition in 1884 is the fact that the newest ships,
with the exception of the Montrose vessels, now carry two
trawls—a starboard- and port-trawl—complete in all respects.
This arrangement has been in force for at least four or five
years, and probably was introduced from England. At Aber-
deen, however, the second trawl is, as a rule, used as a reserve-
apparatus, and is not put into requisition until the first has

5—2

68 CHANGES IN TRAWLING VESSELS.

received damage. The mode of working the two trawls would
thus appear to differ materially in the respective countries,
since, according to an interesting paper by Mr W. L. Calder-
wood’, as soon as the contents of the first trawl are placed on
the deck, the second is immediately ‘shot’ overboard. The
same arrangement has been found at Grimsby by Mr Holt, who
mentions, however, that the reserve-trawl is shot while the
‘cod ’-end with its fishes is still hanging from the tackle. The
General Steam Company’s ships at Granton (nine in number)
have not varied in regard to the single trawl-beam, but they
carry a second net. Consequently, the large snatch-block and
rollers occur on the port-side only. As before, the net is at-
tached to the trawl-beam by grummet-lashings or by cord.
The other parts, comprising the dandy and bridles (each about
25 fathoms) and the chain for the former do not differ materi-
ally from previous descriptions. The steel-wire rope is about
the same length, viz., 200 to 240 fathoms, and lasts about ten
months. The aluminium trawl-warp does not seem to have
met with favour in Scotland. In some ships it is not, as
formerly, left on deck after the check of wire-rope is fixed to
the mizzen-mast, but carried outside the bulwarks, so as to
avoid accidents to the men. Those which, like the Montrose
ships, use a Manilla rope (generally about 180 fathoms), require
a new one every six months, the old one being utilised in pre-
paring ground-ropes.

The shooting of the trawl is carried out in a similar manner
to that of 1884, only there are no trawl-davits at the taffrail in
the best Aberdeen ships; and, instead of the snatch-block then
in general use, more convenient ‘dandy’ scores (snatch or
tumbling blocks), of which Sudron’s or Scisson’s patent are the
best. At Granton and Montrose the trawl-davits are still in
use, with snatch-blocks on deck. The lid of the block is
opened during trawling. The trawl-warp leaves the drum,
passes round a capstan, and out through rollers, either on
the port- or starboard-side, according to the trawl in use.
Blocks on the mizzen-mast are still employed to hoist the

1 ‘British Sea Fisheries and Fishing Areas,’ Scottish Geogr. Mag., Feb. 1894
p. 73.

CHANGES IN TRAWLING VESSELS. 69

stern-end of the trawl, and the fore-mast has a derrick. In
‘shooting’ the trawl the ship goes at full speed. When the
‘cod’-end of the trawl is unshipped, the mate at the same time
orders the fore-trawl-beam lashings to be freed, and when the
beam is at right angles to the ship the ‘stopper ’-rope is let go,
and the order ‘ware forward’ then sends off the trawl-warp
from the drum.

A better arrangement now exists for assisting in unshipping
the heavy trawl-heads, for these rest on a stout wooden plat-
form about 18 inches high, and thus are easily swung over the
rail; and, besides, the deck is saved from injury. In one or
two ships at Granton larger platforms for the fore-end of the
trawl have been fitted. In a new vessel, indeed, a square of
plate-iron has been put on the deck at the point most mjured
by the trawl-head. In rough weather a chain fastens the
trawl-head to the nearest iron stanchion at the bulwarks, and
is used in. bringing the front trawl-head on board. In the
same way an additional chain at the stern-end is sometimes
useful. In the Montrose paddle-ships the wheels for winding
the trawl-warp (a Manilla rope) are below, and only the capstan
is on deck. The latter (capstan) in some trawlers is made too
high, and is wrenched out of its fastenings.

The trawl is usually down for five hours on the ‘Great
Fisher Bank’ and other grounds, though trawlers working near
home regulate the time rather by the nature of the bottom
than anything else, in some cases spending as much time
(three hours) in mending the net as in trawling on hard ground,
or where wrecks and anchors occur. The trawling-period, in-
deed, on hard ground is about three hours, on soft ground five
hours. When productive ground is discovered, a ‘dan,’ or buoy,
with a red or black flag by day, and a white globe-light, close
to the surface, at night, is put in the water to mark the spot,
though it is liable to be carried away by other ships, and the
lamp broken. This buoy has a pole, with heavy iron bars, at
one end, and towards the other about ten flat pieces of cork,
upwards of a foot square. In one or two ships floats of skin—
such as the liners use in herring-fishing, with pole and flag,
were substituted for the cork buoys, or small pieces of cork on a

70 CHANGES IN TRAWLING VESSELS.

string. The rate of speed when trawling is, as formerly, about
24 knots an hour, though on muddy ground a higher rate is
sometimes maintained. In sailing, the best ships go about
11 knots. At might the captain and mate take watch alter-
nately—with one of the crew.

The crews on board the trawling ships remain very much as
in 1884, the usual number being eight, though there are only
seven in the Montrose paddle-ships, one of whom is cook. The
latter may be either an old man or an adolescent. Each is
furnished in the newest ships with a life-jacket of cork, and
there are besides two life-buoys on deck. Only two at Aber-
deen, the captain and mate, now have a percentage on the
amount of fishes captured. The rest of the crew have ordinary
wages. At Montrose the captain and two fishermen have a
share in the ‘catch’; the rest have wages. There are seven
men on board the ships of the General Steam Fishing
Company at Granton, instead of eight as formerly. The per-
centages given to each remain almost as in 1884, a graduated
series running from the ‘deck-hands’ to the captain. The first
engineer gets 5s., and the second 3s. 4d. per ton of fishes.

In 1884 the Granton General Fishing Company’s ships used
‘cringles’ in transferring, during stormy weather, the fish-
boxes to the ‘carrier’ for the day. This practice has now been
abandoned, and the ships either run to quiet water, and place
the boxes on the deck of the ‘carrier, or they are at once trans-
ferred by boarding. It is during the latter operation that con-
siderable injuries occur to the bulwarks and rail of the ships,
the former having the stays bent, and the latter being frequently
driven in. 3

One of the newest ships’ at Aberdeen is a steel vessel—
with a well—for fishing at Iceland and Faroe. It is 103 feet
between the perpendiculars, and 114 feet on deck, 21 feet broad,
and 123 deep. The well is one of Houston and Mackie’s patent
fish-wells, and occupies the entire centre of the ship, the roof
of the well sloping inward about half-way up the side of the
ship, and leading to the hatches—the opening thus being much
smaller than the bottom. The water accordingly will be some-

1 ¢Qcean Bride’—Mr Drummond’s.

CHANGES IN TRAWLING VESSELS. dk

what steadied during the motion of the ship, though, as the
cod will have a roof to rub against as well as walls, injuries
may readily occur. The water is driven in during the voyage,
rises to the surface of the well, and overflows by an opening in
the side of the ship. A constant current is thus kept up. A
grating at one end (the lower) permits the removal of refuse
from the bottom of the well. While the cod swim freely in the
tank, the halibut are tied, as usual, by the tail to the iron rail
at the margin. The vessel has been specially fitted for the
capture of these by hook and line; and at present no trawl is
aboard, though such can be shipped at any time, and the
newest apparatus (e.g., steam-winch and Sudron’s patent dandy-
score) is in readiness. The foremast has a derrick-boom, and
the anchor-winch is worked by steam. The boat rests on a
swivel-stock on the port bow, and is intended to be used as an
accessory well. The cabins for the crew (viz.; captain, two
engineers, and nine men) are at the stern, while in the high
bow is a store, and behind a convenient hold for fixing the
bait (herring). An ice-house, fish-hold, and all the newest
fittings in the engine-room and other parts show the care that
has been bestowed on the construction of the vessel. The con-
sumption of coal is estimated at 3 tons daily.

Ships similar to the foregoing have been employed for some
years at Grimsby for line-fishing in Iceland, but several im-
provements have been introduced in the new ship. Moreover,
when required it can also be used as a trawler.

Recently a new form of trawling-apparatus has been intro-
duced chiefly by the line-boats though likewise by a few
trawlers. This consists, in the line-boats of a seine-net of
about 160—180 yards, and about 6 yards deep, in the Clyde
5 yards deep, made of stout cord (No. 14 twine), the mesh
being about 8 inches long,—having a rope at the top with corks
and a rope at the bottom, pieces of leaden pipe being placed
on the latter at intervals of 6 feet. ‘lhe centre of the net has
a bag about 20 feet long, and about 12 feet at the aperture,
the mesh of which is smaller—with a ‘cod’-end for opening.
A float is attached to one end, and the net is thrown out in a
straight line for nearly three-fourths of the length, when the

72 CHANGES IN BOATS OF LINERS.

boat makes a circle to join the float. Both ends of the net are
hauled, and the contents are carried towards the central bag.
The net sweeps the ground, and fair catches of flat fishes,
especially plaice, turbot and skate, have been made.

In the steam vessels the net is much longer, probably about
800 yards. Great labour is entailed, since the net must fre-
quently be hauled. 3

St ANDREWS HARBOUR IN ITS TRAWLING-DAYS.

CHANGES IN THE LINE-BOATS AND THEIR APPARATUS.

The changes which have taken place in line-fishing have
been more slowly developed, and have been modifications of
the very ancient system which was prevalent in pre-christian
times, and has been handed down from generation to generation.
Any fishing centre will suffice for illustration, and we shall take
St Andrews. Up to about the year 1860, the largest boat

CHANGES IN BOATS OF LINERS. 73

employed was about 35 feet long, clinker-built, with pump of
wood, and without a deck, and fishing was carried on by the
crew of six men not far from land. The lines consisted of three
strings and a half or 700 hooks (each hundred of the fishermen,
however, being equal to 120). The mainmast carried the large
lug-sail, and the foremast the smaller. Instead of a fixed stove
for cooking the men used an old pot, or a small portable fire on
an old tray, but as they did not go to distant grounds this
temporary arrangement sufficed. Their fishes were placed in
baskets—each containing about ten stones. No market existed
in those days for fishes, and they were sold by the women in
town and country, or to “fish-cadgers,” who carried them in
carts to neighbouring towns. Their captures were accordingly
limited in quantity, and a large catch could not easily be
disposed of. ‘Towards the beginning of the century, indeed, a
cart has been filled frequently for a shilling with fishes of
various kinds.

For herring-fishing the nets were of hemp, had 29 rows to
the yard, and did not shrink. Each boat had eighteen or twenty
nets, each being 55 yards in length and 15 yards deep. The
nets were hauled by the hand, as in primitive times. In
white fishing a gaff or “clip” was used for seizing heavy fishes
or those unhooked when hauling the lines.

Now the position is much altered. After the period men-
tioned the length of the boats increased, 4 strings instead of
3 formed the lines, and now no less than 6 strings with about
1,200 hooks are used, while the hooks instead of being 36 inches
are 45 inches apart. The largest boats are 60 feet or a little
more in length, are decked, and furnished with an aft-cabin
and berths for the men, as well as a cooking-stove. They are
carvel-built (that is, instead of the planks overlapping as in the
clinker-built boats, the edges touch, and the intermediate chink
is caulked). The foremast is the larger and carries the heavier
sail The pumps are now of iron. The greatly improved
fittings of the boat, such as patent blocks and the arrangement
of the ropes, enable a smaller crew to do the work, so that
occasionally 5 men suffice in a boat of 60 feet, whereas in the
olden time there were 6 in the 35-foot boat. The nets, of

74, CHANGES IN BOATS OF LINERS.

which each boat has 100, are 60 yards long, and 18 yards deep,
and they are made of cotton, with 33 rows to a yard, and after
two years’ wear, the shrinkage gives 36 in a yard. Instead of
manual hauling, there was first the improvement of a net
hauler (see Fig. adjoiming) and lastly the same worked by steam.
The gradually mcreasing size of the boat rendered long hand-
nets necessary for capturing stray fishes over the gunwale.
Instead of baskets, boxes have been used for the fishes for
nearly a quarter of a century, the box, indeed, making its
appearance with the trawls and increased facility in disposing
of the fishes. Finally, in the most advanced towns steam-liners
have largely increased.

It is interesting to notice the parallelism in the increase of
the nets and hooks, for while no one brings forward the enormous
increase of the nets as proof of the decadence of the herring, it
is otherwise with the increase of hooks, which, for instance, in
the Reports of the Fishery Board, is held to prove the diminu-
tion of white fishes in our seas, and the call for restrictive
legislation. Changes have occurred in both groups (herrings
and white fishes), but they are apparently not of a kind to be
dealt with in the manner just mentioned.

THE PRESENT STATE OF THE LINE AND TRAWL FISHERIES
IN RELATION TO THE FISHING-GROUNDS AND THE FISHES},

In 1884, under the head of ‘General Remarks, as careful a
survey of the situation of the fisheries in connection with both
line-fishing and trawl-fishing was drawn up®. In reading over
these remarks at the present time the position does not seem
to have been misunderstood ; indeed, there is little at variance
with the condition as now shown by fifteen years’ experiments
and observations. Amongst other remarks it is stated that
‘steam-trawlers at present can only fish profitably within a

1 Vide, the Author’s ‘Brief sketch of the Scottish Fisheries, 1882—1892,’
Dundee, 1892.
2 Vide Report of the Royal Commissioners, pp. 377—880.

Latest hand-apparatus (“Champion”) for the hauling of herring-
nets. It is worked by two handles.

To face p. TA]

s:

3 Sao oie tt eae Pee
Se S % i

Baiting the line. The “‘shelled” mussels are on the board on the left.

To face p. 75]

PRESENT STATE OF LINE AND TRAWL-FISHING. 75

moderate distance of the land; and were the fishes to become
so thinned that, with all the skill and energy shown in managing
the ships, the returns proved unsatisfactory, trawling might
voluntarily disappear. There is no reliable evidence, however,
that before such a result would happen irreparable injury would
have been done to the sea-fisheries.’

Now, at that time there were in Scotland a total of 611
trawling-vessels—of which probably about one half were
steamers, the other half being sailing-boats or vessels used for
trawling. The exact numbers cannot be obtained, but there
were from 12 to 20 boats used in trawling at St Andrews, 6 to
8 came from Broughty Ferry, 2 or 3 each from St Monans and
Cellardyke, and others existed in the Moray Firth. Trawling,
indeed, at St Andrews was an old custom, the Buckhaven
fishermen having introduced it early in the century, and subse-
quently the local fishermen carried 1t on more or less regularly,
generally trawling in September and October, and in March
and April, though occasionally much longer. The frequent
presence, however, just before the period of the Trawling
Commission, of 10 or 12 powerful steam-trawlers to compete
with them on their own ground quite altered the aspect of
affairs. The energy with which the steam-trawlers generally
worked—for trawling went on by night as well as by day, and
in weather unsuitable for the liners—introduced in Scotland a
new era into the department. Fishing was to be carried out
no longer by more or less independent crews, bound together
by blood-relationship or other ties, and whose working hours
were largely regulated by the weather and tides, or their own
convenience and necessities. Yet, their whole domestic life
was interwoven with the time-honoured pursuit. Their wives
and daughters laboriously baited the hooks and arranged the
lines in the baskets for ‘shooting, they gathered the ‘bent’-
grass for separating the layers of the line, and with the sons
dug lob-worms or procured mussels for bait. In the olden time,
indeed, their wives and daughters were likewise their fish-
merchants, and disposed of their captures to the best advantage.

1 The numbers are taken from the Report of the Select Committee of The
House of Commons, 1893, p. 396.

76 CHANGES INTRODUCED BY TRAWLING.

Now (18883) active and powerful vessels, propelled by steam,
and thus more or less independent of the weather—manned
by a captain responsible to owners or their manager, a crew
bound together only by discipline and pay, and whose fishing
apparatus required no bait, appeared on the field. Further,
instead of following the pursuit on grounds familiar to genera-
tions before them, the new fishermen not only ranged over
these, but sought new and sometimes more distant fields.
Capitalists took up the question, and fitted out powerful ships
in both Scotland and England, and sent them into Scottish
waters, so that the liners met with most formidable rivals.
The complaints of the line-fishermen at this period (1883) and
subsequently necessarily attracted much attention, and great
sympathy has always been expressed in regard to their condition,
for undoubtedly the larger and more regular supply of fishes
had a tendency to diminish value, and this caused a reduction
of income to the liner, and the fishes on certain of the nearer
grounds were thinned, and perhaps rendered more wary. In
the Report of 1884 it was said that ‘two competitors are in the
field instead of one, and for the liner it may take closer work,
even with all the help improved modern appliances in boats
and material can give, to keep pace with his rival;’ and further,
that it would be a great calamity if any mishap should befall
such a fine race of men—hardy, willing, and adventurous.
Complete destruction, or, at any rate, most serious interference
with the fishing-grounds, and the destitution of the fishing-
population, were then predicted, and many anxious eyes watched
the development of events, since about 45,000 men at least
were dependent on the net- and line-boats of the country,
whereas only a few hundred—perhaps between 200 and 300—
were at that time engaged in the trawling industry.

Fifteen years have elapsed since this change took place,
yet so far as can be ascertained, the condition of the sober and
industrious liner of to-day is far from being destitute, and
many are able to utilize the Savings Bank, to acquire property
or a competency for their old age. It could not well be other-
wise, when, with all the uncertainties of fishing, four men will
occasionally have about £26 a week, or a single ‘shot’ which

MR WALPOLE ON CONDITION OF FISHERMEN. Th

produces £9 or £4 in white-fishing. In herring-fishing, again,
a crew of two boys and a man will make £9 in a single night
in the Forth, and this in the year 1898. In most places they
have enforced idleness from storms, and there is little for them
to do on shore. No other class of working men, indeed, more
frequently have such periods of rest, and the fishermen are
thus conspicuous features in the every day life of their towns
and villages. Some compensation is in this way given for their
hazardous calling, and for their courageous battle with the
elements, and, it cannot be doubted that it is the interest of
the nation to encourage them even more than those who follow
other trades.

The experienced remarks of the late Mr Spencer Walpole
on the subject of the British fisherman’s financial condition? is
worthy of the earnest attention of all interested in the Fisheries,
and more especially of that class whose persistent aim, unless
we are to suppose utter incapacity, is less to benefit the Fisheries
and fisherman than to make progress—political or otherwise—
in a different direction. Every word of Mr Walpole’s remarks
applies equally to Scotland as to England, and in every essential
particular can be supported from personal experience. He
specially points out the errors into which Prof. Leone Levi fell
when he supposed that the fisherman was not half so well off as
the ordinary agricultural labourer. He truly says “I do not
think that anyone who has any acquaintance with the fishing
community will endorse that statement. If you examine an
ordinary fisherman’s dress, you will find it warmer and more
costly than that of the labourer ;...he consumes a larger propor-
tion of animal food than the labourer ;...you will find rows of
cottages not merely occupied, but owned, by fishermen, built or
purchased out of the profits of the fisheries....Many of them
own their own nets and lines, and some of them have a share
in the boats in which they sail....Many of the masters are boat-
owners, with £250 to £1500 of capital—who have begun their
lives as ordinary fishermen.”

In communities of sober and industrious fishermen comfort
is almost always present, and want unknown.

1 Official Rept. Internat. Fish, Exhib., vol. xiii., pp. 173—178, 1884.

78 TRAWLING VESSELS IN SCOTTISH WATERS.

The crews of the average steam-trawler are not less daring
than their comrades of the line-boats, but they lead a much
more active life, and have little or no time, except perhaps in
great storms or on Saturday and early on Sunday, for shore-
life. Their constant services by might and by day throughout
the week must frequently test even the hardiest constitution,
which can only be kept in condition by a faculty of snatching
a little repose when off duty during the time the trawl is
down. Their average earnings are probably greater than those
of the liner, but as a rule, they work much harder, and permit
themselves little leisure. As their remuneration depends in
most cases on the success of their fishing, it is no wonder that
they select the richest grounds within a reasonable distance,
and leave the less lucrative areas to others. It would be a
great boon to these men if their Sunday on shore were un-
broken.

Since 1884 the trawling vessels in Scotland have steadily
increased in number, so that within ten years they have
been considerably more than doubled: the returns for 1893
showing that there are no less than 142 vessels and 720 men
thus employed,—the total value of vessels, exclusive of gear,
being about £240,737. Or, to go more minutely into details, of
this number 72 are steam-trawlers, having a tonnage of 2625
tons, and valued at £237,004, to which has to be added the
fishing gear, £10,746,—making a total of £247,750. These
vessels are manned by 544 men. The rest (70) are sailing-
trawlers, having a tonnage of 423, and valued at £3733, while
their gear is estimated at £1332—making a total of £5065,
with 176 men on board.

In addition to the foregoing there were 39 steam-trawlers
belonging to English owners, fishing regularly from Scottish
ports, and the tonnage of which was 959 tons, value £92,100,
and value of gear £3850,—making a total of £95,950. These
had 296 men on board. The disproportion between the number
of men employed and the cost of the material is chiefly brought
out when it is mentioned that for 1892 the liners and net-
fishermen were 45,629, while they had 13,865 boats, valued at
£680,000. It will thus be seen that, while the average is

Ordinary Fishing-boat in Aberdeen Harbour, August, 1898.

To face p. 78]

CAPTURES BY LINERS AND TRAWLERS, 1892. 79

about £1695 for each trawling ship, for the liner it is about
£49. The disproportion, again, in the trawling vessels, between
the first-class and the small sailing-boat, e.g. of the Clyde, is very
great,—the former being about £5000, the latter under £40.

If the returns of round, flat, and other fishes landed, irre-
spective of herrings, sprats, sparlings, and mackerel, which do
not prominently bear on the present question, be considered,
it is found that in 1892' the liners brought to shore 1,229,809
ewts. of round fishes, viz., cod, ling, torsk, saithe, whiting,
haddock, and conger, which realised, at 8s. per ewt., £516,524;
the trawlers landed 261,200 cwts. at 10s. lld., or £143,062 ;
the liners produced 100,228 cwts. of flat-fishes, viz., flounders,
plaice, brill, skate, halibut, lemon-dabs, and turbot, at 10s. 9d. =
£53,973; the trawlers, 77,649 cwts. of flat fishes at 25s. 4d. =
£98,295; while of other kinds of fishes, which include hake, |
bream, gurnard, cat-fishes, and sillock, the liners had 61,224
ewts. at 4s. 9d. = £14,646; and the trawlers, 41,256 cwts. at
As. Td. =£9,410. The total in each case are, for the liners
1,391,261 cwts. and £585,143; for the trawlers 380,105 cwts.
and £250,767.

In glancing at the returns (1892) of the Board, which were
handed in by the late able Chairman (Mr Esslemont) to the
Select Committee in 1893, it would seem that one fish, viz.,
the green cod or coal-fish, is included both amongst the round
fishes and the ‘other kinds of fish,’ in the former having the
name of ‘saithe’ (adult), and in the latter ‘sillocks’ (young),
but this is not a point of much importance in regard to the
results. As might be expected, the liners, and notably the
long-liners, have the predominance in the round-fishes, especially
in regard to cod, ling, and conger, the latter being apparently
seldom caught in a trawl on the Kastern coast. These large
fishes, moreover, would appear to protect themselves to a
considerable extent from this apparatus, especially when it is in
frequent use, so that it is only in water that is disturbed by
gales or by working at night that they are caught in numbers

* The full value of the labours of the Royal Commission of 1883, and especi-
ally of the late Lord Dalhousie, in establishing a series of proper statistics for
the fisheries of Scotland, cannot be over-estimated.

80 CAPTURES BY LINERS AND TRAWLERS IN 1892.

under these circumstances. Nor is this surprising, since even a
tiny cod, of little more than 4th of an inch, can avoid the
forceps intended to capture it. The cod and saithe are also
largely caught by gill-nets on the West coast; while the great
lines, carrying hooks baited with herring, are the chief means of
capture used in the case of the conger. Further, it has to be
remembered that the trawlers, both near and distant, as a rule,
throw overboard their small haddocks (8 to 9 and 10 inches), in
both cases because it is not worth their trouble to bring them
to market and pay dues for the trifling sum obtained for them ;
and in the instance of the distant trawler, to avoid, in addition,
the labour of ‘ gutting,’ and the expense of ice. Yet the liners
bring these to market and they are included in their returns.
It is an interesting fact that, notwithstanding the recent
remarks concerning the condition of the trawled fishes, that the
price of the latter surpasses that of the former by 2s. 11d. per
cwt. It is true the trawler can more readily reach the market
with his fishes, but against this has to be placed the great
number of local fishing-boats which have only brief distances to
traverse, and the fact that the trawlers who go to distant banks
bring fishes ‘gutted’ as well as preserved in ice, and the
appearance of which is not always in their favour.

When the flat fishes are considered, it is found that though
the liners produced considerably more in weight, yet the price
obtained per cwt. is not half (by 3s. 10d. less) that got by the
trawlers, so that the total value of the flat fishes procured by
the latter is nearly double that of the former. Yet we know
that halibut are largely caught by the liners, and that the
three-mile limit and the closed waters in addition are at the
disposal of the latter for relays of lines wherewith to capture
plaice, dabs, and flounders. In all probability, however, it is
the plaice, the witches, and especially the lemon-dabs and the
turbot which prove so advantageous to the trawlers.

Of the ‘other kinds of fish,’ little need be said except that

1 At Montrose, for instance, the flat fishes landed by trawlers realised nearly
20s. per ewt., while those caught by line produced only 9s. 11d. per cwt. But
turbot alone was sold at £3. 6s. 2d. per cwt., so that the trawlers had the
advantage in this respect.

CAPTURES BY LINERS AND TRAWLERS, 1893. 81

comparatively few hake come into the trawl, whereas the
liner perhaps obtains a larger number; that while the liner
brings the gurnards to shore and often eats them, they are
frequently thrown overboard by the trawler; and that the
eat-fish (wolf-fish) is caught by both in considerable numbers,
but whereas, in certain trawlers, this fish is taken to port on
Tuesdays, it is thrown overboard at the end of the week.

In 1893 the equivalent returns show that the liners brought
to land 1,136,389 ewts. of round fishes = £466,399, this being
93,419 ewts. and £50,125 less than last year. The most marked
deficiency was in haddocks, 69,766 cwts. and £35,092; cod,
54,260 ewts. and £20,661; and whiting, 15,381 and £5,741.
An increase had taken place both in line- and trawl-fishing
in the other round fishes, viz., ling, torsk, saithe, and in the
conger caught by line. How far this diminution was due
to the unfavourable weather of 1893 is an open question. It
certainly must have had some influence. The abundance of
very small haddocks is another fact to be remembered, since
many were not brought to shore, and they occupied hooks on
which larger fishes might have been caught. The trawlers
landed 309,862 cwts. of round fishes = £178,304, or 48,662
ewts. = £35,242 more than last year. With regard to flat-
fishes, the liners produced 57,149 cwts. = £43,306, or 4,685
ewts. and £48 more than last year; the greatest increase, 5,594
ewts. and £566, having been in halibut, but these apparently
were largely caught in distant waters, such as off the coast of
Norway, Iceland, Farée, and elsewhere, so that they confuse
the returns from British waters. An increase also exists in
“soles” (lemon-dabs) of 50 ewts. and £120. A slight decrease,
again, occurs in flounders, plaice, and brill. The trawlers
landed of flat fishes 71,024 cwts. = £89,781, a decrease of 604
ewts. and £7,243 on last year, this decrease being largely due
to the deficiency of lemon-dabs, viz., 6,133 cwts. and £8,448,
and a deficiency in turbot of 94cwts. and £762, while an
merease occurred in halibut and a larger increase in flounders,
plaice, and brill, 5,197 ewts. and £1,597. This year skate form
a Separate return, which shows that the liners produced 52,626
ewts. and £10,725, or 4,862 cwts. more than in 1892, yet with

M, R. 6

82 CAPTURES BY LINERS AND TRAWLERS IN 1893.

only a trifling excess of income over that year, viz. £9. 10s., a
result probably due to diminished prices. The trawlers landed
5,383 ewts. = £1,015, or 637 cwts. and £253 less than in 1892.
Of ‘other kinds of fishes’ the net-fishermen brought 3,517
ewts. = £891, or 102 cwts. and £731 more than in 1892, while
the liners landed 46,461 cwts. = £10,726, or 11,847 ewts. and
£3,160 less than in 1892. The trawlers again caught 39,418
ewts. = £9,215, or 1,838 ewts. and £195 less than in 1892.

The price of the round fishes in 1893 1s respectively for the
liner 8s. 24d. per cwt., and the trawler 11s. 6d., or a balance of
3s. 34d. in favour of the latter, and therefore a higher propor-
tion than in 1892. In regard to flat fishes the meclusion of
skate makes a considerable difference ; thus the average price
for flat fishes, inclusive of skate, is for the liner 9s. 10d., for the
trawler 23s. 9d. per cwt., whereas, when the skate are excluded,
it is for the liner 15s. 2d., for the trawler 25s. 3d.) Imeuhe
former case the trawler receives no less than 4s. ld. more than
double the amount obtained by the liner ; in the latter case the
trawler receives 10s. ld. per cwt. more than the liner. The
disproportion in any case is marked. In connection with prices,
however, it has to be borne in mind that in many cases the
liner 1s compelled to sell his fishes in remote districts or un-
favourable markets, whereas the trawler takes care to put his
fishes into the best market, and in quantity.

Again, the grand total of all kinds of fishes landed in 1892
was 5,436,138 cwts. If herrings, sprats, sparlings, and mackerel
(viz., 3,664,771) are deducted, 1,771,367 cwts. are left, of which
1,391,262 cwts. were caught by liners, and 380,105 cwt. by
trawlers, or, in other words, the liners caught more than three
times the quantity of fishes landed by the trawlers. In 1893
the grand total of all kind of fishes notably exceeds that of
1892, and is no less than 6,208,018 cwts., or 771,880 cwts. more
than in 1892. The greater proportion of this, however, is
made up of herrings, viz., 4,486,187 cwts..—that is to say, a fish
which is more or less unprotected at all stages of its life is
apparently able to hold its own against its destroyers. It is,
however, a purely pelagic form, and depends on the pelagic
or floating fauna for its food. If the herrings, &c., are deducted,

Repairing the lines.

To face p. 82]

CAPTURES BY LINERS AND TRAWLERS IN 1894. 83

a balance of 1,721,831 cwts. is left for the liners and trawlers,
being 49,536 cwts. less than in 1892. Of this 1,296,144 cwts.
were the produce of the liners (less by 95,118 cwts. than in
1892), and 425,687 cwts. the quantity landed by trawlers
(45,582 ewts. more than in 1892). While the liners, therefore,
showed a marked diminution in their total, the trawlers showed
a considerable increase.

When the returns, however, of the fishing-boats of all kinds
(other than beam-trawlers) are considered, it is found that
there were in 1893, 363 fewer boats and vessels than in 1892,
and a decrease of 1689 fishermen and boys. This condition of
things is sufficient to account for a considerable diminution of
line-caught fishes, without regarding the unfavourable weather
of the season. Moreover, it has to be remembered that fishery
statistics are far from being complete, for though the returns
show that the quantity of fishes mentioned has certainly been
landed, they do not indicate those fishes which have been
landed and not reported. On the other hand, the number of
the trawlers has increased by 2 (probably powerful steam-
vessels) and 18 men during the year.

In 1894 the liners brought to land 1,250,066 cwts. of round
fishes = £457,798, an amount exceeding the captures of the
previous year by 113,677 cwts., yet the mcreased quantity was
accompanied by diminished value, for the sum received was
£8,601 less. The greatest increase was in perhaps the most
important fish, viz. the haddock, which but lately had been the
subject of many pessimistic theories. The captures exceeded
those of the previous year by no less than 110,000 cwts., but,
from the small size of the majority, the price had decreased by
£3,389. The vital point, however, is the great abundance of
small haddocks along the eastern shores in 1894, The vari-
ability both in amount and value was further shown by the
fact that saithe (green cod) also exceeded the quantity in the
previous year by 21,731 cwts., but was diminished in price by
£1,374, while whiting was also in excess by 10,362 cwts., but
the value was only £586 more. Cod, again, had decreased to
the extent of 3,225 cwts., yet had an increased price of £1,751,
ling was also less by 20,773 cwts., and fell behind no less than

6—2

84 CAPTURES BY LINERS AND TRAWLERS IN 1894.

£7,807, and conger showed a smaller diminution also in both
quantity and value.

The trawlers produced 347,827 cwts. of round fishes
= £168,136, an increase of 37,965 cwts., and a diminution of
£10,168 on last year’s captures If no other returns than
those of the liners had been available the irregularity of the
captures of the various forms might have been misunderstood,
e.g. that the cod was greatly diminishing. The trawl, however,
procured 24,840 cwts. of cod more than the previous year, and
an increase of £4,054; 17,631 cwts. of haddocks more than in
1893, but with the great diminution of £11,883, showing, as in
the former case, the prevalence of the smaller forms. Other
kinds of round fishes showed considerable diminution.

The liners landed 105,244 ewts. of flat fishes = £59,734,
nearly double the amount (48,095 cwts.) of the previous year,
though the value was only £16,428 more, probably from
increased abundance and diminished prices. This total is
divided between ordinary flat fishes (pleuronectids) and skate.
The former amounts to 61,783 cwts. = £49,133 ; an increase of
4,634 cwts. and £5,827 on 1893. Halibut, flounders, plaice
and brill account for the increase, the larger share of which
(£3,143) falls to the former, while £2,783 cover the three latter.
Of skate the total for the year is 43,461 cwts. = £10,601, a
diminution on the previous year of 9,165 cwts. and £124. Of
other kinds of fishes 32,149 ewts. = £7,808, or 14,311 ewts. and
£2,918 less than in 1893.

The trawlers caught a less amount of flat fishes than the
liners, viz. 77,660 cwts., but the value was much greater, viz.
£91,887, a somewhat larger amount by 1,253 cwts. and £1,091
than in 1893. The total for flat fishes proper was 71,882 cwts.
= £90,760, an increase of 857 cwts. and £979 on the previous
year. The forms in which an increase occurred were flounders,
plaice, and brill 1,099 ewts. and £2,208, and lemon-dabs 667 ewts.
and £1,871. A diminution of 996 ewts. and £3,327 in turbot
was the most important on the other side. Skate showed a
slight increase, viz. 395 cwts. and £112; while other kinds of
fishes, as in the case of the liners, were reduced by 16,536 cwts.
and £3,621.

CAPTURES BY LINERS AND TRAWLERS IN 1894—5. 85

The value of the round fishes in 1894 is 7s. 3d. per ewt. for
the liner and 9s. 8d. for the trawler, a balance of 2s. 5d. in
favour of the latter. This is somewhat less (by 84d.) than in
1893. For flat fishes on an average the liner received 11s. 4d.
(1s. 6d. more than in 1893), the trawler 23s. 7d. per cwt. (2d.
less than in 1893). Both had the same price for the other
kinds of fishes, viz. 4s. 10d. per cwt. The disproportion in
regard to the price of the flat fishes has always been a marked
feature in contrasting the two classes of fishermen, and is
probably due to turbot and lemon-dabs.

The grand total of all kinds of fishes landed in 1894 was
6,188,774 cwts. or less by 19,244 cwts. than in 1893. If
herrings, sprats, sparlings and mackerel (viz. 4,351,628) are
deducted 1,837,146 cwts. are left, an increase of 115,315 ewts.
on 1893. Of this about 1,388,777 cwts. pertain to the liners or
92,633 cwts. more than last year, and 448,369 to the trawlers,
or 22,682 cwts. of an increase over 1893.

This year (1894) also a decrease occurred in the number
of boats propelled by sails or oars of 213, of fishermen and boys
721, so that this must be taken into account in considering the
quantities landed by the liners. There was an increase, how-
ever, in steam-liners of 6, the numbers being for 1893—88, for
1894—44; and an increase of 50 men. The energy necessary
for working steam-fishing vessels with profit has also some
connection with the increase in this department.

During the year 5 steam-trawling vessels were added to
the fleet (4 to Aberdeen and 1 to Leith) and 52 men. The
total number in Scotland being thus 77, that is, trebled since
the agitation on the subject commenced in 1883. Moreover
the quality of the vessels has considerably improved. Besides
these, 38 steam trawlers, other than Scottish, fished off the east
coast of Scotland.

The liners captured in 1895, 1,343,011 cwts. of round fishes
= £482,820, an increase of 107,065 cwts. and £25,022 on the
amount and value of 1884. This considerable increase was
largely due to the fact that 110,537 cwts. of haddocks more
than in 1894 were secured, a point of some importance in view
of the persistent efforts in certain quarters to pronounce the

86 CAPTURES BY LINERS AND TRAWLERS, 1895.

doom of the haddock all along the eastern shores of Scotland.
Yet the greater part of this increase in haddocks, or 92,954 ewts.,
came from the east coast, and by no transference of the increment
to the Great Fisher Bank, the Faroe Islands, or similar distant
areas, can this be under-estimated. It is sufficient to point to
the captures of the “Garland” within the limits to show that
the haddock, if persistently followed, was likewise plentiful
inshore. The substantial increase was not only in numbers,
but the value rose by £34,756 on the total catch on the Scotch
shores in 1895. Such facts strengthen the belief that the
Scotch haddock fishery is not so reduced as is stated. It is
true that every season, indeed every week, shows its variations
—from weather, roving of the shoals of fishes and other causes,
e.g. the use of unsavoury bait, yet after trawler and liner have
each taken as many as possible the remaining stock is such as
to give no cause for alarm—even to those sensitively alive to
the welfare of the marine fisheries. The large number of boats
and the use of trawls possibly disturb and break up the shoals
for a time, as well as cause them to change their ground, but
the ocean is a vast place of refuge—in which the depleted
ranks will be augmented, their places taken by others, or by
themselves at a later stage. It cannot be supposed that all the
manifold apparatus persistently used by liners and by trawlers
makes no impression on the hordes of haddocks. The author
has always thought that the larger forms were diminished in
numbers, and this is borne out by the appearance of the
captures, say off Shetland on the one hand, and off St Andrews
Bay and the Forth on the other—except under special circum-
stances as, for instance, the presence of shoals of herrings at
their spawning season in winter. But to aver that, because
the harassed and more wary fishes are caught in small numbers,
they are on the road to extinction, is to shut out the facts that
the water teems with the eggs in season, with swarms of minute
young food-fishes, and with myriads of other young fishes which
along with pelagic marine organisms of a lower type form their
food. Eggs of haddocks in the water are as good hostages for
the fillmg up of the ranks as need be wished; while the myriads
of young in the deeper water, free from molestation by any

CAPTURES BY LINERS AND TRAWLERS, 1895. 87

kind of commercial apparatus, still further act as a bulwark
against extinction. Everything is on the side of nature in the
struggle. Hven the capture of the adult spawning haddocks is
not the final stage, for the decks of the vessels are often covered
with masses of ripe eggs and milt which even the most careless
manipulations in throwing or washing overboard cannot alto-
gether sacrifice. More romantic than the Gorgon’s head are
the never failing resources of nature in connection with these
and other food-fishes.

Considerable increase had also occurred in the captures of
cod, which showed 4,969 cwts. and £1,452 over that of last
year. There was a smaller increase in the quantity of torsk,
conger and whiting, but the value of the latter was £1,112 less
than in 1894. On the other hand ling had receded by 6,364
and £8,042, green cod (saithe) by no less than 19,546 and
£2,853.

The trawlers also produced a larger amount of round fishes
than in 1894, viz. 434,129 cwts. = £174,380, the increase being
86,302 cwts., but only £6,244 more than last year, which had a
deficit of £10,168 on the previous year (1893). As in the case
of the liners the captures of haddocks make a large proportion
of the increase, viz. 78,389 cwts. and £2,675, showing that the
size of the haddocks had been small, or that the values had
been low. Cod show an increase of 6,603 cwts. and £4,032,
and there is also a slight increase in ling, whiting, and a slight
diminution in saithe.

Of flat fishes the liners landed 111,011 cwts. = £59,767, or a
slight increase of 5,767 cwts., the value remaining almost the
same as last year. Their chief increase in weight was in halibut,
viz. 2,709 cwts. over the previous year, but the value had been
diminished, since the trifling addition of £318 only resulted.
Flounders, plaice and brill were less by 2,305 cwts. and £1,675.
A large increase in skate was noteworthy of the year, viz.
10,877 cwts. = £1,778, yet this fish is as liable to be captured _
in the trawl as any other form, though, as it happened, the
captures by trawlers were under those of 1894, one of the
irregularities so prevalent in marine fishing. Of other kinds of
fishes there was a diminution on the returns of the previous

88 CAPTURES BY LINERS AND TRAWLERS, 1895.

year, viz. of 157 ewts. and £6,517, showing that the market-
values had likewise altered.

The trawlers captured 79,835 cwts. of flat fishes = £112,749,
a less quantity than that caught by the liners in weight by
31,176 cwts., but exceeding it by the large sum of £52,982,
that is, their flat fishes were nearly twice as valuable. The
total quantity exceeded by 2,175 cwts. that of 1894, not a large
increase, but fully maintaining the position, especially as it was
accompanied by an increment of £20,862 in value. The total
of flat fishes proper was 74,927 cwts. = £111,652, exceeding
that of 1894 by 3,045 cwts. and £20,892. The cost of flounders,
plaice and brill had increased, since with a surplus of only
860 cwts. over 1894 the value was raised by £11,202. Lemon-
dabs had an increase of 1,440 cwts. and £7,153, and 556 cwts.
and £2,105 were added to the totals of the turbot of the
previous year. A slight mcrease occurred in halibut, whereas
the liners had fallen 2,709 cwts. behind the returns of 1894.
Skate, again, were less by 870 cwts. and £30; while other fishes,
as in the case of the liners, had diminished by 5,151 cwts. and
£5,151.

The value of the round fishes in 1895 is 7s. 2d. per ewt. for
the liner and 8s. for the trawler, the difference (10d.) between
the two kinds of fishermen being less than the previous year
(2s. 5d.). In the case of flat fishes the liner received 10s. 9d.
per cwt., the trawler 28s. 3d., the disproportion (17s. 6d.) being
greater than in 1894, and due to high prices as well as to
increase in turbot and lemon-dabs.

The grand total of all kinds of fishes (other than shell fishes)
landed in 1895 was 6,107,044, a total less by 81,728 cwts. than
in 1894, but this decrease does not affect the liner and trawler,
since if we deduct herrings, sparlings and mackerel (viz.
4,095,695 cwts.) 2,011,349 cwts. caught by liner and trawler
are left, a quantity exceeding that of 1894 by no less than
174,203 ewts. Of the total thus captured, 1,479,654 cwts.
pertained to the liner, and 531,695 cwts. to the trawler, the
former showing an increase on the previous year of 110,877 cwts.,
the latter of 83,326 cwts. Yet these results have been attained
by a diminished number of fishing (sailing) boats, viz. 194, and

CAPTURES BY LINERS AND TRAWLERS, 1896. 89

523 men, their places having been taken by two steam liners
and 25 men. The statistics show that the supply of fishes for
the market has notably increased in this department, notwith-
standing the steady decline in the numbers of those working
sailing boats, the men whom we for generations have associated
with this perilous industry, and who are noted for their hardi-
hood and daring. This change has been largely brought about
by the introduction of steam, both in line-fishing and in trawling.

No steam-trawling vessels were added during the year, a
feature of interest in connection with substantial increase in
the captures. The tonnage, however, had an increment of 53
and the value had risen by £13,430. Only 5 additional men
were engaged in this department. There were, however, 3
deducted from the list of other than Scottish vessels (38) fishing
off the east coast of Scotland.

In 1896, the liners procured 1,449,259 cwts. of round fishes
= £508,928, an increase of 106,248 cwts., and no less than
£26,108 on the previous year. Thus year by year the steady
increase in this important industry continues. Last year the
haddock had the credit of raising the total in a noteworthy
manner. This year the cod is in that position, by an increase
of 90,416 cwts. and £19,751 over 1895, and the green cod
(saithe) by about half the amount in weight. The quantity of
haddocks still more than maintained its position, for there was
an increase of 7,137 cwts. and £10,946, a satisfactory result for
two years in succession. The increase in the green cod (saithe)
was 46,398 cwts., but only £2,953, a fact due to the moderate
price always attached to this fish. Conger had increased by
4.463 cwts., but the value was £221 below that of 1895. On
the other hand, ling had receded by 37,973 cwts. and £7,742
and whiting by 1,081, with an increase in price of £446. That
for two years the ling fishery had so markedly declined was
probably due to a change in the methods of the fisherman, or
an. absence of the previous energy.

The trawlers likewise showed an increased quantity and
value of round fishes over 1895, viz. 444,250 ewts. and £178,604.
The actual increase was 10,121 cwts. and £4,224. While cod,
as in the case of the liners, showed a decided augmentation of

90 CAPTURES BY LINERS AND TRAWLERS, 1896.

25,322 cwts. and £4,251, and saithe (coal fish) of 2,953 ewts. and
£228, the other round fishes varied. Thus whereas in the liners
a great deficit occurred in ling, the trawlers had 2,758 ewts.
and £507 more than in 1895. Haddocks, however, had fallen
behind 1895 by 18,279 cwts. and £67. Whitings were barely
on a par with the previous year, but congers maintained their
position. Such variations are inseparable from sea-fishing, and
show how necessary it is to be cautious in drawing deductions
either from statistics or the statements of those interested.
Some of these variations have great antiquity, and are even
indicated by the seasonal pursuits of the fisherman, who when
the haddock fishing becomes less tempting in June takes to the
herring fishing in distant waters, and the successful financial
result as well as the healthy variety of occupation cannot but
have an important influence on his happiness and prosperity.
Plaice-trawling or fishing in late autumn, on return from the
herring fishing, is another example. Others are the result of
chance, and are exemplified in the casual capture of cod in a
stake-net, while the liners see lhttle of them, by the loading of
one boat’s lines while another has few haddocks, by a sea
swarming with whitings, haddocks or herrings, while for a long
period all three may be comparatively scarce.

In flat fishes the liners also held a better position than in
1895, the total being 113,103 cwts. and £67,034, or an excess of
2,093 ewts. and £7,267, the latter disproportionate increase in
value being due to higher prices. This increase was made up of
143 cwts. and £223 for turbot, and 4,171 ewts. and £5,885 for
halibut. Lemon-dabs remained nearly stationary, while there
was a loss by weight of 2,813 cwts. and an increase of £52 in
flounders, plaice and brill. Skate maintained the position of 1895
by having 598 ewts. and £1,114 over that year. Other kinds of
white fishes had an increase of 1,210 cwts., but a diminution of
£258 in value. The great increase in value of last year’s flat
fishes must be borne in mind when considering the further
increment this year. Altogether the results are satisfactory.

The trawlers obtained 90,652 cwts. of flat fishes = £124,495,
an increase of 10,817 cwts. and £11,746, thus maintaining steady
progress. ‘The important turbot showed 1,683 cwts. and £2,922

Wife of fisherman carrying home line in basket (“‘scow”’) on the arrival
of the boat.

To face p. 90]

CAPTURES BY LINERS AND TRAWLERS, 1896. 91

over 1895; halibut remained nearly as in the previous year,
while lemon-dabs had a diminution of 733 cwts., but an increase
of £160 in value. Flounders, plaice and brill exceeded 1895
by no less than 7,973 cwts. and £8,502. Skate had increased
by 1,888 ewts. and £340. Other kinds of white fishes also had
an excess of 2,110 cwts. and £1,245 over the previous year.

The value of the round fishes in 1896 is 7s. for the liner
and 8s. for the trawler, the difference in favour of the trawler
when contrasted with 1895 being 2d. The liner received
11s. 10d. for flat fishes, the trawler 27s. 5d., an increase of
ls. ld. in the former case and a diminution of 10d. in the
latter.

The grand total of all kinds of fishes (other than shell-fishes)
landed in 1896 was 6,146,738 cwts., an increase of 39,697 cwts.
on 1895, and this notwithstanding the great deficit in the
herrings, sparlings and mackerel of 92,904 cwts. on the previous
year. If we deduct the total for herrings, sparlings and
mackerel, viz. 4,002,791 cwts., the fishes caught by the liner
and trawler amount to 2,143,947 cwts., an excess of 132,598 ewts.
on the previous year. Of this total 1,589,204 cwts. were pro-
duced by the liner, and 554,743 cwts. by the trawler, the former
presenting an increase of 109,553 cwts. and £33,117, the latter
23,048 cwts. and £39,697. This year also a large reduction of
boats—boats propelled by sails or oars—took place, viz. 1,064,
representing 4,303 in tonnage, and 3,521 resident and non-
resident men and boys. The remaining boats, however, were
increased in value both as regards the huil and equipment.
Besides, 7 new steam-liners and 93 men were added to this
department, a sign that the old order of things is steadily
being dispensed with.

No steam-trawlers were added to the Scottish series this
year, and a reduction of 3 in vessels other than Scottish took
place. Two small sailing trawlers were also added to this
department. The increase in men was 31, and the tonnage in
the steam vessels was augmented. The general adaptation of
the otter-trawl in the trawling vessels was a feature of the year,
indeed, so great is the competition in the fishing industry, that
it was found that the beam-trawls could scarcely hold their

92 CAPTURES BY LINERS AND TRAWLERS, 1897.

own in the race. Hence the new system invented by Mr Scott,
of the Granton Steam Fishing Company, became a necessity.
The year 1897 was marked by a considerable diminution
in line-caught round fishes, the total being 1,276,702 cwts.
= £492,103, a reduction of 172,557 ewts. and £16,825 on the
previous year. The amount was also exceeded by that of 1895,
though it was higher than in 1894. The greater part was
caused by a decrease of 154,758 cwts. of haddocks, valued at
£26,053. This reduction chiefly affected the nearer waters,
for the captures in the more distant waters by the trawlers
were satisfactory. These nomad fishes had apparently been
somewhat peculiar in their distribution. Cod had diminished
by 3,990 ewts. but increased in value £2,615. Torsk lkewise
fell 2,158 cwts., and saithe no less than 34,584 cwts. Whitings
were less by 9,274 cwts. and £1,696, but congers remained in
the former position. On the other hand ling had substantially
increased by 32,154 cwts. and £10,583. The line-fishing, there-
fore, appeared to have been less successful generally than usual.
The total for round fishes caught by the trawl was 499,259
= £229,506, an increase on the previous year of 55,009 cwts.
and £50,902. It is interesting that this substantial increase
was made up of 30,874 cwts. and £40,727 for haddocks over
the previous year, showing that at least they were abundant
somewhere. A decided increase also occurred in cod, viz.
19,679 ewts. and £7,759, and in saithe (green cod) of 2,484 ewts.,
whitings 3,606 cwts. and £2,357, while congers remained about
the same. On the other hand there was a decrease of 1,641 cwts.
in ling. The trawlers therefore must have been of signal service
in making up the deficit of the liners in haddocks, and in
demonstrating that this species holds its own in the sea. More-
over, the powers of reproduction in such a species as the had-
dock also make it certain that wherever a thinning has occurred
the swarms of eggs and young from the neighbouring regions
will by-and-by restore the balance at the usual seasonal period.
The liners had a total of 112,957 cwts. = £72,068 for flat
fishes, a result only 146 cwts. under last year in weight, and
exceeding the value in 1896 by £5,034. Little change occurred
in regard to turbot, but halibut had a decrease of 3,450 cwts.,

CAPTURES BY LINERS AND TRAWLERS, 1897. 93

though the value was £1,639 above that of 1896. Lemon-dabs
showed a trifling decrease, as also did flounders, plaice and brill.
Skate showed an increase of 3,379 cwts. and £3,188, and other
kinds of fishes showed the slight diminution of 264 ewts., but
an increase in money of £76. The year, therefore, was an
average one, and the variations were probably in a large
measure due to the weather.

Of flat fishes the trawlers secured 71,808 cwts. = £108,454,
a considerable diminution on the totals of the preceding year,
viz. of 18,844 cwts. and £16,041, a result, as regards weight,
less than any year since 1889, the period at which the statistics
began. The value, however, has been considerably enhanced,
and therefore the total is only less than the two preceding
years. Turbot were less than in the preceding year by 410 cwts.
and £540, and lemon-dabs by 5,355 cwts. and £5,989, while
flounders, plaice and brill showed the serious diminution of
14,156 cwts. and £10,299. There was a large increase last year
on the results of 1895 under this head, so that the reduction
was comparatively sudden. Whether, as suggested in the
Report of the Fishery Board, the new otter-trawls capture
more round than flat fishes, or there has been a lack of atten-
tion to this department remains to be seen. Certainly in
inshore waters plaice-fishing has not been prosecuted during
the year with the usual energy, but whether this was the result
of scarcity of fishes or pre-occupation with more remunerative
work is unknown. The closure of the inshore sandy areas places
the supply of plaice from 7 to 13 inches or more in the hands of
the liners, and there can be no question as to the great diminu-
tion of this class of food since the waters were closed. The liner
can capture a considerable number, but only by the exercise
of energy, and he has the market in his hands. Lately a
slackness of operations in the inshore (closed) waters has been
apparent, though these have been specially reserved for the
benefit of the liner. The boats everywhere push out beyond
the limits to compete with the trawler in the open sea; while
the smaller inshore fishes are left to themselves. So far as the
operations of the “Garland” can be relied on, and they are
trustworthy in regard to St Andrews Bay, there are as many

94 CAPTURES BY LINERS AND TRAWLERS, 1897.

flat fishes in these inshore waters as before the experiments
began, and there does not appear to be any cogent reason why
the public should not benefit by their presence. The sending
of a powerful and efficient trawler into such bays now and then
would have been a valuable test of their condition, and would
have enabled the Fishery Board to arrive at conclusions of
considerable practical importance.

The value of the round fishes in 1897 was for the liner
7s. 8d. and for the trawler 9s. 2d., the difference in favour of
the trawler when contrasted with the condition in 1896 being
6d. The liner received 12s. 9d. for flat fishes, the trawler
30s. 2d., here again the increase mainly falling to the trawler,
whose total (30s. 2d.) was 2s, 9d. over that of the preceding
year.

The grand total of all kinds of fishes (other than shell-
fishes) landed in 1897 was 5,001,672 cwts., a diminution of
no less than 1,145,066 cwts. on the previous year, yet the
aggregate value was £55,951 over the captures of 1896. This
reduction was due to the small catch of herrings, which fell by
1,010,701 cwts. under that of the 1896, yet the quality of the
fishes and the prices obtained actually gave their captors a
surplus of £32,390 on this head alone over 1896. The total
caught by the liners and trawlers (after deducting the herrings,
&¢.) is 2,009,582 cwts., a decrease of 134,565 cwts. on 1896, that
is to say, this deficit removes the excess of 1896 over 1895.
The share of the liners in this total fell short by 172,967 cwts.
and £11,715 of the captures of the previous year (1896) but
the trawlers kept advancing, as they have done since 1884,
their increase this year being 38 601 cwts. and £35,276. There
is reason to believe that but for the activity and energy of the
steam-liners, the line-fishing would not have held in later years
so good a position in comparison with the trawlers, whose total
was 593,344 cwts. = £343,656. A further reduction of 430
boats propelled by sails or oars took place, and 1,049 resident
and non-resident men and boys—connected with the depart-
ment. An improvement, however, of the value of £10,767
took place in those remaining. On the other hand 4 steam-
vessels and 37 men and boys were added to the liners, which

TRAWLING-SHIPS AND AREAS. 95

thus are steadily increasing. Year by year, therefore,
changes in the methods of line-fishing are progressing, such
as steam-liners, and steam-power for hauling nets and lines.

Nine steam-trawlers and 6 sailing trawlers and 104 men
and boys were added to the fleet, and considerable improve-
ments in the construction and accommodation were made in
the best vessels.

In 1884 trawling was carried on within a ‘reasonable
distance’ of land, so that the paddle-ship could deliver the
catches of the night in time for the market next morning, or
the daily ‘ carrier’ of the fleet of steam-trawlers from Granton,
by leaving the fishing-grounds in the afternoon or evening with
the united catch, could reach that port early next morning.
The vessels from the Moray Firth could land their fresh fishes
at Macduff or Aberdeen, and the vessels from Montrose and
Dundee carried fresh fishes to those towns.

For fifteen years the trawl-fishery has been prosecuted with
vigour, and it is interesting now to see what areas the ships
frequent, and with what results. To commence with the most
northerly, viz., Aberdeen, at which trawling has made great
progress since the former date (1884), it is found that, whereas
the chief supplies were brought fresh from the adjoining sea by
the older paddle-ships, or from the Moray Firth by the more
powerful vessels, much of the supply of the present day comes
from the ‘ Great Fisher Bank’ or from Iceland. Instead of the
activity displayed in 1884 in the strip of sea from 10 to 20
miles off the coast, between Aberdeen and Montrose, only a few
vessels are now seen at work here and there in good weather.
Fishes are by no means absent from this area, and at certain
times occur in considerable abundance, but the individual
catches at other times are limited; and on the rough ground
10 or 11 miles off, in 53 fathoms, it sometimes happens that,
after three hours’ trawling, about the same time has to be spent
im mending the net. Yet lemon-dabs and sail-flukes or
“megrims’ (Arnoglossus megastoma) in the deeper and softer
parts, with the larger haddocks and other forms, render the
work there still worthy of attention. If small haddocks brought
fair prices, the work would, indeed, be tolerably remunerative,

96 TRAWLING-SHIPS AND AREAS.

as they are sometimes present in great numbers. The liners
work on the same ground and catch chiefly the latter fishes.
There is no indication that fish-food has been seriously inter-
fered with on this ground, but, on the contrary, invertebrate
life of all kinds is in great abundance. Moreover, the enormous
numbers of pelagic sand-eels, from 15 to 33mm. in length,
intermingled with swarms of young flat-fishes, on these grounds,
and on which many of the fishes were feeding in May, is a
feature of moment. In 1884 the captures on the northern part
of this area during the summer months were comparatively
limited, and it was only the advent of the herring in autumn
that caused a notable increase of white fishes. At the distance
from land just mentioned, in 1894, each haul in daylight pro-
duced from a basket to a basket and a half of lemon-dabs, about
three-fourths of a basket of large haddocks, and four to five
boxes of small haddocks. At night, a few ling, cat-fishes and cod
were added to the catch. Few whitings were procured, and the
same feature was occasionally seen in 1884, for the whitings are
often in the upper parts of the water. Very few cuttle-fishes
occurred in May. The ‘catch’ just mentioned is not a heavy
one, and is probably surpassed by other ships, but it at any rate
shows that fishes are still present in considerable numbers.
This is further demonstrated by examining the ‘ catch’ of a liner
with six men on board, and which had been at sea about 32
hours, fishing on the 28th and 29th of May, probably from 28
to 30 miles off Aberdeen, viz., 9 boxes of large haddocks, the
largest fish reaching the length of 20 inches, the rest smaller
(at 24s. per box), 34 boxes of small haddocks, a few cod, dabs,
one lemon-dab, and a few whitings—making a total of about
£12 for the six men. In the same market lately the large
haddocks brought 29s. per box, so that the above is probably
not an unusual price.

At the southern end of the ground just mentioned, viz., off
Montrose, a trawler working, in 1891, about 25 miles off, in
August, landed the very high catch of 500 boxes of haddocks in
asingle night. In 1894 the takes ranged, per week, from 100 to
140 boxes of haddocks and flat-fishes, besides cod, coal-fishes,
and gurnards. Plaice were said to be rather scarce, even

PRESENT CONDITION OF FISHING GROUNDS. 97

lemon-dabs being more abundant. For the night of the 29th
May 18 boxes of haddocks and flat fishes were landed, besides cod
and ling. For each box of good haddocks (7 stones) 16s. were
obtained, a much lower price than in Aberdeen, where, however,
the box was heavier (8 stones or more). The ‘catch’ for the
night was about a ton in all. A small liner, with five men on
board, which went out between 9 and 10 A.M. on the 29th,
landed at 5 P.M. (7.e.,1n 8 hours) # box of large, 4 box of medium,
2 boxes of small haddocks, many about 9 inches long; 1 lemon-
dab, 2 very fine cod, and 4 codling, and this though their lines
were ‘shot’ in broad daylight. The fishing-ground was from 8
to 10 miles off. This is a small ‘catch, but the circumstances
under which it was made were not favourable. There can be
no doubt that the entire eastern coast abounded with multi-
tudes of small haddocks, and that these had been captured
in immense numbers by both liners and trawlers.

The best trawling ships at Aberdeen, which were about 30
in number in 1894, chiefly frequent the Great Fisher Bank,
about 200 miles off, and from 30 to 40 fathoms in depth, it
being a general opinion amongst fishermen that this and up to
60 fathoms is the most favourable depth for their pursuit, for
they think that in deep water (100—175 fathoms) they get only
conger, halibut, and skate; and elsewhere, as off the coast of
Portugal, only sharks are procured at 500 fathoms. Yet the
Rev. W.S. Green, off the west coast of Ireland, got ‘ witches,
ling, haddocks, and conger at 170 fathoms, and skate and
forkbeards at 500 fathoms. On this ground (Great Fisher
Bank), which is about 120 miles from east to west, and from 60
to 80 miles from north to south (a larger area than the inclosed
region of the Moray Frith), the ‘catches’ of these trawlers vary
from 80 to 180 boxes or more, consisting of plaice, haddocks,
turbot, and other fishes, which are procured in from 8 to 138
days, including the time spent on the voyage. Since the Moray
Frith was closed, these ships, therefore, find it remunerative to
undertake this long journey, and bring their fishes preserved in
ice to the market in Aberdeen. They do not seem, however, to
find it so profitable to fish in the waters near the Scottish shore’.
1 Some worked lately with success within 30 miles of Aberdeen. January, 1899.

M. R, 7

98 PRESENT CONDITION OF FISHING GROUNDS.

In the same way, the powerful ships which proceed to Iceland
bring from 200 to 400 boxes of fishes in about 14 days. The
plaice procured in this region are recognised by the dark spots ;
and as these, the haddocks, cod, and other forms, have been
‘gutted’ and preserved in ice, they do not have so attractive an
appearance as those caught by the liners.

Besides the areas just mentioned, some trawlers proceed to
Blacksod Bay, off county Mayo, on the west coast of Treland,
for soles and turbot, while in February and March others go to
ground 20 to 40 miles off Scarborough, where, perhaps, 20 score
of cod are caught in a night. Some, again, work on the turbot-
ground, from 80 to 90 miles off Aberdeen, and others find on
the Dogger Bank catches of from 18 to 20 boxes of plaice.

When the trawlers from Granton and Leith are considered,
it is found that, notwithstanding the closure of the Forth (for 3
miles beyond the Island of May), these ships have increased in
number, have been improved in equipment, and have been able
to overcome the difficulties with which they were handicapped
—in comparison with the liners. In the case of the General
Steam Fishing Company’s ships, and probably in others,
however, very definite instructions—based on carefully recorded
data, compiled during the last twelve years—are issued to each
captain as to the distance to be traversed (by the log), and
the direction on every occasion. No haphazard selection of
fishing-grounds is made. Thus in December, 1898, besides the
ordinary fishes, numerous cuttle-fishes (so valuable for bait) were
procured off the Isle of May. In January, February, March,
and April they work from 5 to 10 miles 8.E. of the Isle of May,
viz., more or less on the grounds frequented in 1884. In March
and April the cod are captured as before in considerable numbers
as they congregate during the spawning season, and in the
earlier months as they follow the herrings. In June, July,
August, September, October, and November they take to the
more distant grounds off the Forth—about 40 miles E.
by N.E.

The opinions somewhat freely expressed by some in 1884 as
to the decline of the trawling industry in the Forth and the
adjoining area—notwithstanding all the advantages of a free

PRESENT CONDITION OF FISHING GROUNDS. 99

area from inshore to offshore then possessed—do not seem to
have been borne out by further experience. Even with the
entire area of the Forth and St Andrews Bay closed, these
vessels, now considerably increased in numbers, have found
fishing profitable on the more distant grounds. They work on
a certain area, either by means of a flag-buoy or otherwise, and
strictly in accordance with the instructions given from head-
quarters. If the captures are observed to be decreasing, either
from the thinning of the fishes or their being scattered, they
change ground, as, indeed, was very noticeable in 1884, returning
after an interval to the same area, to find that an increase has
taken place. In connection with this filling up of areas over
which trawling has been assiduously carried on, it 1s an inte-
resting fact that the local boats—from 12 to 20 or more in
number—found for many years that, on the whole, their best
ground in St Andrews Bay was a line about 2 miles from shore
(‘Scooniehill,” in a line with ‘the steeples’), and about 4
fathoms in depth. Boat after boat trawled along that line,
wind and weather permitting, for four months of the year, and
sometimes longer, and to the closing day it maintained its
position as the best area for plaice. The same observation has
been made at Brixham, where trawling has been in operation
about a hundred years. It is quite evident, therefore, that
other fishes took the place of those captured, and that this
continued month after month, and year after year. The whole
question, consequently, in the larger areas outside the 3-mile
limit is—Can the supplies from the neighbouring waters keep
pace with the rate of capture now going on by both liners and
trawlers? These supplies consist of the growth of the young
from eggs on the area itself, and the immigration of eggs,
young, and adults from other areas, or the open water beyond.
Tt is seen that, so far as human observation can go, the supplies
of herrings are as plentiful as formerly, notwithstanding the
absence of restriction and the great waste that annually takes
place in this fishing. On the other hand, it is a matter of
observation that the first hauls of the trawl on virgin ground
are the most successful, and that by and by the catch diminishes,
and the same occurs with the liners on their new ‘banks’ or

7—2

100 PRESENT CONDITION OF FISHING GROUNDS.

‘reefs.’ Yet it cannot be said in either case that the fishes
have been extirpated, but they probably have become more
wary as well as diminished in numbers, and, moreover, they
may have changed their ground, for fishes are constantly
roaming. It has to be remembered that the food-fishes are not
altogether confined to the shallower water, im which they are
usually followed, but they likewise extend into the deeper
water beyond. Such deeper water and unfrequented regions,
therefore, form reserves, in which the species is reproduced, the
eggs, young, or adults passing into those areas im which the
food-fishes have been more or less thinned.

The area last mentioned, viz., that off the Forth, is perhaps
one of the most important in Scotland in regard to the number
and variety of its fishing-grounds. For the present purpose the
area may be defined as that bounded by a line drawn eastward
from Arbroath on the north, and a similar line from St Abb’s
Head on the south. Between these points the Tay and the
Forth pour considerable bodies of fresh water into the sea,
while the Eden debouches into St Andrews Bay between them.
The amount of microscopic food—both plant and animal—as
well as of the smaller invertebrates which are carried to sea in
this area, is very considerable, and, in all probability, is closely
related with the richness of invertebrate life both in the waters
and on the bottom. The enormous numbers of pelagic mussels
swept from the Tay and the Eden alone form a remarkable
feature. It is not surprising, therefore, that the fishing-grounds
in this region still continue fairly prolific, notwithstanding the
increased demands on their resources. In the same way the
Moray Firth is another rich fishing-area on the east coast,
though the rivers entering it are smaller.

The steam-liners and trawlers frequent the more distant
grounds—not because the fishes are absent from the nearer
grounds, but because their ‘catches, as a rule, far exceed in
bulk those obtained on the latter. While, therefore, the present
statistics show no serious diminution, it may be truly said that
the total is kept up only by the supplies from Iceland, Farée,
and the Great Fisher Bank. But the nearer grounds would
have produced a considerable supply if they had been persever-

PRESENT CONDITION OF FISHING GROUNDS. LOL

ingly worked ; and it cannot be doubted that they contained, at
any rate in 1894, an immense number of small haddocks’.
Moreover, these small haddocks had migrated from the distant
waters, for it is a remarkable fact that, so far as ascertained, no
great shoals of very small haddocks (2.e., less than 3 inches)
have been encountered in inshore waters. The life-history of
the haddock, indeed, shows that between its post-larval condition
and the adolescent stage of between 2 and 3 inches, it is a
deep-water fish. Before the appearance of these hordes of small
haddocks, it was generally asserted that the haddock had been
more or less extirpated; hence the necessity for caution in
dealing with such subjects. Again, the question as to the
completeness of the statistics of fishes caught round the
Scottish shores has to be considered, and there are some who
think much improvement is required in this direction. Indeed,
the only satisfactory method would be for every liner, trawler,
net-, crab-, or other fisherman to hand to the official on reaching
the port a slip stating the amount and kind of the ‘catch,’ and
the ground on which it was made, as indicated in the Trawling
Report of 1884.

The condition of the mshore waters (within the 3-mile
limit) has elsewhere been dealt with?, and will again form the
subject of future remarks. All that need be said at present is
that, so far as can be ascertained, it would not appear that the
closure of the inshore waters has made any marked increase in
the fishes of the offshore waters, yet the younger fishes have
now had time to pass outward and become mature; nor have
the larger fishes been driven shorewards by the more frequent
interference with the more distant areas. No change, however,
could be expected if the scarcity were due to general over-
fishing.

A consideration of all the foregoing facts gives no grounds
for despairing of the sea-fisheries—but sifted in every way
show that the condition is not unsatisfactory in regard to the

1 An idea of the numbers of these may be given by stating that a trawler
brought on board, in two hauls, about ten tons of small haddocks, which were,
however, freed. Many were probably killed.

* A Brief Sketch of the Scottish Fisheries, 1882—1892, p. 6.

102 PRESENT CONDITION OF FISHING GROUNDS.

supply. The only serious question that appears is the steady
diminution in the number of the sailing-boats and of the men
fishing in them. Several factors probably are connected with
this change—the first is the abundant supply brought in by the
steam-trawlers and steam-liners to great centres in easy com-
munication with railways and a large population, so that the
prices paid to outlymg towns and villages less favourably
situated are greatly reduced and even rendered uncertain.

The number of powerful ships with great trawls probably
tend to scatter the fishes, and render them more wary in regard
to all kinds of capture, and it may be to keep further from land,
and while the fishes may not, taking a broad survey of them, be
very much reduced, and the totals in the market even increase,

yet each ship and boat probably secures much less than in former
times.

In any case, the thoughtful perusal of the foregoing annual
statistics of fishes caught by line and trawl does not give rise
to dissatisfaction, and, taken with the results of the work in
1884, and the ten years’ experiments of the “Garland,” together
with other observations, conduces to confidence in the future of
the sea-fisheries.

The boats land on the

ght, and carts remove on the left.

Yl

Aberdeen Fish-Market at 5a.m., August, 1898.

To face p. 102]

CHAPTER IIL.

SCIENTIFIC INVESTIGATIONS IN ST ANDREWS Bay.
1886—1896.

TABLES I.—VII.

THE Stations in St Andrews Bay were as follows :—

Station I. extends 5 miles S.E. by E. from St Andrews,
depth 6—12 fathoms.

Station II. begins 2 miles from St Andrews, and extends
K. by S. for 4 miles. Depth 7—14 fathoms.

Station III. begins 2 miles from the pier, and passes 4 miles
EK. by N. 8—12 fathoms.

Station IV. commences a mile and a half from harbour and
curves round the N.W. part of the Bay. Depth not exceeding
8 fathoms.

Station V. is outside the enclosed area, beginning 2 miles
from the Tay-buoy, and ends E. half S. of Barbet Ness’.

_ Station VI. runs nearly at right angles to the latter, or
from the Carr water towards the Bell Rock.

In examining the statistics carefully sent from the “Garland ”
by Mr W. L. Calderwood’, the naturalist on board, and compiled
by Mr Duncan Matthews at the Fishery Board, the mode of
drawing deductions from them has been varied; in short it has
been deemed well to handle them in the same way as was done
for the Report of the Trawling Commission in 1884, viz., by

1 5th Ann. Report, S. F. B., p. 55, 1887.
2 Now H. M. Inspector of Salmon Fisheries for Scotland.

104 INVESTIGATIONS IN ST ANDREWS BAY, 1886.

dividing the fishes captured into two groups, saleable and
unsaleable (chiefly immature). It has to be borne in mind that
during the first season or two, from insufficiency of funds, the
“Garland” was not kept at work the whole year. In 1866, the
work was carried out only during the months of June, July,
September, and November, and it is possible that the trawl was
less effective than it subsequently became. In the Tables,
moreover, barren hauls are omitted’. During the months men-
tioned seventeen hauls of the trawl were made in St Andrews
Bay, an area in which there were five stations, one (V.) beyond
the limit, and the rest within it, and about which a consider-
able amount of information has been collected during the last
forty years. A total of 1,792 saleable fishes were procured,
the majority being plaice, which were mostly captured within
the limits, though im June and September a considerable
number were got on the outer station (V.), where four out of
the six larger were also caught. Gurnards follow, the largest
number of these occurring at the latter station. Dabs are next
in order, and from the four inner stations, then haddocks—
dispersed generally over the area. Long-rough dabs were
likewise generally distributed, though the largest number (21)
were obtained in November at the station beyond the limit.
Two large lemon-dabs were got at the latter station, and fifteen
of the twenty smaller in the same line. Only two large cod,
one large haddock, two large whitings, a single coal-fish, four
flounders, a single turbot, a single brill, and a sprat were
obtained in the area; eight skate were likewise procured.

Of unsaleable (chiefly immature) fishes there were 1,186,
more than half being dabs, which were generally distributed
over the area, the largest catch, however, having been made
in September on Station III. in the middle of the bay, and
the next in order on Station I. along the southern border
—during the same month. The plaice (277) were likewise
generally distributed, the largest number having been got in
September on Station IV. along the inshore sandy margins of
St Andrews and Abertay. The small gurnards were all pro-

1 This refers to the tables alluded to in 1892, and to the annual tables from
which those in this work were made up.

INVESTIGATIONS IN ST ANDREWS BAY, 1886. 105

cured within the limits of the bay, and so were the long-rough
dabs, but a few flounders appeared on the station (V.) beyond
the limits. The small cod were all got in November, and were
generally distributed; and the small haddocks were procured in
September and November, probably on their passage shore-
wards. A single turbot and one whiting were obtained. A
few skate (17) and one or two frog-fishes and skulpins were in
the list.

Calculated on the total hauls (17) the average of the
saleable was 105 fishes, and the unsaleable 69 or a total of 174.

This therefore formed the basis for future observations in
St Andrews Bay, but it might well have been more exhaustive,
since the conditions immediately after the cessation of steam
and other trawling had to be determined. Fortunately, how-
ever, records made in 1884, either for purposes of trade or for
scientific experiment, are available. Thus four hauls of the
trawl (which was over fifty feet in length) were made by the
powerful iron ships of the General Steam Fishing Company,
Granton ; two by fishing-boats of the place with the ordinary
trawl of 30-foot beam; and fourteen by the “ Medusa,” the
little steam vessel’, from the Granton Laboratory with a trawl-
beam of ten feet, and a net of small mesh.

It has also to be remembered—in considering the work of
the “ Garland ”’—that the results obtained by small trawls, even
with a net of the same mesh as the larger, deviate considerably
from those of a beam of fifty-six feet raised about 4 feet from
the bottom. Thus the large fishes, which often escape such a
trawl as that of the “Garland,” are captured in numbers by the
large net of the trawlers from Granton. This will at once be
apparent by contrasting the captures of the more active round
fishes, such as the cod and haddock, in the respective ships;
and further by the absence, as a rule, of such a fish as the herring
from the returns of the “Garland.” Further, the work of the
“Garland” was for the most part carried on in daylight,
whereas the commercial ships utilized continuously night as
well as day, and their whole energies were concentrated in their
pursuit. As certain fishes are captured more readily at night,

1 Most courteously sent by Sir John Murray.

106 INVESTIGATIONS IN ST ANDREWS BAY, 1884.

and the average catch by this net is improved in darkness, the
commercial ships had an advantage. The returns of the
“ Garland,” therefore, from the beginning have to be considered
to some extent on their own merits. Instead of continuing the
work of 1884, extending it, and filling in gaps, new experiences,
of less moment in the question, were created, and the com-
parison of results rendered more complicated.

In 1884 the four hauls by the powerful trawlers from
Granton took place in January and May, and as subsequent
experience in the “Garland” showed, these two months were
not characterised by very high averages. They yielded 2,521
saleable fishes, composed early in January of 402 haddocks,
6 large cod, 34 plaice, 24 whitings, and 18 dabs, besides other
forms in small numbers such as thornbacks (which are absent
from the returns of the “Garland”). About a fortnight later
in the same month, the saleable round fishes were still more
abundant, viz. 98 large haddocks, 639 small haddocks, 122
whitings, 77 plaice, besides cod, turbot, brill, grey skate, thorn-
back, and long-rough dabs. The other two hauls were made
on the Ist and 2nd of May in daylight, and it is interesting
to observe the change that had occurred in the fish-fauna.
Taking the two hauls together for brevity, 1t is found that the
first place is held by the more or less ripe grey gurnards, which
numbered 575, the next by the plaice, viz. 372; flounder 70,
haddock 14, long-rough dab 9, thornback 6, grey skate 7,
turbot 7, sole 1.

Of the unsaleable fishes there were at the beginning of
January :—angler 6, whitings 8, thornback 3, dab 5; while a
fortnight later the proportions were angler 3, long-rough dab
47, dab 12. In May the two hauls gave—angler 7, grey
gurnards 61, long-rough dab 96, dab 136. While these fishes
would have been unsaleable at Granton, they would in most
cases have found a market at St Andrews.

It would seem that most of the round fishes of the cod-
family had left the bay, while an immigration of grey gurnards
had taken place, but it is well to remember that the very
stormy weather in May may have sent the gurnards downward
in the water, and thus brought them more readily within reach

ee
ee nee 3

:

INVESTIGATIONS IN ST ANDREWS BAY, 1884. 107

of the trawl. Whatever the cause may have been the facts are
interesting.

The two hauls by a fishing-boat with a 30-foot beam were

made in daylight in June, and produced 215 saleable fishes,
chiefly plaice, dabs, flounders, and thornbacks (36), the large
number of the latter probably bemg due to the close approach
made to the shore (sand). The smaller and mostly unsaleable
fishes (182) were chiefly plaice, dabs, and gurnards.
- Fourteen hauls, chiefly in daylight, by the “Medusa” with
a small meshed trawl of 10-ft. beam gave in July and August
514 saleable fishes, the majority being plaice and dabs. Only
two haddocks and five gurnards represented the round fishes,
which were too active to be captured by a small trawl. Con-
siderable variety, however, was shown, for turbot, brill, thorn-
backs, long-rough dabs, lemon-dabs, and flounders were repre-
sented. The unsaleable food-fishes were 833—a comparatively
limited number when the small meshes of the naturalist’s trawl
are considered, though quite out of proportion when contrasted
with the same class in the commercial ships. They consisted
mainly of dabs, plaice and gurnards, the largest number being
captured in August, in which month a young haddock, a few
poor cod, whitings and coal-fishes were included. There were
fourteen examples of other fishes, such as frog-fishes, skulpins,
pogges, We.

From the foregoing it would appear that St Andrews Bay
was, throughout, fairly supplied with food-fishes towards the
close of the open period, and that the enormous numbers of
small plaice and dabs formed one of the salient features. The
nomad fishes, such as the gadoids, gurnards, and herrings, were
more or less seasonal in their occurrence, the former especially
characterising winter, a single boat sometimes capturing from
50 to 80 cod within the limits of the bay.

But in addition to this method of estimating the piscine
contents of the bay, an examination of the rocky margins and
of the tidal pools showed that in July swarms of young cod and
young pleuronectids occurred, the former, gradually increasing in
size, remained till late in autumn, while the pleuronectids distri-
buted themselves along the sandy margins and into the estuaries.

108 FISHERY BOARD’S OPINION OF RESULTS, 1887.

In 1887 a Committee of the Scottish Fishery Board in
referring to the progress of the scientific work gave a pre-
liminary outline of the methods by which they hoped to obtain
information and such was chiefly based on the advice they had
received.

In treating of the results of the year’s trawling by the
“Garland” in the closed area of the Forth and just beyond it,
the reporters observe’, “Conversely, while there has been a
general advance in the numbers of flat fish at all the stations
in both series, the rise at the inner stations has been by far
most marked, the average increase here in 1887 being 128 per
shot, while at the three outer it was only 22 per shot.” They
further state “that at the outer series of stations the increase
has been greatest in lemon soles, next in plaice, and least of all
in dabs. At the inner group, on the other hand, the augmen-
tation has been chiefly in plaice, closely followed by dabs, and
at some distance by lemon soles.” At the two stations in the
free waters (stations 8 and 9) “plaice and lemon soles have
increased more than dabs.”

In St Andrews Bay the increase was found “to be even
more marked than in the Forth.” They state that, as might
have been expected from the physical characters of St Andrews
Bay, “the increase has consisted principally of flat fish, although
the round fish have also increased to a very considerable degree.
...Cod, which is rare in the bay, diminished ; whiting remained
about the same, but there was a large increase in haddocks and
also in gurnards.” The station in the free waters outside showed
a diminution in plaice, increase of lemon-dabs, dabs and skate.
Whiting have diminished, and haddocks and gurnards have
increased. The reporters mention that they have had several
instances of the “replacement of the round fishes by the flat,
and vice versa.”

The trawling experiments in Aberdeen Bay, a station
specially selected as one on which a large amount of trawling
had been carried on, were stopped. It would have been
important to have noted the changes in the fish-fauna of this
bay, especially as it so freely communicated with the open sea

16th Ann. Report, S. H. Bp. 29.

FISHERY BOARD'S OPINION OF RESULTS, 1886. 109

beyond. The very indefiniteness of the bay made it in some
respects a suitable contrast to the other areas.

The closure of the inshore waters of the Moray Frith, from
Ord of Caithness to Kinnaird Head, was, however, substituted
for Aberdeen Bay on the responsibility of the Board, and a
series of stations for trawling marked off. As these had only
been trawled once in 1887 no conclusions could be given.

Twelve stations were also marked off in the area of the
Clyde—six stations from the eastern side of the Mull of
Cantyre to the entrance of Lock Ryan, three in Kilbrennan
Sound, and three in the main water-way between Arran and
the Ayrshire coast.” A single series of trawlings were con-
ducted in the spring of 1887, and it was concluded that “the
flat fish of the Clyde are only about half as numerous as in
the Forth at the same period of the year.” It was further
stated that this difference in the Friths was due to the pre-
vention of trawling in the one and its prosecution in the other.

In referring to the numerical variation at different seasons
and the relative proportion of small fishes captured, the re-
porters observe that in the Frith of Forth in June and July,
1886, the round fishes were more numerous than the flat, but
that on all subsequent occasions the flat fishes were most
numerous—“ There can be little doubt that this was very
largely owing to the suspension of trawling, which naturally
affects the flat fish more than the round.” Further they found
that the adults of all the flat fishes were most numerous in
June in the Forth and St Andrews Bay, with the exception of
dabs in St Andrews Bay, which were rather more abundant in
May. They therefore concluded “that there was a general
movement of adult flat fish” into St Andrews Bay and the
Forth at that time. On the other hand, the small flat fishes in
the two localities were most abundant in August, with one
exception, viz., plaice in St Andrews Bay, which were most
numerous in October. They show, like the larger, a diminu-
tion in late autumn and in spring “ probably from the same
cause.” The reporters did not find the same uniformity among
the round fishes, and it is right to state that their deductions
were somewhat premature.

110 FISHERY BOARD'S OPINION OF RESULTS, 1886.

They also made a comparison of the small (immature) fishes
captured in the trawl of the “Garland,” and by the liners at
Buckhaven. Their statistics seem to be in need of explanation,
but taking them at their own computation they consider that
for every nine haddocks caught by the hook twelve are captured
by the trawl. They did not add, however, that everything
depends on the nature of the area.

An endeavour was made to utilize the statistics kept by
about forty line-boats between Leith and Aberdeen for the
purpose of determining whether any change had ensued since
the closure. So far as can be ascertained from a perusal of the
remarks on this subject no salient feature can be found, except
that small haddocks formed a large proportion of the captures
between July and December.

Further, a comparison is made of the amount of fishes ex-
clusive of sprats, mackerel, and herrings landed respectively by
the line-fishermen and beam-trawlers. In 1887 the average
monthly amount of fishes captured by the liners was 3,500 tons,
a far larger amount than by beam-trawlers. In the northern
counties it was 1,925 tons, while that of the trawlers was
275 tons. If herrings, mackerel and sprats are included the
average amount for the lines is 13,100 tons per month. In the
same way the average monthly catch of flat fishes by liners was
200 tons, while the trawlers landed 300 tons.

The reporters in their summary state that the results of the
“Garland’s” investigations, as set forth in a special report to the
Secretary for Scotland, “make it clear that the suspension of
trawling has been followed by a great increase in the numbers
of the fish within the protected areas both in the Frith of Forth
and St Andrews Bay.” “The increase has been shared by the
round fish as well as by the flat; but, as was naturally to be
expected, the augmentation has been proportionately far greater
in the case of the less migratory flat fish.” “In the Frith of
Forth the more valuable of these, such as the lemon sole, have
more than doubled in numbers since trawling was prohibited,
and a similar result has occurred, and to a still greater extent,
in St Andrews Bay, where the increase has been very marked.”
They also cite the case of the estuary of the Clyde as an

INVESTIGATIONS IN ST ANDREWS BAY, 1887. 111

instance of ground which “from the scientific evidence ob-
tained, and from the testimony given on the spot,” is naturally
adapted for the support of multitudes of edible fishes. Yet
fishes are much less plentiful there than on the east coast,
since the trawlers have swept the waters, and have now left
them as unremunerative. They also assert that a regular
migration of flat fishes takes place during the winter, but do
not enter into details, and state further, that small fishes are
chiefly taken in inshore waters.

In St Andrews Bay in 1887 an increased number of hauls,
viz., twenty-one, were made in the months of May, June,
August, and October, and they yielded 2,649 saleable fishes,
or an average of 126 per haul, a great advance on the pre-
vious year. Nearly one half (1,249) were plaice, and out of
this number only three were large. Most were captured
within the Bay, and in June a large number at Station IV.,
skirting the sandy beach. Dabs follow (838), and though
generally distributed the greatest numbers occur on the inner
Stations (I. and II.). Of this number 63 were large. With
considerably smaller numbers, are haddocks (200), only 9 being
large, flounders, gurnards, long-rough dabs (three being large),
grey skate, whitings and lemon-dabs. Three soles and a cat-fish
complete the list.

The unsaleable food-fishes reached the large number of
5,525, two forms, as before, being greatly in excess of the others
and nearly equal, viz, plaice 1,786 and dabs 1,767. Then
follow gurnards (956), which reached their maximum in June;
small haddocks (810), which reached their maximum in October,
the highest catch being on the outer Station (V.). That these
were young fishes for the most part making for the inshore
is probable, since only eleven were got in May, whereas in the
subsequent months, June, August and October, the numbers
are respectively 202, 152, 280. Lemon-dabs, long-rough dabs,
grey skate, flounders, turbot and starry rays follow. Only four
small cod, three whitings, one ling, and one sole occurred.

In connection with the increase, greater dexterity may have
been acquired in the use of the trawl and, further, the incidence
of the work in such favourable months as those mentioned,

112 INVESTIGATIONS IN ST ANDREWS BAY, 1887. ~

The latter alone in such an exceptional year as 1887 seems to
be sufficient to account for the increase, as will subsequently be ©
shown. On the other hand, a very large number of plaice were
removed from the bay by the lines of the fishermen, who, being —
undisturbed, kept relays of lines (often three sets) at work by
day and night in the early part of the year. They observed,
with truth, that already (March) they were obtaining better
takes of flat fishes, and stated their belief that in a few years
the inshore grounds would regain their former richness, thereby
meaning that the larger fishes, which they affirmed they
formerly caught, would again be abundant. It is doubtful,
however, if due attention was given to the fact that they ob-
tained the larger supplies by special exertions (even collecting
lob-worms by torchlight), exertions which they had been pre-
vented from employing, for at least twenty years, and then the
maximum for each boat was two sets of lines.

In surveying the stations where the saleable fishes were
captured, the inner (Station IV.) skirting the sandy beach,
while furnishing only 24 plaice in May, gave no less than 581
in June, 55 in August and none in October. The unsaleable
food-fishes were grouped differently, none occurring on Station
IV. in May and June, while in August and October there were
236 and 757 respectively. The distribution of the dabs was
more equable, but still with a tendency in the unsaleable to
increase in June and August, whereas the saleable were most
numerous in May. It is not easy to formulate the principle, if
any, on which these variations rest. It might be said that in
May the smaller plaice of the season had not had time to affect
the captures, being too far inshore and too small—becoming
greatly in evidence in June, August and October, but the
irregularity of the figures forbid such conclusions. Nor does a
consideration of the figures suggest that, as the reporters for
the Fishery Board state, the great increase in 1887 is most
marked on the inner stations, except in the case of dabs. The
increase in the number of lemon-dabs in the outer Station (V.)
is probably due to its being nearer their adult habitat. In
regard to the other fishes, the increase in grey skate was
marked, and saleable, and especially the unsaleable, haddocks

LUCE

“Shelling” mussels.

To face p. 112]

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INVESTIGATIONS IN ST ANDREWS BAY, 1888. 113

were more numerous, as also were the whitings, long-rough
dabs and turbot. The saleable gurnards, on the other hand,

_ were considerably diminished, while the unsaleable had largely
increased. The reporters do not take notice of the increase in

the cod captured by hook in the bay, nor of the large numbers
of plaice and dabs secured in the same manner, but such would

have strengthened their position in regard to the results, and

also somewhat altered certain views, e.g. the diminution of cod.
The uncertainty in fishing operations was demonstrated

‘next year (1888) in which 25 hauls of the “Garland’s” trawl

from July to December (November alone being blank) pro-
duced the large number of 6,218 saleable fishes or 248 per
haul, the sizes being now affixed, and only 595 or 23 per haul
unsaleable, the total being 6,813, considerably less than the
previous year, though the number of hauls was greater. As
before, plaice were most numerous (2515 saleable and 135
unsaleable), dabs being next with 1937 saleable and 436
unsaleable. The saleable plaice increased steadily from July
to October, viz. 479 in July, 518 in August, 638 in September,
645 in October, and suddenly fell to 21 in December. Only
a single large plaice 26 inches long was obtained. On the
other hand, dabs were irregular in this respect, viz. 335 in
July, 787 in August, 685 in September, and 209 in October,
the number falling in December to 21—the same as in the
plaice. Large numbers were characteristic of good weather
and the warm season, the numbers suddenly falling with the
approach of winter and rough seas, when the trawl would
work less efficiently?. A great increase appears in the sale-

_ able haddocks (863), which were mostly caught in July on

the inner stations as they roamed inwards in their second
year. No unsaleable haddocks were captured. The saleable
gurnards had largely increased (503), but the unsaleable had as
largely diminished (14 instead of 956), though what a saleable
gurnard was may have given rise to doubt. ‘The saleable skate
had increased, but the unsaleable had diminished. The

1 Dr Fulton in the 8. F. B. Report (8th) notices that the largest proportion
of immature to adult plaice occurred in St Andrews Bay in summer and
autumn.

M, R. &

114 INVESTIGATIONS IN ST ANDREWS BAY, 1888.

number of cod captured by the “Garland” was small (8),
showing that her trawl was not adapted for this fish. Turbot
had rather diminished, and there were no brill. Long-rough
dabs and whitings had somewhat increased, but not much.
If the months are taken separately, the totals are—for July
1834, August 1756, September 1517, October 986, December
126. These figures do not appear to give support to the
gradual accumulation-theory, but rather lean to the notion of
seasonal variations and effective working of the trawl. If the
stations are taken in series, I. furnished 808 (average 178),
II. 898 (average 243), III. 1919 (average 390), IV. 1623
(average 329), and V. 627 (average 221), that is to say, the
centre of the bay was most prolific, the inner line along the
sands being next. Former experience, however, showed that
none of the lines were in the most productive region, which lay
somewhat within Station IV., or “Scooniehill in a line with
the steeples” as the fishermen have it, and in shallower water.
At every station in 1887 and 1888 an increase had taken
place in the number of the food-fishes when contrasted with
1886, yet the irregularities were noteworthy. Thus at Station I.
the numbers were more than doubled in 1887, but fell in 1888
to only 72 more (891) than what they were in 1886. At
Station II. the increase was still greater in 1887, viz. 221 as
against 1,636, falling in 1888 to 1,215. At Station III. along
the middle of the bay the numbers were in 1886, 651, 1887,
1,107, and 1888, 1954, showing a steady increase throughout.
Station IV. produced similar results, viz. 792, 1,484 and 1,647.
The outer Station, V., again was irregular, viz. 505, 1,429, and
1,106. But it is well to remember that 4 additional hauls
of the trawl were made in 1888, consequently the stations
yielded averages during the three years as follows?:—Station I.
163, 479, 178; Station IT. 73, 409, 243; Station III. 213, 276,
390; Station IV. 264, 571, 329; Station V. 168, 307, 221.
These figures will show that the increase which marked 1887
was, with the exception of Station III., diminished in 1888.
The diminution of fishes in the majority of the Stations in

1 Calculated by dividing the total number of fishes (saleable and unsaleable)
on each station by the number of hauls on that station.

INVESTIGATIONS IN ST ANDREWS BAY, 1888—89. 115

1888 again demonstrates the uncertainty of fishing and of
statistics, at least as regards preconceived views. The re-
porters observe, with truth, that the diminution in 1888 was
chiefly due to the flat fishes, and it is found that the average
eatch per shot in 1887 was for plaice 144, and for dabs 124,
whereas in 1888 the averages are 106 and 94 respectively. The
meagre captures of dabs and plaice at the outer station (V.) in
1886 gave the reporters a basis for remarking that here round
fishes had diminished but flat fishes had increased in 1888.
The uncertainty of such observations, however, must always be
borne in mind.

If we glance at two important fishes, viz. turbot and brill
during the three years, and taking the saleable and unsaleable
together, it 1s found that 13 turbot and 2 brill were got in
1887, 8 turbot in 1888 but no brill, while the first year (1886)
only 2 turbot and 1 brill were procured. These small figures

follow the rule of the larger, but give no certainty.

7 The influence of a month lke December in reducing the
percentage per haul of the fishes is clearly shown in 1888, for
if we deduct the small number procured in this month (a total
of only 157 in five hauls) from the result, and take the average
of the rest it is found that the remaining 20 hauls give no less
than 334 per haul, a result only a very little behind the con-
dition in 1887 (389 per haul). The bearing of such facts will
be clearly shown in subsequent pages.

This year the Board sanctioned the testing of the area in
St Andrews Bay by a powerful steam-trawler! in February ;
but no systematic table of results is given. Five boxes of
plaice, the largest specimen 17 inches and the average about
13 inches, and a few other fishes were obtained in one haul, and
about two boxes of mixed fishes in a second haul of 4 hours.
The lines taken in this case do not seem to have been pro-
ductive. At least a small fishing-boat has not unfrequently
brought to shore a larger amount as the produce of its lines.

In 1889 a considerable increase in the number of the hauls
of the trawl took place, viz. nine more than in 1888, making a
total of thirty-four. These gave 6,010 saleable fishes and 1020

1 The ‘‘ Southesk,’’ belonging to Messrs Johnston, of Montrose.

8—2

116 INVESTIGATIONS IN ST ANDREWS BAY, 1889.

unsaleable. The hauls were made in January, March, April,
June, August, October and November, and thus both the
colder and the warmer months were represented. The average
per haul of saleable fishes was 176 and of unsaleable 30. This,
therefore, when compared with the previous year, shows a
considerable diminution (72 per haul) of saleable fishes, and
a slight merease (7 per haul) of unsaleable. If the stations
are taken in series, as before, Station I. has an average
(saleable and unsaleable) per haul of 245—67 more than in
the previous year. A diminution of 19 per haul takes place
at Station IT., and it is little more than half the catch of
1887. On Station JIT. a remarkable condition is found, the
average being no less than 88 below what it was in 1886,
not a third of what it was in 1888, and not half what it
was in 1887. The captures on Stations IV. and V. are also
much below what they were in 1888. Such variations appear
to be connected with the season, the captures indeed forming a
spindle from January to December. As Dr Fulton pointed out
in the summary of the year, plaice had increased but dabs had
diminished ; thus in 1888 the average per ‘haul’ was for plaice
106 and dabs 94, whereas in 1889 the averages were 117 and
54 respectively. It is also observed “that at Stations I. and.
II. there was a considerable increase of flat fishes (almost -
entirely of plaice) and a large decrease at Stations III. and IV.
(chiefly of dabs and plaice).” The figures in our tables show
that in 1888 the total captures of plaice were as follows :—
Station I. 284 or 56 per hault; II. 506 or 101 per haul; IIT.
451 or 90 per haul; IV. 945 or 189 per haul, whereas in 1889 the
figures were: Station I. 830 or 118 per haul; Il. 736 or 105
per haul; III. 551 or 78 per haul; IV. 1561 or 223 per haul.
For plaice, therefore, there is an increase on three stations.
In regard to dabs in 1888, Station I. 406 or 81 per haul;
II. 439 or 87 per haul; IIT. 612 or 102 per haul; IV. 450 or
90 per haul; and in 1889, I. 418 or 59 per haul; II. 535 or 76
per haul; III. 212 or 30 per haul; IV. 77 or 11 per haul. The
increase of flat fishes, therefore, at Station I. was as 177 (1889)

1 Saleable and unsaleable on each station by number of trawls on each
station.

INVESTIGATIONS IN ST ANDREWS BAY, 1890. 117

to 137, and at Station II. a diminution as 181 (1889) to 188—
a comparatively limited increase. The decrease at Stations
III. and IV. was respectively 84 and 45 on the total. It is
interesting, however, to find that Stations III. and IV. united
gave for the two years a considerably higher figure than I. and
II., viz. 813 to 683.

This year the Herring Fishery Act came into operation,
and the whole coast within the three-mile limit was closed.

During 1890 the hauls of the “ Garland’s” trawls were 30 in
number, made during the months of March, May, August,
October, and December. They produced 6,395 saleable fishes,
or 213 per haul, and 2,273 (75 per haul) unsaleable, or a total
of 8,668. There was therefore a decided increase on the pre-
vious year, both with regard to saleable and unsaleable fishes.
This increase was chiefly during the warmer months, viz., May
and August, and consisted for the most part of 3,472 small
plaice from 7 to 114 inches, and of 1,039 dabs of the same
dimensions. On Station I. an increase of 9 fishes per haul
occurred as compared with the previous year, while on Station
II. there was a diminution of 3. An increase of 58 took
place at Station III, while at Station IV. the large average
of 721 was present—nearly double what it was in 1887. On
the other hand, the diminution at Station V. was so great
as to make the result about a third of what it was the
previous year, and not half what it was i 1886. The uncer-
tainty attending fishing operations was thus illustrated. There
is a slight discrepancy, again, between these figures and the
remark in the Report that “In this area there was a general
increase in the total catch of fish at all stations except Station
II., where there was a slight decrease.”

Of the other features of the table the small number of the
turbot (3), haddocks (45), lemon-dabs (9), long-rough dabs (22),
and soles (1) is noteworthy, as indicating no tendency to increase
or accumulate in the closed area. The reporter truly says that
a special feature of this year was the augmentation of the
whitings (388), which was due, he thought, to the vast shoal of
young in the inshore waters in 1889. Such accumulations,
however, take place frequently in their season, for though in

118 INVESTIGATIONS IN ST ANDREWS BAY, 1891.

1889 only 43 whitings were captured, yet in 1888 there were
258. In regard to the gurnards, it may be observed that they
were caught on almost all the stations chiefly in May and
August—thinning off in March on the one hand and in
October and December on the other.

Those who had faith in the gradual-accumulation-theory
must have been perplexed in 1891, in which the number of
hauls was 33, made in February, July, August, October, Novem-
ber and December. Of saleable fishes there were 3,668, of
unsaleable 1,665, giving a total of 5,3833--or 161 per haul, a
result considerably less than any year since 1886, when the bay
was closed. The average number of saleable fishes per haul
was 111 and of unsaleable 50. At Station I. the average
catch was the lowest recorded—less by 32 than in 1886. At
Station II. the number was only about half that obtained
during the three previous years and a third that of 1887.
It is true it was much larger than that of 1886, but the
number then was very low (73). At Station III. the num-
ber, like that of Station I., was the lowest yet obtained. At
Station IV. the same result happened, the number being no
less than 122 below that of 1886. By one of the usual variations
the fishes obtained at Station V. exceeded those of all except
1887. The only round fishes in considerable numbers were
gurnards, which, totally absent in February, occurred during
the other months, though only at Station I. in December. The
largest number were captured in November. The occurrence
of 71 more or less adult herrings scattered over every station in
February shows that this fish may spawn in the bay, and thus
the hordes of young herrings in March will be more readily
explained than by any other supposition. They were chiefly
taken at Stations I. and V. near the southern entrance to the
bay. The 20 cod were all large, and were got only in February
and December—showing that during the warmer months they
are rare. The numbers of the important flat fishes, such as
turbot (1), soles (2), brill (0), lemon-dabs (4), demonstrated that
as yet the closure had not altered their distribution. Lastly,
the diminution in the number of plaice, viz., from 5,070 in 1890
to 1,598 in 1891, was probably due to causes altogether

INVESTIGATIONS IN ST ANDREWS BAY, 1892. 119

independent of their actual condition in the area. The weather,
mode of working, state of the tide, time of day or other cause
may have intervened. Moreover, it is sufficient to note that
three winter months, viz., February, November and December,
are included. Such results as the foregoing, along with those
obtained in the Forth could have formed no reliable basis for
further closures. They therefore were probably made on other
grounds.

The diminution alluded to in 1891 continued to mark the
captures in 1892, during which 40 hauls of the trawl were made
in eight months of the year, viz., February, March, April, May,
June, October, November and December. These hauls pro-
duced 2,680 saleable and 2,277 unsaleable, the average of
saleable fishes being 67 per haul, and’of unsaleable 56. This
result, therefore, falls far short of what was found at the
commencement of the operations in 1886, indeed, only a
little more than half the number of saleable fishes, and 13
fewer unsaleable per haul were procured. On every station
there was a reduction on the numbers of the previous year—
which was also noted for its scanty captures. Moreover,
on every station except one the average was less than in
1886, the exception being Station I]—where there were 4
more.

A new Station (VI.) was established in connection with the
bay—in a line running obliquely in a north-easterly direction
—from the Carr Rock to a point a little south of the Bell
Rock. Four hauls of the trawl were made on this unenclosed
area, viz., in April, October, November and December, the
average catch of saleable and unsaleable fishes being 133; a
comparatively moderate number.

In reviewing the kinds of fishes, the reporter in the Blue-
book for the year points out the decrease in the flat fishes, but
shows that the numbers of the cod and the whiting are greater
than in 1891, but the numbers of the cod are trifling, viz., in
1891—20 cod, and in 1892—45; if we consider that no less
than 44 hauls of the trawl were made, a far larger number, viz.,
80, having been caught by a single “shot” of a fishing-boat in
the bay. In the same way the whitings had increased from 114

120 INVESTIGATIONS IN ST ANDREWS BAY, 1898.

in 1891 to 356 in 1892, and gurnards from 449 in 1891 to
1,096 in 1892. The numbers of the turbot, soles, brill and
lemon-dabs showed no special feature, certainly no marked
increase.

In connection with the diminution in the average catch of
1892, it has to be borne in mind that four cold months, viz.,
February, March, November and December are included. The
average captures during these are much less than in the four
warmer months of April, May, June and October.

Thirty hauls of the trawl were made in 1893, and the results
were not more encouraging in regard to numbers than the ~
previous year. If it were possible that the fishes gradually
became from year to year more wary of a constant danger, as
in the case of land-animals, such as grouse, for instance, the
gradually diminishing totals might have an explanation. Yet
though this may not have been the only factor, for the larger
forms were also in all probability fewer, it is possible that it
was one of them—both in the inshore and offshore waters.
The total was no less than 839 under that of the previous year,
grouped as 2713 saleable, and 1405 unsaleable fishes. The
average number of saleable fishes in each haul was 90, and of
unsaleable 46, the former average therefore being considerably
over that of the previous year (which was 67), though both
were comparatively small numbers. On the other hand, the
average for the unsaleable was 10 below that in 1892. In
regard to the various stations there was a continuance of the
diminution on Station I. (125 to 102), an increase from 77 to
111 on Station II., a diminution on Station III. (from 152 to
115), a great increase on Station IV. (159 to 265), a diminution
on Station V. (105 to 93), and a diminution on Station VI.
(532 to 279).

In the Twelfth Annual Report (1893) there was said to be
a slight increase in the general average of fishes captured this
year, the increase being chiefly in flat fishes, and taking the
two most important flat fishes, viz. plaice and dabs, for the
numbers of the others are insignificant, during the three years
1891, 1892 and 1893 the following result appears :—

INVESTIGATIONS IN ST ANDREWS BAY, 1893. 121

Average per Haul.

Plaice Dabs Total
1891 48 86 134
1892 Al o4 79
1893 56 27 83

The total per haul of these was therefore greatest in 1891,
and that while there was a rise in plaice in 1893, there was a
diminution in dabs. On the other hand the total captures of
haddocks for the three years were respectively 56, 227 and 858,
a progressively increasing number.

In the summary’ it was stated that on the whole there was
a considerable increase in flat fishes and a great increase in
round fishes in the waters from which beam-trawling was pro-
hibited. Unfortunately, when contrasted with the total aver-
ages for 1886 the result is a diminution of 5 in 1893, a fact
which disposes of the theory of gradual accumulation, and at
the same time shows the uncertainty ever attendant on fishing
operations. Again, the great increase which was noticed in the
haddocks off the east coast generally this year affected the bay so
far as to raise the percentage of haddocks from 5 in 1892 to 26
in 1893.

The relation of the paucity of fishes with the preponderance
of cold months was further illustrated this year, for four out
of the six, viz. January, February, March, and November were
more or less in this category. If, for instance, the totals (sale-
able and unsaleable) for these months are investigated it is
found that the fishes caught in the months of June and July
are about five times as numerous. This feature has, perhaps,
not been sufficiently estimated by those dealing with the
subject. Some explain it by asserting that there is a summer
migration of flat fishes (e.g. plaice and dabs) to the shallower
water; while others perhaps suppose that these fishes keep in
the sand in cold weather. No observations made by the
“Garland” clear up this point, a feature, however, familiar to
fishermen.

1 12th Ann. Report, ii. p. 32.

122 INVESTIGATIONS IN ST ANDREWS BAY, 1894.

The total number of fishes captured in two hauls at
Station VI. was 279, about half the number of the previous
year, but the average was higher, viz. 139, or six more than in
1892. The average in both years was thus above the average
of the closed area, which does not seem to point to the
conclusion that the outer waters had suffered by non-pro-
tection.

During the year 1894 twenty hauls of the trawl were made
in St Andrews Bay, viz. six in February, April, September and
December respectively, each of the stations having been
examined four times. The total number of fishes including
the additional four hauls at Station VI. was 4238 or 2575 less
than in 1888, with one haul more (or 25). The area, more-
over, from which the fishes were drawn was considerably larger,
for while there were only five stations in 1888, there were six
in 1894. If the five regular stations only are dealt with, the
total number was 3500, or 175 per haul, a considerable increase
on the previous year. The average number of fishes per haul
was for the saleable 138, and unsaleable 36, numbers which
likewise contrast with those of 1888, the average in which was
248 for saleable, and 23 for unsaleable. The total number was
under that of the previous year though differently apportioned,
the average for the saleable being considerably larger, the
unsaleable being 668 less. In every stage, therefore, the un-
certainty attending these operations was demonstrated. Thus
more fishes were captured on Stations I and II. than in the
three previous years. A slight increase on the previous year
occurred at Station III., yet it did not bring it up to the
captures in 1886. The numbers on Station IV. were only a
little more than in 1893, viz. 287 to 265. On Station V. there
was an increase of 63, while on Station VI. the average was
45 more than in the previous year, a fact not in consonance
with the supposed depletion of the outer (unprotected)
waters.

The average per haul, over the whole of the stations, for
plaice was 48 and for dabs 64, a diminution of the former by 8
and an increase in the latter of 37, or more than double that
of the previous year, the numbers of the latter fish raising the

INVESTIGATIONS IN ST ANDREWS BAY, 1894—95. 123

total considerably over that of 1898, viz. from 83 to 112. If
the five enclosed stations alone are considered, the average for
plaice is 59 and for dabs 24, an increase in the former case
of 18 per haul and a decrease in the latter of 7 per haul.
It is pointed out in the 13th Report* that there was an
increase on the general average in the enclosed waters, and
justly so, since the average per haul in 1893 was 148, whereas
in 1894 it was 179 on the four areas. The reporter also
observes that there was a considerable decrease of round fishes.
Haddocks, however, show a slight increase from 26 to 29 per
haul. The total cod caught on all the stations in 1894 was
17, whereas in 1893 it was 34; gurnards in 1893 were 13 per
haul, in 1894 only 10. The numbers of the lemon-dab, turbot,
brill and sole were insignificant, and, as previously, showed
that the closure had no tendency to raise them.

A feature deserving special notice is the fact that the
total of all kinds of fishes was the lowest in the series with the
exception of 1886, with its 17 hauls. Two of the months were
wintry, viz. February and December, while of the other two,
April holds an intermediate position. Thus only September
produced comparatively large numbers. <A ship that could
only work in good weather was, besides, unfitted for such
investigations.

During 1895 the work of the “Garland” in St Andrews Bay
was continued in March, April, June and October, and resulted
in the capture of 4469 saleable fishes and 1802 unsaleable, the
total of 6271° being the fifth highest during the 10 years, those
of 1887, 1888, 1889 and 1890 exceeding it. But, as in other cases,
this high average, if we may judge from the irregularity of
the figures, seems to have no special significance further than
that three of the months were mild, and usually characterised
by high averages, while the third was less a winter month than
for example January and December. The average per haul
(313) was the second highest in the whole series of the decade,
the exceptionally favourable conditions of 1887 alone enabling
it to surpass it at the high figure of 408. On every station |

1 p. 19.
* Station VI, is dealt with separately.

124 INVESTIGATIONS IN ST ANDREWS BAY, 1895.

a notable increase on the previous year was evident, and on
Station IV. the number exceeded all except those of 1887 and
1890, the two highest im the series. Plaice showed a large
increase per haul on the previous year, while dabs were more
than doubled. It is quite legitimate to draw attention to the
increase in such forms in St Andrews Bay in connection with
the supposed influence of the closure in the Forth. There it is
stated that an increase occurred in the protected area, and a
diminution in the open area. But St Andrews Bay draws its
supplies of eggs in the case of plaice from the open area, and
should have suffered equally, which it did not. Lemon-dabs
were four times as numerous, long-rough dabs were less (17 to
12, total numbers), while flounders had considerably increased
on the preceding number (total 89 to 140). Of round fishes,
cod were only 12 as compared with 17 in 1894. Haddocks
were 15 per haul instead of 21, whitings were only 38 instead
of 85, but gurnards showed the high average of 44 per haul,
the second highest in the series, the highest being in 1887
with 49 per haul. As some of the numbers, eg. cod, were
small, these remarks are of limited value, but they show that
the increase was chiefly in dabs and gurnards, fishes of secondary
- importance.

The three hauls on Station VI. produced 679 fishes or 226
per haul, the second highest number in the four years. The
unprotected waters did not therefore give evidence of Per
deterioration from over-fishing.

In glancing at the results as shown in the averages of the
various stations during the 10 years it would not seem that
they point to a gradual accumulation of fishes due to the
protection afforded by the closure. The higher numbers are
succeeded by the smaller in such a way as to remove doubt
on this point. Moreover, if they (higher figures) have a
connection with anything it is with the warmer months of
the year, that is, with the preponderance of these during
the working period. This feature has been overlooked in
the review of the 10 years’ work’, for instance, in contrasting
the years 1887 and 1892 as illustrating the marked fluctua-

1 14th Report S. F. B. p. 135.

ST ANDREWS BAY. SUMMARY. D5

tions during the period. In 1892, however, one half the
hauls were in wintry months, viz., in February, March, No-
vember and December, while an intermediate month—April—
also tended to lower the percentage. The comparison, there-
fore, with such a year as 1887, in which the hauls were all in
productive months leads to erroneous conclusions. In dealing
with St Andrews Bay, further, the remarkable activity of the
local fishermen in scattering their lines throughout the area
for the capture of plaice must have tended to interfere with
the exact observations of the closure?. This point indeed was
specially brought up at the Royal Commission in 1884 when the
closure of the bay was suggested, but, as it would have been a
hardship on the local fishermen, it was decided to exclude trawlers
only. This factor therefore is one that should not be overlooked.

In the report, for the better illustration of the position,
the first half has been contrasted with the last half of the
period, viz, 1886-1890 with 1891-1895, and it was found
that the average for the former period was 290 per haul,
while in the latter period it was only 184 per haul, or a
reduction of more than 100 fishes per haul. A basis is thus
afforded for concluding that this progressive decrease, especially
in flat fishes—so predominant in St Andrews Bay, is due to two
causes, viz. general over-fishing in the open area, and, secondly,
the destruction of too many of the spawning fishes on which
the supply of floating eggs is dependent. Therefore it is pro-
posed to extend the closure to the open area beyond the
three-mile limit where such would include the “spawning
areas” of the food-fishes.

But, before suggesting a step so important it would have
been well to study the foundations on which the opinion
rested. If a map (Table I.) is made of the months during
which the hauls took place in the first period, viz., from 1886
to 1890, it will be found that the hauls are thickly dotted in
the months of August and October, and have a preponderance
in September. Briefly, two examinations of the areas took
place in May in the first period (1886-90), whereas only
one occurred in the second. Four examinations in August,

1 Vide p. 112.

126 ST ANDREWS BAY. SUMMARY.

the most prolific month of all, augmented the averages of the
first period ; only one fell to the second. Two examinations in
September were balanced by only one in the second period.
Four examinations in October were followed in the second
period by three. Now the averages per haul in all these
months is high and rapidly affects the result; thus for May it
is 253 per haul, August 515, September 362, and October 223.
It is true that the examinations are balanced by three in each
half decade in June, and that in July the latter (1891-95) has
one period more (two examinations having been made in July,
1891), but the average for that month 1s not so high as some of
those mentioned, for it is only 2411.

On the other hand, the latter period (1891-95) is handi-
capped by frequent examinations in the colder months, which,
while increasing the number of hauls, seriously affect the
averages. Thus four examinations (20 hauls) in February, with
an average of only 35, stand alone, for no examination occurred
in this month in the first period. In March the examinations
were equally balanced—three in each period. In April three
examinations took place, as against one in the first period, the
average for this month being 122; moreover there were 15
hauls in the three examinations, as against only five in the first
period. When we come to November and December a similar
condition is found. In the second period, three hauls in each
are balanced by only two in the first period, so that their com-
paratively low averages (191 for November and 39 for De-
cember) affect the second period considerably, especially as
there were 15 hauls in November and 13 in December, as
against 10 in each of these months in the first period. In the
first period 25 examinations were made; in the second 29, yet
though the latter has the preponderance in number, the former
has the larger proportion during the warmer months (which
possess a high average), viz. as 9 to 13.

This important point is further brought out by calculating
the number of hauls made during the six winter months, viz.
January, February, March, April, November and December in
each period. In these months, during the first period (1886—

1 Food-fishes alone are included in these averages.

ST ANDREWS BAY. SUMMARY. 127

1890) there were but 44 hauls, whereas in the second period
(1891-1895) there were nearly double the number, viz. 83.
The same result is apparent by a comparison of the hauls
during the warmer months of May, June, July, August,
September and October, for out of a total of 126 hauls in the
first period (1886-1890) no less than 82 occurred in these
months, whereas in the second period (1891-1895) out of a
total of 143 hauls only 60 belong to these months. In other
words, there was a difference of 38 hauls in favour of the
warmer months in the first period, and an excess of 23 in
favour of the colder months in the second period (1891-1895).
Between the hauls in the warmer months of the first period
and those of the second period, there was thus a preponderance
of 22 hauls to the former period (1886-1890).

St ANDREWS BAy.

Ist QUINQUENNIAL WARMER CoLpER DIFFERENCE

PERIOD

May to Oct. Jan. Feb. Mar. Apl. Total
Nov. Dee.
No. of hauls 82 44 126 38 +in
favour of warm

2ND QUINQUENNIAL

PERIOD

No. of hauls 60 83 143 + 23 in
favour of cold

From most points of view, therefore, the doubtful nature of
the deduction on which further closures rested is sufficiently
obvious. The weight to be placed, therefore, in the Summary?
on the statement that there was “a general falling-off in the
abundance of flat fishes” “especially in the closed waters of
St Andrews Bay” in the second period is evident. This
contrast between the two quinquennial periods, with the table,
has been quoted from the Fishery Board Report by Mons. G.

1 The differences between the captures in the warmer months (June and
July) and those of the colder were indeed adverted to in the reviews of the first
results of the ‘Garland’s” work by the late Sir James Gibson Maitland and
Prof. Ewart, 5th Ann. Report S. F. B. pp. 57 & 58.

2 14th Ann. Report S. F. B. p. 137.

128 ST ANDREWS BAY. SUMMARY.

Roché, French Inspector in Chief of Fisheries, as if 1t were
perfectly reliable.

The accompanying tables (I. to VII. e¢ seq.) will demon-
strate that the basis on which the foregoing criticism rests is
not imaginary. The percentages increase (with a slight check
in July) to August, and then diminish to December, just as the
spindles formed by the animals in the pelagic fauna do, and as
the larval and post-larval fishes do from January to December?.
The argument in the Report of the Fishery Board’, therefore,
for further closure so as to control the “spawning areas” rests
on no satisfactory basis in this connection—whatever support
it may have from general over-fishing. The conditions of the
two half-periods were wholly divergent, indeed, it might well
have happened that the differences were more pronounced than
those in the Blue-book. In the earlier Reports of the Board
such variations would have been attributed to migrations, but
there is no reason to think these are of any moment in this
case. Fishes become more lethargic in cold weather, more
lively in warm weather, and hence more readily come in the
way of capture in the latter than in the former. Consequently,
the statistical analysis based on the half-periods just mentioned
fails to be reliable, and does not prove “that there has been
a diminution of the more important flat fishes in the closed
waters, instead of an increase, as was anticipated; and that
this may probably be traced to the influence of beam-trawling
in the open waters where the fishes spawn‘.”

The reporter, it is true, states that the same conclusions

1 La culture des mers, 1898, p. 86, &c.

2 Vide Life Histories of the Food-Fishes, McIntosh and Masterman, pp.
36—56.

3 14th Report, iii. p. 148. -

4 One critic somewhat facetiously accuses the author of being responsible for
this statement in the Fishery Blue-book of the year (1893). He doubtless re-
served his opinion on this and other questions—the materials for decision in
which did not appear to him to be sufficiently complete, or were unsatisfactory.
As he had not then gone fully into all the details (which indeed were not then
in existence) he deemed it right to fall in with his five experienced and valued
colleagues. His critic perhaps has not observed that three other members, not
unknown in various connexions with line-fishermen, dissented from the views
he deems so important.

ST ANDREWS BAY. SUMMARY. 25

cannot be drawn “with regard to round fishes, which are more
numerous and migratory.” But if his conclusions are based on
his half-periods, experience would show that it is during the
colder months of the year that cod, and haddocks, and whitings
most abound in St Andrews Bay, yet the uncertainty of fishing-
operations is again demonstrated by the fact that while the cod
- and whiting were more numerous in the latter period, the had-
docks and gurnards were in the majority in the former period.
The highest average for haddocks took place in 1887, while
the lowest years were 1889 and 1890.

The opinion expressed in regard to the cod in St Andrews
Bay in 1883 and 1884 was that it had almost disappeared, but
the examination during the latter year both in the bay and off
the rocks showed that this was at variance with facts. Indeed,
no sooner were the fishermen free to leave their lines baited
with anemones than cod were found in considerable numbers.
A single boat would bring from 30 to 80 cod as its share in a
bay that had been “swept barren by trawlers.” It was clear
that only the right season and the right bait were necessary to
secure fine cod as before. Year by year the same experience has
been met with. Lately (1898) even so limited an apparatus
as a salmon stake-net in June has captured at a single tide
upwards of 6 dozen cod from 14 to 27 inches, showing that
notwithstanding all the pessimistic views of those engaged in
the pursuit, the nomad shoals of the round fishes still assert
themselves. Besides, the yearly shoals of tiny young cod in
the bay in June show, by their unfailing regularity and
immense multitudes, that the methods of nature in the open
ocean are for the most part beyond the influence of man, and
go on as before—unmindful alike of the fears of the timorous,
and the misapprehensions of those imperfectly acquainted with
the subject.

If the averages on the stations in the closed area are
considered, the same result is apparent. No accumulation and
no encouraging increase are evident, but the lower and higher
numbers succeed each other in a way explicable only by the
irregularities and uncertainties of such operations. Thus the
average 175 in 1886, just after powerful steam-vessels and fleets

M, R, 9

130 ST ANDREWS BAY. SUMMARY.

of local trawlers had swept the bay, was succeeded, after an
interval of four years by even smaller numbers for three con-
secutive years, and a fourth year by the same figure. Further,
as if to dispose of the view that the general over-fishing, or the
detrimental influence of free fishing, in the open waters, had
slowly sapped the supply, the last year of the “Garland’s” work
had a very high average. The highest of all the averages was
in 1887—the year after the closure, the next m 1895. Again,
the comparatively high average of 288 in 1890 was followed by ©
low averages for three years. The reporter in his summary? of
the results of the “Garland’s” work considers that “ the imme-
diate consequence of the cessation of trawling appears to have
been an increase in the abundance of flat fishes within the
enclosed areas ;” and, further, “the fact that this increase was
not only not maintained, but that a progressive decrease in
plaice and lemon soles occurred subsequently, indicates another
influence, namely, excessive trawling on the offshore grounds
where these fishes spawn.”

It should be borne in mind that the work in 1887 was done
during productive months, viz, in May, June, August and
October, a fact which alone would considerably add to the
percentage, since not only flat fishes, but gurnards and other
forms would swell the lists. No winter months increased the
number of hauls, while it diminished the percentage of captures.
Nowhere in the tables is such a combination of favourable con-
ditions to be found, and consequently in no year is the average
so high.

Much has been said about the disappearance of the older
and larger plaice which were so common about the period when
trawling began, but surely no other result could have been
expected. Any method of fishing persistently and effectively
carried out on an area where flat fishes occur has a tendency to
remove the larger examples of such fishes as plaice, turbot,
halibut and other forms, but this does not mean that the race is
extinguished. The “practical man” forgets that there are
other sizes of plaice, that are, for instance, just as useful to
mankind as the 20-inch plaice. He forgets that year by year,

1 14th Report, iii. p. 148,

ST ANDREWS BAY. SUMMARY. 131

irrespective of all melancholy forebodings, myriads of young
plaice people the shallow waters of the sandy bays all round
our shores, and afford the best refutation of his views, and a
proof, beyond dispute, of the recuperative powers of nature.
For, just as surely as these swarms of young plaice annually
appear, just as surely are the ranks of the sizes above them
recruited. Does the “practical man” find that the dabs and
long-rough dabs have been similarly dealt with by the trawl
(which makes no discrimination in regard to species)? Large
plaice and large turbot are certainly conspicuous examples of
forms that are affected by constant and effective methods of
fishing, but it is long since their extinction was prognosticated,
and, so far as facts go, their continuance is as yet in no danger.

The opinion expressed in the summary that the dabs and
long-rough dabs by their increase in the closed waters had to
some extent supplanted the plaice and the lemon-dabs seems to
be in want of further proof. The view that it is the trawl which
has caused an undue slaughter of the latter (before maturity),
while the two former species escape as mature individuals
through the meshes, will not explain all the facts for St
Andrews Bay. Moreover, the reporter has forgotten that the
flounder is in the same position, its numbers having been
reduced by about a fourth in the same period (latter half), yet
it cannot be said that this species depends on the outer water
for its eggs and young’. A better case, as regards diminution
during the second period, could be made out for the turbot,
since in the first period 34 were captured, and in the latter
only 18. Ripe turbot as a rule are offshore fishes, and their
destruction, therefore, was as probable as that of the spawning
plaice. Yet he would be a bold man who would take up such
a position, especially if familiar with St Andrews Bay, in which
the young turbot have always occurred. Similar remarks apply
to the sole, the first period having double the number of the
second. But if the “Garland” had had a ground-rope on her

1 It has been stated in the Fishery Reports that flounders have increased
because they spawn inshore, while lemon-dabs have diminished since they
spawn offshore, and their young are not confined to the territorial waters. A
careful study of both cases does not substantiate this view for either.

9—2

iley4 ST ANDREWS BAY. SUMMARY.

trawl of the same kind as that formerly used by the native
fishermen the result might have been different. Few would be
prepared to state that because, even with a blank year, the
thornbacks were more numerous in the first period (by 107 to
97) they had been affected by any method of fishing, just as
they would hesitate to put weight on the fact that the small
numbers of brill were increased fourfold and the larger
numbers of starry rays doubled by accumulation in the latter
period (vide Tables V.—VII.). The uncertainties and irregu-
larities connected with fishing operations are as distinctly seen
in the fishes that are less common in the bay, such as the sole,
sandy ray, conger, poor cod and wolf-fish, as in the more
abundant forms, some occurring in greater numbers in the first
period and others in the second. The greatest caution is
therefore necessary in drawing conclusions from such data. If
they show anything more than another it is that the closure of
such areas has no appreciable influence on the increase or
diminution of the fishes within their own boundaries or in the
neighbouring waters. The problem is too vast to be solved
by such pigmy measures. The closure—to the three-mile
limit—round the shores of Britain seems to the uninitiated a
great step for the protection of the sea-fishes against trawling,
but it is really quite insignificant, in view of the vast extent
and unbounded resources of the ocean, or in its effects on the
complex chain of circumstances resulting in the permanent
abundance of these fishes.

St Andrews from the Pier. The Castle is on the extreme right, and St Leonard’s
School on the sky-line on the extreme left.

To face p. 132]

CHAPTER IV. -

SCIENTIFIC INVESTIGATIONS IN THE FRITH OF FORTH.
1886—1896.

TABLES VIII. to XII.

THE area of the Forth, which comprises 250 nautical square
miles, differs in a marked manner from the open sandy bay of
St Andrews, both in regard to the nature of the bottom and
the depth of water. These distinctions are clearly set forth in
the Fifth Annual Report of the Fishery Board’ in the descrip-
tion of the nine trawling stations of this area, the salient
features in contrast with St Andrews being the frequent occur-
rence of mud, stones and shells as well as sand, with such forms
as oysters, mussels, clams and Norway-lobsters. The depth,
moreover, ranges from 10 to 20 fathoms. Though much marine
zoological work has been done for generations in the Forth, the
precise condition of its fish-fauna just before the closure was
less accurately known than that of St Andrews Bay, mainly
because the trawling ships chiefly worked beyond its limits.
It is true that the otter-trawl was used in 1858, and probably
earlier, on the sandy flats, mainly for scientific purposes, but no
accurate records of the captures are available for comparison.
Accordingly, the first season’s work of the “Garland” (in 1886),
with such supplementary evidence of a reliable kind as exists,
forms the chief guide in dealing with the area.

The first season’s work in the Forth commenced in June,

1 pp. 52—54.

134: INVESTIGATIONS IN FORTH, 1886.

1886, and was continued in July, September, October and
November. Only in June, however, were the stations syste-
matically gone over (with the exception of VIII.). Twenty-
seven hauls of the trawl produced a total of 5,896 fishes, of
which 4,649 were saleable and 1,247 unsaleable. Of the
saleable fishes the majority were haddocks, no less than 2,273
having been captured, or an average of about 84 per haul.
The largest captures were in July, e.g. 357 and 382 respectively
occurring at Stations III. and VII. The average number per
haul in July was 297, the next (78) being in June. The other
three months were much less productive in haddocks. The
deeper waters of the Forth probably prove more attractive to
the haddock than the shallow waters of St Andrews Bay. The
next were plaice—1,056, or 39 per haul, most having been
procured in September, viz., an average of 80 per haul; dabs
791 or 29 per haul; lemon-dabs (total) 445; long-rough dabs
419; whiting 253; gurnards 279 or 10 per haul; cod 241. In
contrasting these captures with those in St Andrews Bay the
great proportion of haddocks is a prominent feature, about nine
times as many being present in the Forth. Cod and whitings
are also in larger numbers. Gurnards, on the other hand, were
much more common, and plaice and dabs were twice as numerous
in St Andrews Bay. Lemon-dabs and long-rough dabs were
more abundant in the Forth, while flounders were more common
in St Andrews. As already mentioned, the deeper water and
more varied bottom, together with the periodical abundance of
herrings probably proved a greater attraction to both cod and
haddock. The absence of thornback for the first year in the
returns of the “Garland” in St Andrews Bay leaves some
hesitation about a comparison of the skate of the two areas, but
on the whole they correspond, with the exception of the sandy
ray, which occurs only in the area of St Andrews, a feature,
however, of no moment. If we consider the months, it is
found that July with its 4 hauls produced 2,223 food-fishes or
555 per haul, June with 8 hauls gave 1,313 or 164 per haul,
September with 5 hauls 1,171 or 236 per haul, October with
4 hauls 576 or 144 per haul, and November with 6 hauls 613
or 102 per haul.

INVESTIGATIONS IN FORTH, 1886 AND 1887. 135

The average number of saleable fishes per haul was 172, of
unsaleable 46, giving a total of 218, a number considerably
higher than that of St Andrews Bay, a fact which traverses
the suppositions so common about this period.

The work of the “Garland” in the Forth, therefore, showed
that food-fishes occurred in considerable numbers throughout
the area, especially when the inefficient means of capture is
borne in mind. A well-equipped trawler pursuing its work for
commercial purposes would have shown a different return, for
it would have been free to select its ground according to
weather, tide and season.

The highest average (423 per haul) occurs on Station III.
from the centre of the Forth towards the southern shore and in
8—10 fathoms east of Inchkeith; the next (308) is at Station II.
from Dysart to Leven in 9 to 12 fathoms; the third (211) on
Station I. in the centre of the estuary and in 10 to 18 fathoms;
the fourth (204) on Station LV. off the southern shore between
Fisherow and Gullane Ness; the fifth comprises two stations,
VI. and VII., which have nearly the same average, viz. 197 and
196, yet they lie on opposite sides of the Forth, the former
being the short station (Fluke-hole, 13 to 14 fathoms) opposite
St Monance and Pittenween, and the latter along the south
shore westward of the Bass. The seventh place with an average
of 169 is held by Station V. running in the centre westwards
from the Isle of May and with a depth of 13 to 14 fathoms.
These were all within the enclosed area. The others, viz. VIII.
and IX. were outside the limit and with a depth of 18 to 20
fathoms, the former having an average of 114 per haul, and the
latter only 46. It may be doubted, however, whether the trawl
of the “Garland” was always effective in the deeper parts.

In 1887 the work in the Forth was carried on in the
months of June, August, and September—all productive
months. It forms a useful comparison with that in St Andrews
Bay which was spread over four months, viz., May, June,
August and October, also all productive months (ae. with a
high average). In neither area therefore did a winter month
reduce the average. Here as well as in St Andrews Bay the
increase in the fishes was noteworthy: the total was nearly

136 INVESTIGATIONS IN FORTH, 1887.

doubled, though, just as in the case of St Andrews, it was by
the great abundance of the unsaleable, indeed, the saleable
fishes were no less than 1,392 below what they were the
previous year, a fact which is important. With 3 hauls less
than in 1886, viz. 24, a total of 9,094 or 3,257 saleable and
5,837 unsaleable fishes were obtained. The most abundant fish
was the haddock, which formed about a third of the entire
captures, viz. 3,101, or an average of 129 per haul. These
fishes were therefore 45 per haul over those of the preceding
season. The highest figures (saleable and unsaleable inclusive)
occurred in August, apparently when the young haddocks were
seeking the inshore waters from their birthplaces in the
offshore, for 1,007 unsaleable forms and 100 saleable were then
captured, the next in order with 1,012 being September, while
June had 982. Plaice, as in the preceding year, followed with
a total of 1753 or an average of 73 per haul, nearly double that
of 1886, dabs with a total of 1157 or 48 per haul, lemon-dabs
1,129 or 47 per haul, long-rough dabs 682, whiting 383, gur-
nards 377 or 15 per haul. The area showed a considerable
number of grey skate, flapper-skate and herrings (32), and a
single mackerel, sole, catfish and bib were obtained.

As in the previous year, it was the presence of large
numbers of small haddocks that chiefly raised the average of
the captures to 378 per haul, just as in St Andrews Bay it was
the increased number of plaice that raised its average to 341.
The one seemed to be a harbour for the round fishes, the other
for the flat fishes. ‘The increase, however, was much greater in
the case of the plaice.

The highest average occurred in August, for 7 hauls pro-
duced 3,004 fishes or 429 per haul; the next was June, 9
hauls with 3,317 fishes or 360 per haul, and lastly, September
with 8 hauls gave 2,713 or 339 per haul. Though these were
considerably higher than in the same months of the previous
year, yet, in July 1886, the average per haul was still higher,
viz., 552. Such are the uncertainties ever recurring in these
pursuits, even with all the parallel advantages of favourable
months.

The highest average is at Station II. off the Fife shore—

INVESTIGATIONS IN FORTH, 1887. 137

from Dysart to Leven, viz. 616 per haul, the highest obtained
in the whole series. This station has both a considerable
variety and abundance of fishes. The next is Station IIL, with
589 or 165 above its number last year—when it headed the
list. The third is Station I. with 566 per haul. Then follow
V., VIL, IX., IV., VIIL, all with a higher average than in
1886, while, on the other hand, VI., the short station opposite
St Monance and Pittenween, had 42 per haul less than in
1886.

No subsequent year was on the exceptional footing of this
year with its three productive months. It is interesting, more-
over, to find that the average of the saleable fishes was ex-
ceeded by the previous year and by several subsequent years.
The unsaleable and the total were unique (highest) in the
series.

So far as can be ascertained little 1s to be gained by a
comparison of the various kinds of fishes obtained in the outer
and in the inner stations’. The broad fact remains that this
year (1887) the average of the captures was very high, but, as
the work was carried on only in three very productive months
in the Forth, its bearing on the supposed increase by accumula-
tion and non-interference is questionable. It might be said
that the large number of immature fishes captured was a proof
that the closure had at least preserved the young forms wafted -
into the Forth either as eggs, larval, post-larval or very young
fishes. For the most part, they had complete immunity (by
their size) from any kind of fishing apparatus outside the limit,
and once inside the limit they were safe. Unfortunately, how-
ever, every subsequent year was in the same condition, and yet
no steady and permanent increase took place in the fishes of the
waters of the Forth. It cannot be said that eggs and larval
fishes were rare beyond the limit. Floating eggs in great num-
bers near the surface, and countless swarms of young fishes in
the deeper water occurred in the outer area, as in all probability
they had occurred for ages. The eggs and pelagic young were
also present around and inside the Island of May. Materials
for an increase were thus in abundance.

1 Vide Sixth Annual Report, S. F. B., pp. 28, 29.

138 INVESTIGATIONS IN FORTH, 1888.

In dealing with the work of this and the preceding year in
the Forth no support can be given to the conclusion indicated
on pp. 108 and 109 “that the suspension of trawling had been
followed by a great increase in the numbers of the fish in the
Frith of Forth.” ,

In 1888 the number of the hauls was greatly increased, viz.
to 50, and they extended over a period of six months, two of
which—November and December—were winter-months. ‘These
produced 9,952 fishes, or only about 800 more than the 24 hauls
did during the warm months of 1887. Of this number the
saleable fishes made 8,928, or more than twice the number of
last year (leaving out of consideration for the moment the
greatly increased number of hauls), and the unsaleable 1,024.
The sizes were now affixed, so that comparisons with the
previous year need not be made on this head. Haddocks held
the first position, as formerly, with total of 2,225 or 44 per
haul; only 14 were large, the majority being medium (1512)
and small (692), the unsaleable amounting only to 7. The
average was thus about a third that of last year. The highest
number occurs in August (693), the next in September, then
October, June and December, the lowest be mg November with
only 105. ‘The increase of the haddocks in December over
those in November was probably due to the presence of herring
in the Forth. Plaice again follow with a total of 2,028 all
saleable, or an average of 40 per haul, considerably under the
previous year. It is interesting to notice that the plaice follow
a similar relative increase to that of the haddocks from June to
October, but that a sudden and great fall takes place in No-
vember and December—out of all proportion to that in the
haddock, the number in December being only 7 [th of that in
June, whereas in the haddock the captures in Dedeniber were
only 17 less than in June and in the case of the whiting 19
more than in June. It is the remarkably low averages in the
two winter months in such as the plaice which accentuate the
difference between 1887 and 1888. Whitings come next plaice
with a total of 1,378 (only 30 of which were unsaleable) or an
average per haul of 25, or 10 over the average per haul of last
year. They followed the haddocks closely in regard to the

INVESTIGATIONS IN FORTH, 1888. 139

proportions during the various months, though of course in
diminished numbers. Next were dabs at 1,244, or 24 per haul
—exactly half the number per haul when contrasted with the
previous year. They followed the plaice in regard to the
months, though the highest number occurred in September
instead of in August. The fall was less striking in November
and December, but it was likewise present. A large proportion
of the dabs were unsaleable. The total number of lemon-dabs
was 888 or 17 per haul—no less than 30 per haul below 1887 ;
long-rough dabs had a total of 688. Cod and gurnards were
fewer than the previous year.

In contrast with 1887, the stations throughout showed a
reduced number of food-fishes in the average per haul, the first
and third having only about half the number. The first two.
had about the same average as in 1886, while the third had
little more than half that of 1886. The fourth and fifth were
not very different from what they were in 1886. The sixth
was less by more than half, the seventh, eighth and ninth had
considerably increased.

This year eight hauls by an ordinary steam-trawler! were
made by the Board in the Forth at the beginning of February
as a check on the work of the “Garland,” but no systematic
treatment of the results is given in the Blue-book. It is simply
stated that the main results corresponded with those obtained
by the “Garland.” It is unfortunate that an accurate table of
each of these hauls was not preserved.

The lesson learned from this year (1888) was not a striking
one, but it brought out the uncertainties of fishing operations
(mainly perhaps due, in this case to stormy weather), and
showed the greater variety in the commercial captures of the
Forth as contrasted with St Andrews Bay. The various kinds
of skate were scattered generally over the area, and such forms
as the cat-fish (wolf-fish), green cod, herring, witch (pole-dab) and
pollack, were perhaps more characteristic of the Forth. The
conger, ling, sprat and halibut were sparse in both, while the
haddock, whiting and cod were in greater numbers in the Forth.

Further increase of the number of the hauls took place in

1 The ‘‘Ocean Rover” belonging to Mr Gunn, of Leith.

140 INVESTIGATIONS IN FORTH, 1889.

1889, viz. to 90, with the result that a total of 13,768 fishes or
152 per haul were obtained. Of these 11,981 or 133 per haul
were saleable and 1787 or 19 per haul unsaleable, a reduction
in every case on the previous year. Thus the total average is
less by 46, the saleable by 45, and the unsaleable by 1. The
comparatively small average number (15) of unsaleable fishes
is noteworthy—-since it is the lowest in the series. A stricter
method of computation both the preceding year and this may
have had some connection with the sudden fall in this column.
At least four winter months were included in the working
period, viz. January, February, March and November, besides
April, which has not a high average. The more productive
months were May, June, July, August and October. The
absence of such a month as September makes a considerable
difference, especially when the balance lies between five months
with rather a low average, and five with a high average.

The uncertainty of striking a shoal of round fishes was
illustrated in the case of the haddocks, the totals of which
(1445) were less by 780 than that procured by only 50 hauls
in 1888. Instead of 44 per haul their average was now only
16. They reached their maximum in August (33 per haul)
and their minimum in the warmer months from April to July.
The increase in August was probably due to the immigration
of the summer haddocks of the fishermen, though other causes
may have intervened. A similar reduction occurred in whitings,
the total for which (1358) was 20 below that of the previous
year with its 50 hauls. They also reached their maximum in
August (82 per haul), their next highest periods being
November, October and July; the numbers during the rest
of the months being considerably less. The highest total was
that of plaice, 3833 or 42 per haul, a somewhat higher average
(by 2) than the previous year. They also reached their
maximum in August with an average per haul of 57, June
and October followmg. The minimum was in January (11 per
haul) and the next lowest in May (16 per haul). Dabs had a
total of 1930 or 21 per haul, three less than the previous year.
They likewise reached their maximum in August and their
minimum in January. The average per haul in the lemon-

ne ee

INVESTIGATIONS IN FORTH, 1889 AND 1890. 141

dabs was below (by 3) that of 1888. Cod and gurnards re-
mained about the same in each year, as did others. The
increase in the number of the “witches” in this and the
previous year is a fact of interest.

All the Stations except IV., VI. and IX. showed a le
in the average of the food ene captured. Station IV. had
only an increase of 6, yet this was the highest average (272)
of the year. The increase per haul at Station VI. was 31, and
at Station IX. only 8.

In contrasting the diminished averages of 1889 with the
previous year it must not be forgotten that the former has the
disadvantage of including five winter months in its working-
period, whereas the latter has but two. Under these circum-
stances it is perhaps remarkable that the reduction was not
greater. Yet such does not indicate that a serious diminution

of the fishes of the area had taken place; but is the effect of a

well-known seasonal variation.

A considerable increase took place in the captures of 1890,
seventy-nine hauls producing a total of 18,270 fishes or an
average of 231 per haul. Of these 14,953 or an average of 189
per haul were saleable, and 3317 or an average of 42 unsale-
able. The work giving this result was carried on during 10
months, five of which were winter months, viz. February, March,
April, November and December, and five warmer or productive
months, viz. May, July, August, September and October. While
the three first mentioned winter months, however, produced
respectively 501, 720 and 891 fishes of all kinds, the two last
months of the year gave respectively for seven hauls 1970 and
for nine hauls 1753 fishes, a very considerable addition to the
totals. The captures in the warmer months were as follow :—
May with 9 hauls 1479, July with 7 hauls 2432, August with
6 hauls 2284, September with 5 hauls 2067, and October with
9 hauls 4173. It is clear that if July, August and September
had had as many hauls as October the result would have been
very different, for these are productive months. In an inquiry
like the present, therefore, it is important to have the data
equivalent throughout, or at any rate to be cautious in drawing
deductions from results obtained under different conditions.

142 INVESTIGATIONS IN FORTH, 1890.

The adding of new stations during the progress of the inquiry
was also perhaps unnecessary, and thus for example Station X.,
which was arranged for in 1892, has simply been struck out of
the reckoning.

The comparison of the closed with the open area, that is,
of the stations beyond the limit with those within it has always
appeared to produce slender results, and accordingly it has not
been deemed necessary to allude to it.

The foremost place was held by the whiting with a total of
5,545 or 70 per haul, of which 5,093 were saleable and 452 un-
saleable. Large numbers of young whitings had been observed in
the Forth and neighbourhood by the “ Garland” in the autumn
of 1889. Dr Fulton, indeed, computed the immense shoal in
territorial waters to reach at least 230,000,000. individuals
between 3 and 5 inches in length. Nor is this condition to be
considered as exceptional. The young whitings come inshore
from the more distant grounds where the majority pass their
early stages in similar shoals annually in autumn, but they are
not always discovered, and probably may often be much more
scattered. Very considerable captures of saleable whitings were
also made in 1884 south of the estuary of the Forth, no less
than 1,522 being brought up in a single haul of the trawl on
the 7th February, 1884", so that the general diminution of this
species is by no means proved. Trawl-fishermen consider,
moreover, that the whiting is a species less apt to come in the
way of the net than such as the haddock, since it often feeds
higher in the water, a fact borne out by its active habits and
piscivorous tastes. Besides, capture by hook or by trawl some-
times gives but an indifferent view of the number of fishes on
an area. Of the foregoing total of 5,545 whitings no less than
3,095 were between 7 and 9 inches in length—captured in the
following months :— :

No. of No. of

Hauls Hauls
9 February 25 6 August 182
9 March 38 5 September 608
9 April 133 9 October 1494
9 May 174 7 November 449
7 July 321 9 December 480

| Report Royal Commission on Trawling, p. 389,

INVESTIGATIONS IN FORTH, 1890. 143

Those under 7 inches (452 in number) were procured :—

No. of No. of

Hauls Hauls
9 February 23 6 August 45
9 March 39 5 September 10
9 April 86 9 October 31
9 May 76 7 November 51
ii July 33 9 December 58

The captures of the larger series are sufficiently varied, but
it is clear that there was a steady increase till October, when
the maximum occurred. It might be supposed that the great
increase in October was due to the growing fishes seeking the
bottom after certain kinds of food. On the other hand, a glance
at the table shows a tendency to a marked increase in the outer
Stations VIII. and IX. in September, and then, next month,
these and the stations in line with them, viz. VII. and III,
were all accentuated, as if a shoal had about that period sought
the inshore ramifications. According to present notions those
between 7 and 9 inches would be in their second year in
October, so that there may be a tendency shorewards also in
their second autumn, probably in pursuit of a favourite food.
The irregularity of growth may account for the prevalence of
small whitings throughout the year, as shown in the list of those
under 7 inches, though in the later months the most advanced
young of the season may be included.

The haddock succeeds the whiting with a total of 2,474 or
31 per haul, nearly double what it was the previous year, the
saleable being 2,291 or 29 per haul, and the unsaleable 183 or
2 per haul. Of the foregoing, 1,445 were between 8 and 9
inches and 183 under 8 inches. They were procured as
follows :—

No. of Under Between Between Large

Hauls 8 in. 8 & 9 in. 10-14 in. 15-26 in.
9 February 22 12 12
9 March 34 11 9)
9 April 19 13 16 3
9 | May 59 29 21 13
i July 675 37 10
6 August 4 244 8 8
5 September 5 304 304 10
9 October 22 146 258 a
7 November 11 6 38 5
9 December 7 28 56 12

144 INVESTIGATIONS IN FORTH, 1890.

The maximum thus occurred in July, three months earlier
than in the whiting, and the Stations V., VI. and VII. at the
entrance to the Forth seemed to have been most productive.
It is possible that the series under 8 inches beginning in
August are those of the year, simce we know with certainty
that some reach 74 inches in November. Out of a total of 85
large haddocks captured this season, 52 were obtained subse-
quent to the spawning-period, viz.; from July to December.
This proves that the 33 captured earlier in the season did not
deplete the waters of the area of spawning fishes. It is probable
indeed that some at least of the 33 had also shed part of their
eggs, and as the adult may contain from 170,000 to 2,000,000
egos, the number may have been considerable. But no account
has been taken of the 761 between 10 and 14 inches, a propor-
tion of which, especially amongst the males, between 12 and 14
inches had arrived at maturity. Besides those captured by the
“Garland” or other means in the Forth, a large reserve-margin
must have escaped. Thus, in whatever way we look at the
question, there is no reason to suppose that we have reached a
dangerous condition in regard to our marine fisheries—as a
certain class maintain. A little more trust in Nature, and less
in “ friends,” or in help from the Government, would not be for
the disadvantage of the department.

Plaice come next in order with a total of 2,437 or 30 per
haul, a result below what it was in 1886 by 9, but the latter
period differed as regards the proportion of productive months.
2,422 were saleable and only 15 unsaleable, so that practically
the plaice were nearly all marketable. In contrasting the
captures of this fish in the Forth with those in St Andrews
Bay in March, May, August, October and December of the
same year, it is found that the following condition, as shown in
the table, occurs :—

The sailing-boat “Dalhousie” of the Gatty Marine Laboratory
with her “crew” on board.

To face p. 144]

INVESTIGATIONS IN FORTH, 1890, 145

1890.
FORTH.
Plaice, total 2437.
No. of
Hauls 19-26 in. 12-18 in. 7-11 in. Under 7 in. Total
9 February 1 140 46 Z 189
9 March — 76 EI 2 135
9 April 2 84 40 1 Oar
9 May 5 129 110 3 247
it July 2 156 181 i 340
6 August 11 283 162 5 461
5 September — 111 10 — 121
9 October 5 248 199 1 453
7 November 2 235 38 — 275
39 December 2 76 ely == 89
79 30 1538 854 15
ST ANDREWS BAY.
Plaice, total 5070.
No. of
Hauls 19-26 in. 12-18in. 7-11 in. 5-64 in. Total
10 March 1 329 464 6 | 800
5 May 1 208 427 3 639
5 August == 197 2464 725 3086
5 October — 114 116 3 D333
5 December aa pul 1 aes, 12
30 2 859 3472 orl

While 79 hauls of the trawl produce but 2,437 plaice of all
kinds in the extensive area of the Forth, 30 hauls in St
Andrews Bay give more than double, viz., 5,070. The appor-
tionment of the various sizes of plaice is equally divergent.
Thus of large plaice 19—26 inches in length, the breeding
plaice of the areas, one occurs in every two or three hauls in the
Forth with its deeper waters, and only one in fifteen hauls in
St Andrews Bay. Of plaice from 12—18 inches, a very
valuable marketable size, the Forth produces no less than
1,538, considerably more than half its total or 19 per haul,
St Andrews Bay giving 859 or 28 per haul. The maximum
occurred in August in the Forth, and in St Andrews Bay in
March; the minimum in March and December (76) in the
Forth, and in December in St Andrews Bay (11). Of plaice
from 7—11 inches the enormous numbers in St Andrews Bay
are clearly brought out, for whereas 79 hauls in the Forth

M. R. 10

146. INVESTIGATIONS IN FORTH, 1890.

captured but 854 or 10 per haul, 30 hauls in St Andrews Bay
gave. 3,472 or 115 per haul!—eleven times as many. Of this
great number 2,464 pertain to August, with only five hauls of
the trawl, whereas six hauls in the Forth gave but 162 in the
same month, and five hauls m September only 10. Plaice
under 7 inches were rare in the Forth—15 occurring in 79
hauls, and chiefly in the first half of the year. On the other
hand, 737 were procured in the 30 hauls in St Andrews Bay,
and all but 12 in the month of August. The broad features
distinguishing the two areas are nowhere mapped out more
decisively than in the case of this fish, and if the Fishery
Board had been able to devote as much energy to St Andrews
Bay as to the Forth the results would have been even more
pronounced. No feature was more evident during the work off
the east coast of Scotland in 1884 than that the large plaice
were as a rule offshore fishes, whereas the sandy shallow water
inshore was a stronghold for the smaller forms.

The total number of dabs of all kinds was 2,276, or 28 per
haul, an increase on the previous year, though one under 1886,
but little real importance is to be placed on the variations
exhibited under the circumstances by this species. Most were
captured during the latter half of the year, that is, from July
to December.

This year cod showed a larger average than had yet been
obtained, viz. 23 per haul, or a total of 1821 of all kinds.
Unfortunately, the statistics have not been uniformly kept
throughout the various years, the separation of the large cod
(23—27 in.) having only been clearly carried out in 1890. So
far as can be observed, however, a tendency to increase in the
colder months in the case of the larger cod is evident. The
highest monthly number of all kinds is in November : December
follows closely, then October. The highest monthly number of
large cod (23—27 in.) is in February,— November, October and
December following. During the five years, the averages of all
kinds of cod were 8, 12, 10, 10, 23; the sudden leap in the last
year (1890) being one of the variations so prevalent in the
department.

Long-rough dabs had a total of 1,627 or 20 per haul, a

INVESTIGATIONS IN FORTH, 1890 AND 1891. 147

larger number than the two previous years, the averages from
1886 being per haul—15, 28 (1887), 13 (1888), 16 (1889) and
20 (1890). About one-half were saleable in 1890. The species
forms a favourite food of many fishes, and its apparent increase
is not objectionable.

The important lemon-dab- shows a tendency to neh
during the five years. Thus in 1886 the average per haul was
16; in 1887, 47; in 1888, 17; in 1889, 11; and this year only
9 per haul, or a total of 771. It is not an abundant form,
though generally distributed, and frequents ground, as a rule,
unfavourable for trawling. It is often caught by the liners,
and in St Andrews 30 years ago was less esteemed than a
plaice of the same size. No great weight is to be attached to
the apparent diminution.

The grey gurnard had the same average, viz. 9 per haul,
the lowest that had occurred in the series, but such small
numbers may be due as much to the habit of the fishes as to
any marked general diminution in their numbers.

All the stations showed an increase on the previous year
except Station IV. (the line along the shore towards Gullane
Ness). The average increase per haul (saleable and unsaleable)
of the food-fishes found on each from I. to IX. is as follows :—
increase of 36, 78, 142, diminution of 133 (IV.), increase of 128,
ap t79, 197, 78.

That with an increase of 27 hauls in 1891 the total number
of fishes should be reduced to 18,012 or less by 258 than in
1890 is sufficient proof that the work was less productive. It
is true that an additional winter month (January) handicaps
1891, but this is more or less balanced by the captures in
June, a month absent in 1890. The average per haul on the
total is 169 or 62 less than in 1890. 18,325 or 125 per haul,
were saleable, and 4,687 or 44 per haul, unsaleable. Every
month of the year was represented, though not all by an
equivalent number of hauls.

The previous year the haddock gave way to the whiting, but
this year both yielded to the plaice, so that it might be argued
that here we have an instance of the nomad round fishes being
diminished by over-fishing in the open waters, while the less

10—2

148 INVESTIGATIONS IN FORTH, 1891.

pelagic flat fishes have increased in the protected area and its
vicinity. It is unsafe, however, to theorise under the circum-
stances. The total number of plaice was 3,723 or 35 per haul,
and only 18 were unsaleable. In grouping the plaice as
in the previous year according to the months, similar features

1891.
Plaice.
No. of Under Average
Hauls 19-26 in. 12-18 in. 7-l1lin. 6 in. Total per Haul
9 Jan. 2 101 17 — 120 13
9 Feb. — 142 76 3 221 24
7 Mar. 3 243 54 — 300 42
4 Apl. — 22 ¢ 1 30 7
14 May 4 264 375 10 653 46
9 June 4 234 331 2 571 63
9 July 2 188 276 1 467 51
9 Aug. 2 177 124 1 304 33
7 Sept. 2 118 168 — 288 41
11 Oct. 9 259 57 -— 325 29
9 Nov. 15 207 101 — 323 35
ee Dec. = 112 6 = 118 13
106 43 2067 1582 18

are brought out as to sizes. Thus of large plaice one occurs
in every 2 or 3 hauls. Of plaice from 12—18 inches, the
common size in the market, precisely the same proportion
was present, viz. 19 per haul—a noteworthy feature. The
maximum this year was in June, whereas last year it was
in August, the minimum in April. Of the next size 7—11
inches, an increase appears, viz., 14 per haul instead of 10
in 1890. The maximum was in the same month (June),
whereas both were in August in 1890, a fact which shows how
futile it is to attempt to draw deductions of importance from
these details. It may be that the weather enabled the trawl to
work with special success on these occasions, or that a par-
ticular series of commotions or currents affected the habit or
food of the species.

Those under 7 inches were even rarer than last year (18 in
106 hauls). So many factors come into play in making
comparisons between years that it is extremely difficult to
attain reliable results, though occasionally an interesting
deduction is made, eg. that of the medium plaice (12--18

INVESTIGATIONS IN FORTH, 1891. 149

inches) in the Forth in 1890 and 1891, yet it may be only
a coincidence. _

The next in number are the dabs with a total of 3,547 or
331 per haul. Of these 1,865 or 17 per haul were saleable and
1,682 or 16 per haul unsaleable. A similar increment to that
of the plaice has therefore occurred on the figures of last year,
though no special weight need be put on this variation. The

1890.
Dab.
No. of Under Average
Hauls 12-15 in. 7-11 in. 7 in. Total per Haul
Jan. — —- — — ==
£ Feb. — 18 3 21 2
9 Mar. 4 55 7 66 u
9 Apr. — 38 20 58 6
9 May 1 118 48 167 18
June — — — — —_
7 July 3 236 147 386 55
6 Aug. — 94 345 439 73
5 Sept. 1 120 92 213 42
$ Oct. 1 298 191 490 54
7 Nov. — 129 72 201 28
3 Dec. = 121 114 235 26
79 10 1227 1039
1891.

No. of Under Average
Hauls 12-15 in. 7-11 in. 7 in. Total per Haul
9 Jan. 1 26 21 48 5
9 Feb. — 101 84 185 20
t Mar. — 100 25 125 7
4 Apr. 2 38 30 70 17
14 May 1 238 116 355 25
9 June 4 229 233 466 51
9 July 4 153 212 369 Al
9 Aug. 2 165 173 340 37
7 Sept. 1 150 75 226 32
11 Oct. 4 324 393 721 65
9 Nov. 16 138 226 380 42
9 Dec. ll 167 94 262 29

106 36 1829 1682

increment, moreover, was general, and not by a sudden rise of a
special size or stage throughout the season, indeed, the highest
average per haul (73) occurs in August, 1890, the next being

1 Fractions as usual are omitted,

150 INVESTIGATIONS IN FORTH, 1891.

65 in October, 1891. Of the three sizes the following is the
result. A large dab appeared about once in eight hauls in
1890 and about 1 in 3 in 1891; the average for the medium in
1890 was 15 per haul; in 1891, 18 per haul; the average for
the unsaleable (under 7 inches) for 1890 was 13; for 1891,
15 per haul. The high average of August 1890 (73) was
composed mainly of those under 7 inches, whereas the highest
in 1891 (65) was more equally divided between medium and
small (324—393). No important deduction can be made from
such variations. They are associated with all fishing opera-
tions. .
The total for whitings was 2,302 or 21 per haul—less than
a third what it was in 1890. Of this number 1,976 or 18 per
haul were saleable and 326 or 3 per haul were unsaleable. By
some this would be held as an evidence of the decadence of the
whiting-fishery, yet it is 6 per haul more than were captured in
1887, the year of plenty in the “ Garland’s” returns, and more
than twice what it was in 1886. But the curves of this species
from year to year show how unsafe it is to draw conclusions
from such changes. The maximum occurred in October, which
had a total of 617, not half the total (1,525) of the same
maximum month last year.

Long-rough dabs followed with a total of 2,242 or 21 per
haul, the next highest to the year 1887, which had an average
of 28 per haul. They agreed with the dabs in having their
maximum in October. The saleable numbered 873 and the
unsaleable 1,369.

The gurnard is a fish which is generally caught in moderate
numbers by the trawl. This year the total number was 1,638
or 15 per haul, exactly the same as in 1887 when all the figures
were so high. Persistent trawling outside and line-fishing both
there and in the closed waters would probably have a tendency
to reduce such a species as well as the haddock, yet here we
have a form, for which perhaps fishermen care but little,
keeping up its numbers with a steady persistency, notwith-
standing the means for its destruction are the same as those
for the haddock. On the other hand, it may be said that the
gurnard as a rule swims higher than the haddock, and is less

INVESTIGATIONS IN FORTH, 1891. 151

apt to come in the way of the trawl. The fact that they are
caught in considerable numbers by the trawl would show
however that they share the same danger, and are to be judged
by a similar standard.

The total for the haddocks was 1,435 or 13 per haul, the
lowest on the list for the ten years. Of this number 1,301
were saleable and 134 unsaleable. The contrast between this
year and 1887 is marked, since the amount is only about 4th
of what it was in the latter. It would be unsafe, however, to
say that the haddock was disappearing, since within a year or
two the waters of the east coast swarmed with young haddocks,
to the annoyance of the fishermen, and the “Garland’s” cap-
tures four years subsequently had an average of 2 per haul
above those of 1886.

The total for cod was 1,229 or 11 per haul. Of this number
1,123 or 10 per haul were saleable and 106 or 1 per haul
unsaleable. This was but half the number procured in 1890.
While in the latter year the maximum occurred in November,
this year it was in January, a feature probably due to the
prevalence of herrings or other food in the Forth. The average
was three above what it was in 1887.

Lemon-dabs were somewhat more numerous than in 1890
by about 1 per haul, the total being 1,185 or 10 per haul.
Only 49 were unsaleable. Their maximum occurred in July.

In regard to the total quantities of all kinds of food-fishes
on the various stations, a slight increase (3) on the previous
year in the average per haul occurs at I., a decrease of 37 at IL,
a decrease of 108 at III., an increase of 105 at IV., a decrease
of 110 at V.; a decrease of 20 at VI, of 113 at VIL, of 201 at
VIIL., and of 94 at IX.

Just as in St Andrews Bay, the average of this year was
low, the second lowest indeed in the whole series in the Forth.
The causes of this depression to some extent lay in the in-
clusion of all the winter months (every month of the year being
represented), and probably also to the weather, mode of work-
ing and state of the tide, as in St Andrews Bay.

During the year 1892 a new station (X.) was added to those
already existing at the mouth of the Forth, but no mention is

152 INVESTIGATIONS IN FORTH, 1892.

made of it in the Report of the year (Eleventh). It has been
deemed unnecessary to refer to this station, since it would only
confuse and complicate the statistics dealt with from the
beginning and afford no further information.

Ninety-nine hauls of the trawl gave a total of 16,736 fishes
of all kinds or 167 per haul, a result very near (two less) that
of last year, yet the month of August was omitted, so that to
balance the six winter months of January, February, March,
April, November, and December there were only five productive
ones, and of these October had an unusually small total, viz.
673, as against, for instance, 1,571 last year. Of the total
number for the year, 9,394 or 93 per haul were saleable, and
7,342 or 74 per haul unsaleable, a different arrangement from
that of 1891, in which the saleable forms were nearly three
times that of the unsaleable.

The plaice and the dab, as last year, hold the foremost
positions in regard to numbers, though the haddock, by exactly
doubling its average per haul on last year, follows closely, and
once again illustrates the uncertainty in all fishing operations.

The total number of plaice in 1892 was 2,806 or 28 per
haul, a reduction of 7 per haul on the previous year. Of this
number only 44 were unsaleable, a satisfactory condition of
things in inshore water. The large plaice, as usual, were few
in number (32), the medium most numerous (1,485), and the
saleable small (7—114in.) 1,245. If, in ordinary trawling,
the latter, as in the case of the “Garland,” were returned to
the water their value would soon have greatly increased.

Of the 2,717 dabs (27 per haul), 1,095 or 11 per haul were
saleable, and 1,622 or 16 per haul unsaleable.

Of haddocks there were 2,637 or 26 per haul, 1,115 or
11 per haul being saleable, and 1,522 or 15 per haul unsaleable.
The latter were chiefly procured from September to December,
the maximum being in October, and probably represent the
young haddocks of the season making for inshore waters from
their earlier haunts in the deep water. The uncertainties con-
nected with fishing operations are shown in the disproportions
between the saleable and unsaleable of this year and the pre-
ceding, where only 134 out of 1,435 were unsaleable.

INVESTIGATIONS IN FORTH, 1892. 153}

Like the dabs, the majority of the long-rough dabs were un-
saleable. Thus out of a total of 2,274 or 22 per haul, 782 or
7 per haul were saleable and 1,492 or about 15 per haul un-
saleable. The two species just mentioned have always held a
prominent place amongst the unsaleable forms in trawling, but
neither is a fish of great importance in the market, though dabs
are excellent food. They take a conspicuous position, however,
as the food of other fishes. In most respects the captures of
the long-rough dabs coincided with those of the previous year.

Gurnards reached the highest number yet met with in the
Forth, viz. a total of 1,944 or 19 per haul. Of this number
1,234 or 12 per haul were saleable and 710 or 7 per haul un-
saleable. There was no sign of any special accumulation of
such a species by the closure, for it varied much both before
restriction and subsequently’.

The total for the whiting was 1,898 or 19 per haul—two
below last year. The saleable were 740 or 7 per haul, and the
unsaleable 1,158 or about 11 per haul, in both cases contrasting
with the condition the previous year, in which only 3 per haul
were unsaleable and 18 per haul saleable. The maximum of
the saleable whitings was in January, but, as for the last two
years, the maximum for all sizes was in October, this being due
to the capture of 505 unsaleable young forms of the season as
they were seeking the inshore waters.

There were 951 lemon-dabs or 9 per haul, only a fifth of the
number captured in 1887, and one under last year. They were
nearly equally divided between saleable and unsaleable. The
total for cod was 841 or 8 per haul, the same as in 1886, and
the lowest figure on the list. All were saleable, and 105 were
large cod. A single sea-trout of 94in. was captured. Single
examples of this species, as a rule, when about 10 or 11 inches
in length, are procured in herring-nets—sometimes 25 miles
or more from land.

Most of the stations showed a reduction in the average per
haul. The following had an increase, viz. V. of 61, VI. of 7,
Rate of 11, VIII, of 32, and IX. of 21.

1 One of the somewhat numerous slips in the S. F. B. Reports has it that
‘‘Gurnards” showed a considerable falling off (1892, p. 25).

154 INVESTIGATIONS IN FORTH, 1893.

With the exception of 1890 the series of years following the
fertile one of 1887 had given but indifferent totals for the food-
fishes of the Forth. Four of these had been under that reached
at the commencement of the experiments, while 1890 had an
average of only twelve over it. The sudden rise of 160 per
haul in 1887, and which had buoyed so many hopes, therefore,
had been ephemeral-—dependent alike on the short and
favourable period of the year and on other advantages. In the
year 1893 the grand total was three times larger than in 1887,
viz. 27,401, but the hauls which produced it were four times as
numerous, viz. 96. The average per haul was 285, or 93 under
1887, yet it came next it during the period of eight years. Of
this number 14,130 or 147 per haul were saleable and 13,271 or
138 per haul unsaleable. The average of the saleable had been
exceeded in 1886, 1888, and 1890, whereas that of the un-
saleable was exceeded only in 1887. The years 1887 and 1893
were therefore remarkable in the capture of unsaleable fishes,
the former having the largest proportion in the series, the latter
also a large proportion, but greatly under that of 1887.

All the months of the year are represented in the table,
though unequally, March being lowest with only two hauls,
July and November with 7, January, February, May, and
September with 8, April, June, October, and December with 9,
while August had 11. By far the most productive months
were August and September. The work was thus very fairly
distributed over the year, but the diminution of the hauls in
March would tend to keep up the general average since it is
usually an unproductive month, while the 11 hauls in August
would also tend to raise the average. |

No fish has been more prominently brought forward by the
liners and others as an instance of the gradual decay of the
Scotch fisheries than the haddock. Statistics, in some cases
most difficult to comprehend, have been produced to bear out
such views, and they have been accompanied by the most
lugubrious pictures of the present and future of the line-fisher-
men of our shores. But such advocates, whose real interest in
the fishermen—it is to be hoped—is to be measured by the
warmth of their efforts, hitherto have not been able to satisfy

INVESTIGATIONS IN FORTH, 1893. 155

those who have gone minutely into the subject, and hence have
been met with doubt and a desire for further information. The
main object of the various Royal Commissions, of the Scotch
Fishery Board with its extensive official ramifications and its
large expenditure, of the special investigations which have,
within the last 14 or 15 years, been made on the life-history
and development of the food-fishes of our shores, is the welfare
of the fishing industry in all its bearings. To promulgate laws
for the administration and regulation of this department—
without an adequate and practical acquaintance with the actual
facts of the case—would be most unsatisfactory if not disastrous,
and unworthy of a country in which the search for truth and
the advancement of knowledge are sufficient at all hazards to
enlist its best energies. _

The foregoing remarks have been suggested by the posi-
tion of the haddock in the experiments of 1893. Beginning
in 1886 with the fair average of 84, then rising to the high
average of 129 in 1887, it for five years subsequently had
persistently kept at a low average, indeed, in 1891 at a very
low average (13). There was thus a basis on which to rest
the melancholy pictures which for many years had been drawn
of the Scotch line-fishing. Here, it might be said, was clear
proof that the haddock was diminishing in the Scottish seas,
and that protection of one kind or other was clamant. But
nature, in the vast domain of the ocean, rises above all the
theories of the scientific and above all the notions of the
“practical” man. This year (1893) the grand total of the
haddock, which we were to believe had been swept out of
every bay and fishing-bank on the eastern shores of Scotland,
mounted in itself above the total of every kind of fish caught
in the experiments of 1886, 1887 and 1888, and was only
268 less than that of 1889. This single year produced in the
experiments as many haddocks as any five of the preceding.
Fishermen were, indeed, struck by the unusually large quantity
of small haddocks both in the inshore and offshore grounds
along the whole of the east coast, and which made their ap-
pearance in July (1893). Of this total of 12,500, or 130 per
haul, the highest average yet attained for this fish in these

156 INVESTIGATIONS IN FORTH, 1893.

experiments, extending over 8 years, 3,978 or 41 per haul
were saleable, and 8,522 or 88° per haul unsaleable.

It might be said, however, that if we glance at a table (viz.
Table XI.) of captures of haddocks from 1886 onward, that at
any rate the saleable haddocks had greatly diminished—since
the average in 1886 was 77 per haul, while subsequently it had
never reached more than 44 (1888), and had been as low as 11
(1892). But the same argument is applicable to the un-
saleable, in which the range is even greater, viz. from 1 to
112, and, besides, the accurate separation of the saleable from
the unsaleable was not carried out in 1886 on the same lines
as subsequently. The captures show no lack of haddocks, but
demonstrate the proverbial chance of the pursuit.

In another way the contrast with 1887, for instance, may
be brought out, viz. by calculating the average of the haddocks
caught in the colder and in the warmer months. Thus in the
former 1899 or 44 per haul were procured, while in the latter
no less than 10,581 or 199 per haul were obtained. When
weighed in the same balance, therefore, the prominent position
assigned to 1887 disappears.

The average for last year had been but a fifth of the
number, and yet, without preliminary warning, this great
increase demonstrated the insecurity of the position held
by the pessimist, and showed that now, as in all previous
times, there are few departments so full of surprises as in
the fisheries. A consideration of the history of the herring-
fishery, for instance, is an excellent illustration, and it is
still more striking in those fishes with pelagic eggs. July,
August and September were the months in which the had-
docks were in greatest numbers—both saleable and unsale-
able. In regard to size, comparatively few, only 22, were
large, 231 being medium, and the small saleable (from 8 to
9 inches) formed the majority (3,727). The large haddocks were
obtained chiefly in the colder months, probably in connection
with the advent of herrings in January and February.

The next in numbers is the dab—3,623, or 37 per haul, the
second highest in the 8 years. Of this number 1,440 or 15

1 Tt has to be borne in mind that decimals are avoided throughout.

INVESTIGATIONS IN FORTH, 1893. Li

per haul were saleable and 2,183 or 22 per haul unsaleable.
Plaice follow with a total of 3,562 or 35 per haul, all being
saleable except 46. Comparatively few (44) large plaice (over
19 inches) were, as usual, obtained, though the proportion is
larger than in St Andrews Bay. lLong-rough dabs had a
total of 2,105 or 21 per haul, of which 935 or 9 per haul
were saleable and 1,170 or 12 per haul were unsaleable.
This fish seems to present in these tables-a more equable
average than most forms throughout the period of eight
years; moreover, its monthly averages do not as a rule show
the accentuation of the warmer months so prominently as
some species.

The total number of gurnards was 1,497 or 15 per haul,
of which 1,093 or 11 per haul were saleable and 404 or 4 per
haul unsaleable.. Thrice during the period the average had
been the same. The maximum was in May, and the warmer
months had higher numbers. The total of the lemon-dab
was 1,255 or 13 per haul, of which 1,119 or 12 per haul were
saleable and 136 or 1 per haul unsaleable. Their numbers
were highest in the warmer months, though they occurred in
considerable numbers every month. Of cod there were 1,113
or 11 per haul—all saleable. Whitings followed with 1,030 or
10 per haul, a comparatively small number, though one more
than in 1886.

Without exception every station showed a decided increase
of the average on the previous year, the greatest being at
Station VII. west of the Bass, where it was no less than
528 (saleable and unsaleable) per haul, a total of 314 over
that of the previous year, an increment which, in itself, ex-
ceeds all the previous hauls on the station except in 1887,
when it was only 44 higher (358). Station V. had an increase
in the average per haul of 186 over 1892, and exceeded that
of 1887 by 10. Station VIII. had 142 over the previous year,
and exceeded the average of 1887 by 24. In the others the
increase was decided, though smaller.

The year, therefore, may be regarded as a very successful
one, and, though it may not lend much support to the idea
of accumulation, it does not countenance the notion of gradual

158 INVESTIGATIONS IN FORTH, 1893 AND 1894.

decadence of the fisheries. The month of December, in which
9 hauls took place, showed a somewhat high average, viz.
117 per haul, as compared with 114 in November. Such
was chiefly due to the increased number of small cod and
haddocks..

In 1894 seventy-one hauls of the trawl were made in the
Forth during nine months of the year, six of these, however,
belonging to the colder series, viz. January, February, March,
April, November and December, and only three pertaining to
the warmer, viz., June, August and September. The appor- —
tionment of the working season therefore must have influenced
the results, since the productive months of July and October
were wholly absent. These 71 hauls captured a total of 19,581
fishes, the third highest in the series, the average per haul
being 275—which held the same position. A striking feature,
as in 1890, was the large proportion of saleable fishes, viz.
15,349 or 216 per haul, a number exceeding any record durmg
the period, being 27 over 1890, 81 over the successful year
1887, and 69 over the preceding year (1893). The unsale-
able were 4,232 in number or 59 per haul, a very moderate
number, and no less than 184 per haul under the unsaleable
average of 1887. |

The influence of the colder months in affecting the average
of a year is clearly observed by taking the four warmer months,
viz. April, June, August and September, and contrasting them
with the average for the five colder, viz. January, February,
March, November and December. Although April is usually
classed with the colder months, it may be included on the
other side in the present instance, so as to give a fair field.
The number of hauls in the warmer months was 36 and the
average was 370 per haul’, a similar figure to that (3878) ob-
tained.in 1887, when the favoured work was carried on in
July, August and September. If the five winter months of
1894 are now considered, the average of the 35 hauls is not
half the foregoing, or only 177 per haul. Nothing more con-
clusively shows that, in dealing with such questions, the utmost

1 The 4 warmer months had each 9 hauls, the 5 winter were less regular,
February and March had each 9, January and November each 6, and December 5,

_ INVESTIGATIONS IN FORTH, 1894. 159

caution is necessary. It is easy to raise hopes by new measures
in a struggling industry: it is less easy to allay the disappoint-
ment entailed by their failure.

The haddock again outstrips all the other fishes in the
returns for 1894, the total being 6,681, or an average of 94
per haul, the third highest in the ten years’ experiments.
Of this total, 5,841 or 82 per haul were saleable and 837 or
11 per haul unsaleable. Not only, therefore, was the general
average high, but the average of the saleable was the highest
in the ten years. If we compare the haddocks captured in
the warmer months, as given above, with the colder, the
average per haul in the former is 130, or a higher average
by 1 than obtained in the very productive months of June,
August and September in 1887. The five colder months give
an average of only 56.

The next in regard to numbers is the dab, the total for
which is 3,111 or 43 per haul, a comparatively high average,
six over the preceding year and only five behind that of 1887
to which it comes next. Of these 1,903 or 26 per haul were
saleable and 1,208 or 17 per haul were unsaleable. Such a rise
is one of the vicissitudes constantly met with in the fisheries,
and little weight is to be attached to it further than that it
indicates the resources of nature.

Plaice follow with a total of 2,624 or 36 per haul, an average
of only one more than last year, and three below what it was
in 1886. Of this number all were saleable except 53—in this
respect resembling the haddock of the same season.

Long-rough dabs had a total of 2,087 or 29 per haul, the
highest average attained in the period (9 years). Of these
only 641 or 9 per haul were saleable, whilst 1,446 or 20 per
haul were unsaleable. This is not a fish of much importance
in the market, though palatable enough, and it is of small size
as arule. Other fishes prey on it to a large extent. Whitings
had a total of 1,746 or 24 per haul, more than double the
average of the previous year. Of these 1,660 or 23 per haul
_ were saleable, the majority being between 7 and 9 inches, and
only 14 over 14 inches, 574 being between 10 and 13 inches.
Only 86, or 1 per haul, were unsaleable. The numbers of the

160 INVESTIGATIONS IN FORTH, 1894.

cod exceeded those of 1893, the total being 1,152 or 16 per

haul, considerably over that of 1887, though less than in 1890.
Of this number 175 were unsaleable, that is, under 8 inches in
length. The total for lemon-dabs was 891, or 12 per haul, a
moderate number; 97 were unsaleable. Gurnards were com-
paratively few, viz. 9 per haul, and a similar number (10 per
haul) was obtained in St Andrews Bay, where usually they are
more numerous than in the Forth. |

Of the nine stations five showed a diminution, viz. I. of 7
per haul, VI. of 41, VII. of 179, VIII. of 61, and IX. of 45;
while four showed an increase, viz. II. of 11, III. of 14, IV. of
52, and V. of no less than 202. It is noteworthy, however,
that no hauls were made on V.in January, nor in December,
and thus it was relieved of two of the non-productive months.
High figures for haddocks during the other months thus brought
the average of this station, which lies in the central channel of
the Forth, almost to the top of the list, for the high figure of
613 per haul has only once been exceeded in the series, viz. by
616 in 1887, at Station II. (from Dysart to Wemyss). The
comparison, however, is unreliable, since the work in 1887
was carried on only in June, August and September. Small
haddocks, however, in this instance also swelled the totals.

The feature of the year was the very large proportion of
saleable fishes, by far the highest yet met with in the series.
Moreover, the fact is brought home that by omitting to work
on a station (e.g. from storms or otherwise) once or twice during
a season the comparative values are materially altered, and are
apt to mislead rather than assist in determining data, It would
have been well to have rigidly adhered as far as possible to
the regulation number of hauls on each station during a par-
ticular month.

As formerly mentioned, little weight is placed on the com-
parison of the closed with the open area, either in regard to
round or flat fishes or totals, especially as no note is taken of
the particular months when work was carried on in each year.
The working of the trawl in 18 to 20 fathoms on board the
“Garland” would be different from that in shallower water,
and the fact that in 1886 the two areas gave such different

INVESTIGATIONS IN FORTH, 1894. 161

results shows that the circumstances of the two differ. The
number of hauls was also much fewer in the open area.
Lastly the irregularities of the totals, caused it 1s true by the
sudden increase of round fishes, show the usual uncertainty of
the pursuit. Thus, in 1893, the average of all fishes rose,
according to the Blue-book, in the open area to 267, a figure
only twice exceeded in the closed area. Further, while in the
closed area, the flat fishes, which have their haunts on the
sandy and other grounds in the estuary, always exceeded those
from the open water, the round fishes reached in 1893 in the
open area the highest average of the series, the next being in
the same area in 1890. It would, indeed, have been a satis-
factory solution of the difficulty to have found the food-fishes
of the Scottish shores substantially and surely increased by the
closure, but a perusal of the tables on p. 19 of the 13th Annual
Report of the Fishery Board, and more especially the remarks
in the concluding paragraph on the Frith of Forth after nine
years work is disappointing :—In the closed area “the tables
show that among flat fish there was an increase of all kinds,
except lemon soles, turbot and brill. The greatest increase was
in long rough dabs.”...“ Among round fish there was a decrease
in haddocks and gurnards, and an increase in whitings and
cod.” “In the open area, the decrease in the flat fishes was
common to all kinds except dabs, and there was a decrease in
haddocks and gurnards.”’ An increase due to the abundance
of dabs and long-rough dabs is not of much importance in
either area; but what is of more moment is the demonstration
of the fact that these returns from first to last in both open
and closed areas maintain on the whole a fairly steady character.
It is difficult to see, however, what relation the closure bears
to the averages.

In 1895, the last year of the experiments in the Forth,
75 hauls of the trawl were made in the Forth during ten
months, five bemg colder months, viz. January, February,
March, April and December, and five warmer months, viz. May,
July, August, September and October. The total number of
fishes captured was 20,570 or 274 per haul, a comparatively
high average, sufficient to meet the statement of diminution,

M. R. iil

162 INVESTIGATIONS IN FORTH, 1894.

and yet not sufficiently high to support the theory of gradual
accumulation. Of this number 16,960 or 226 per haul were
saleable, the largest entry during the ten years, and 3,610 or
48 per haul unsaleable, one of the lower entries in the list and
no less than 195 under the unsaleable of 1887. These figures
would appear to give no support to the view that excessive
trawling in the offshore grounds has steadily diminished the
food-fishes of the Forth. The year was a fair test in regard
to periods and equality of hauls, and the result is therefore of
special interest.

During the five colder months 33 hauls of the trawl occurred,
producing a total of 3880 fishes or 117 per haul, whilst the
42 hauls in the warmer months gave 16,690 or 397 per haul, a
sufficient corroboration of the divergent conditions of these
periods. Such also demonstrates how misleading it is to use
the statistics of 1897, which had no colder month at all, on the
one hand to illustrate the immediate influence of the closure,
and on the other the gradual deterioration of the inshore
waters since that date by the unrestricted fishing in the waters
beyond.

The preceding facts are brought out quite as clearly in the
case of the haddock, which, as usual, is at the head of the list
of captures of the year with 7,033 or 93 per haul, only one
under last year. This average appears to be much below that
of 1887, in which haddocks were 129 per haul, and, therefore,
ostensibly forms a basis for demanding further closures so as to
control the “spawning grounds” of the parent-fishes, which
are being devastated by the trawlers, and general free fishing
in the open waters. But if we contrast the numbers caught
during the five colder months, viz. 435, with those of the
warmer months (which alone formed the working period in
1887), viz. 6,598, or 13 per haul against 157 per haul, some
hesitation may reasonably be felt in recommending such
methods of controlling the important subject of the fisheries of
the country. Not only is the average for 1895 found to be
higher than in 1887, but that of 1893, for instance, exceeds
them both, for its average in the warmer months was 199. In
glancing over the 10 years’ work in the Forth, there is no

INVESTIGATIONS IN FORTH, 1895. 163

ground for any other view than that of confidence in the supply
of the haddock. Years occur in which the captures are very
small, as in 1889 and in 1891, but they either gradually or
suddenly rise to their former standard or exceed it, as has
happened in every department of the fisheries of the open sea
probably from time immemorial. The maximum numbers,
irrespective of hauls, are found in August, which is boldly
marked by 11,190 in the decade, followed by 6,959 in Sep-
tember, and about equally supported by October and July, the
former with 6,194 and the latter with 6,175.

Warmer months Colder months
May—Oct. Jan.—Apr., Nov. & Dee.
Ist period Total Difference ~
No. of Hauls 159 110 269 50+ in
favour of

warm mths.

2nd period

No. of Hauls 214 219 433 +5 in

favour of
colder mths.

The haddock in 1883-84 and in 1895-96 has been specially
singled out for a demonstration of the progressive ruin of the
Scottish fisheries. The period of 1883 and 1884 is contrasted
with 1895 and 1896, and it is stated that in the latter period
there is a decrease of £42,537. 10s. No heed is given to the
view that either period might have been exceptional, as has
so often happened, for instance, in the herring- as well as the
haddock-fishing. The figures, however, may be examined in
passing. A preliminary statement is made that in 1883-84
“there were only a few trawlers on the coast, whose statistics
were not kept separate,” but this is scarcely accurate, for the
powerful new ships of the General Steam Fishing Company of
Granton, others from the same port and from Leith, those from
Dundee and Aberdeen, besides the English vessels working in
Scottish waters, were actively engaged in that period, not
to speak of sailing trawlers. Indeed in the Trawling Report
of 1884, the author estimated the captures by trawlers in
Scottish waters as at least 9,000 tons or 180,000 cwts., an
amount which would effectually extinguish most of the imaginary

11—2

164 INVESTIGATIONS IN FORTH, 1895,

loss to the liners in this comparison. The average value of
haddocks captured in 1883-84 is given as £320,702, but it is
well also to take note of their weight :

cwts.
1883 543,568 = £340,693!
1884 464,049 — £300,712

Total 1007,617

or an average for the period of 503,808 cwts. = £320,702. 10s.
Doubtless the critic thought he had to do with a period
when the distribution of the haddock in our seas was much
more abundant, and, as the captures by liners and trawlers
were, he says, not separated, there was a certain haziness
not inconvenient for argument. But during that period
accurate investigations had been made on most of the im-
portant grounds, and thus the situation was well known.

During the second of the periods the following is the
condition :—

cwts.

1895 Haddocks landed by liners 663,548 = £272,692
” +: trawlers 337,792= 136,914

Total 1,001,340=£409,606

1896 Haddocks landed by liners 670,685 = £283,638
” 9 trawlers 319,513= 136,847

Total 990,198 = £420,485

or an average of 995,769 cwts.= £415,045. That is to say,
during the second period, nearly double the weight of haddocks
was landed. It is thus, perhaps, well that weights were left by
the critic out of sight, else the + for the liners and 4 for the
trawlers (supposed to be taken outside 20 miles) would not
have been of much service. Fortunately, moreover, prices do
not regulate the distribution of the marine food-fishes.

The value of the haddocks of the period 1883-84, is
correctly given, viz. an average for each of the two years of
£320,702. 10s., but it is assumed that the fishes were all caught
within 20 miles, a conclusion open to doubt.

In regard to the second period, we have other sources of

1 A writer holds that the market-value of fishes has been increased by
200 per cent. during the decade 1886—96. He will not find these statistics
bear out his view. The application of his opinions to the promulgation of
the theory of the dearth in the inshore waters misses the mark.

AND DECENNIAL SUMMARY. 165

information as to the condition of the haddock in the Scotch
seas than those apparently in the critic's hands. Thus, we have
(1) the accurate data of 1884 with which to contrast the second
period ; (2) the indifferent, but, at any rate, unbiassed informa-
tion derived from the work of the “Garland” over the greater
part of the interval as well as the second period; (3) other
observations during the period; and (4) the condition of
certain areas at the present time (1898). These accurate
data show that the condition of the Moray Frith, as regards
haddocks in 1884, was barely equal to what the unenclosed
area beyond it was in 1898 almost on the same dates (ude
p. 207); that a single vessel in January, 1898, captured 60
miles E.N.E. from Aberdeen (and this brings it within a
reasonable distance of land and of the Moray Frith), no less
than 370 boxes of haddocks, besides other fishes in three
hauls of the trawl; that very great variations in the
captures of the haddock by the “Garland” in the Moray
Frith occurred, the high and low numbers having little
relation to the actual abundance or scarcity, as proved, for
instance, by the captures of the liners in the area. The
same fish in St Andrews Bay is much as it was in 1884,
now with a high average, now with a low average, and the
uncertainty of this fishing is shown by the sudden variations’.
The reduction of the average in the second five years is
not due to any change in distribution, but to other causes
elsewhere explained*. In the same way the condition of the
haddock in the Forth remains in 1895 as it was in 1886,
for little weight need be placed on the increase (25 per
haul) in the latter five years of the decade. The circum-
stances under which the work was carried on in the two
quinquennial periods were different, as explained in its
proper place (p. 183).

1 Not only do the captures of haddocks vary, but the opinions of commercial
men (‘‘practical men”’) likewise vary. It is not so long ago since one of them
forwarded from the deeps off the east coast a series of stomachs of large
haddocks distended with the spawn of the herring, as a proof of the destructive
tendencies of these fishes, and of the great benefit to the herring-fishery the

capture in the trawl of about 80 boxes of these must have been.
* Vide p. 125.

166 INVESTIGATIONS IN FORTH, 1895,

_ Haddocks for a time may be scarce, but generally they appear
in similar numbers or in greater abundance than before, and
there is nothing in the whole history of this fish for hundreds
of years that would lead to the conclusion that any great
change by way of reduction has occurred.

To meet the foregoing it is necessary for the critic to
resort to the arbitrary and very uncertain method of sub-
tracting no less a sum than £137,981 from the average
amount of the period 1895 and 1896, for haddocks caught
beyond 20 miles from shore. But he ought first to have
proved that there were no haddocks to be captured within
the 20-mile limit. It will not do to reply that large
captures were made at the greater distances. That is suffi-
ciently known, else the ships would not repeat the experi-
ment. If these ships had chosen to work within the 20-mile
limit they would have captured by skill and energy a large
number of haddocks which have been proved to be there,
and their fresh condition on landing would have enhanced
their value, so that this method of argument is dubious.
Besides, the records of haddocks caught beyond 20 miles
from shore, on which the calculation is made, have not been
produced. If the liners do not work the enclosed waters
for haddocks with the same pertinacity as the trawlers out-
side, that is not to be made the fault of the waters. Certain
fishes are there to be captured by every legitimate method
of fishing, and there are few—with the real interests of the
fishermen and of the country at heart—who would, after
careful deliberation, restrict the method to line-fishing, which
remains very much to-day what it was centuries ago. If some
enclosed waters are only occasionally fished, and that with little
energy and enterprise, the question as to whether the country
gains all the benefit from such areas that it should at once
suggests itself.

Plaice come next with a total of 3,299 or 44 per haul,
an increase of 8 per haul on last year. Of this number

almost all were saleable, only 33 not being of this category.

Though the number caught during the warmer months is
much higher than during the colder months, the proportion

AND DECENNIAL SUMMARY. 167

per haul is different from that in the haddock. Thus, 1,115
were caught in 33 hauls during the colder months or 33 per
haul, while 2,219 were taken in the warmer months or 52
per haul. Contrasted with 1887 in which a working period
of only three warm months occurs, it is found that the
average of plaice per haul in that year was 73, the difference
in favour of the latter being 21. Here, then, is a case of
diminution which the advocates for restriction might legiti-
mately have brought forward. On going over the ten years
and separating the hauls during the colder months of
January, February, March, April, November and December,
and during the rest of the year (warmer months), as in the
accompanying table, it is found that the columns for the

FORTH.

Plaice, average per Haul.

Colder months Warmer months
1886 19 44
1887 — 73
1888 2 58
1889 33 51*
1890 18 42
1891 eS 44
1892 20 35
1893 28 40
1894 31 45
1895 33 52

* Same no. of months and same no. of hauls in each (45).

colder and the warmer months show considerable variation,
but it is clear that they stand at the end of the period
better than they did at the beginning by 14 on the colder
months and 8 on the warmer months. 1887 was a propor-
tionally high year, but there is no reason to think that the
resources of nature have been in any way materially altered
throughout the period. The usual variations took place, the
catch, for instance, in 1887 greatly exceeding that of 1892,
but the supply steadily kept up, both in the warmer and
the colder period from first to last.

As in the haddock, the maximum monthly number of
plaice occurred in the decade in August, viz. 4,465, the next

168 INVESTIGATIONS IN FORTH, 1895,

highest, 3,426, being in September; July follows with 2,844,
and June with 2,400, then May with 1,982, whilst January
and December are lowest.

Dabs follow with a total of 2,748 or 36 per haul, seven under
that of last year. Of this number 1,751 or 23 per haul were
saleable, and 997 or 13 per haul were unsaleable. This form
has on the whole kept up fairly throughout, now rising now
falling in the usual manner. It cannot be said that unrestricted
fishing outside steadily affected this species, nor is there evidence
of accumulation. Beginning with an average of 29 per haul in
1886 it ran up suddenly to 48 in 1887, then next year was
reduced to exactly half the number, and in 1889 to three less,
then the average improved to 33 in 1892, fell next year to 27,
rose to 87 in 1893 and to 43 in 1894. Ingenious arguments
explaining the increase of the ubiquitous dabs and long-rough
dabs as due to their facility in escaping where the more valu-
able plaice cannot pass through the meshes of the commercial
trawl find no support from these investigations. The dab holds
its own, irrespective of line or trawl, both in the enclosed and
in the open waters of the British seas.

During the decade, the highest numbers occurred in Sep-
tember, viz. 4,740, though August was very little behind, viz.
4,678. It is interesting to notice the gradual rise from January
to September, then the decadence in October, and the rapid fall
to December. These variations are seasonal and present no
feature attributable to the influence of man.

The long-rough dab comes next with a total of 2,176 or an
average of 29 per haul, the same as last year. Of this number
861 or 11 per haul were saleable, and 1,315 or 17 per haul
unsaleable. Beginning in 1886 with an average of 15 per haul,
it suddenly rose in 1887 to 28 per haul, then sunk the following
year to less than half (15), and again gradually rose with a little
irregularity to 29 per haul. A consideration of the irregularities
in the working-periods of the first five years and of the second
five years respectively, of the fact that there was a decrease
of this species in the second five years in St Andrews Bay, and
of its ubiquitous distribution in inshore and offshore waters,
would not lead to the conclusion that the slight increase in the

AND DECENNIAL SUMMARY. 169

second five years in the Forth was due to the small size of the
species, enabling it to escape through the meshes of the trawl.
The captures throughout, indeed, are characterised by the usual
variations, and it would tend to insecurity to interpret them
otherwise. There is a further feature in connection with the
long-rough dab which is worthy of note, viz., that though the
maximum monthly captures occur in September, as in the case
of the dab, yet this month and August are less prominent than
in the dab and plaice, and the decrease on the one hand to
January and on the other to December is less pronounced.
Whitings had a total of 1,526 or an average of 20 per haul,
a diminution of 4 on the previous year, though, with the usual
irregularities, it was double that of 1893. Of this number all
except 13 were saleable. The variations in the captures of this
predaceous pelagic fish during the ten years are characteristic.
In 1886 there were 9 per haul, in 1887 only 15 per haul as
contrasted with 129 of the haddock, showing how difficult it is
to get uniformity in regard to abundance and scarcity, even
under favourable circumstances. The captures were nearly
doubled next year, then fell to the same figure (15) in 1889.
A sudden rise to 70 per haul characterised 1890, the most
productive months being September and October. Next year
the average was 21, decreasing the two following to 19 and 10,
then rising to 24 in 1894, and falling to 20 in 1895. It would
be difficult to draw definite conclusions from such statistics
other than that the abundance of the species was little affected
by the closure. The whiting is an uncertain capture at all times,
it being generally supposed that it often swims higher in the
water than the haddock, and thus escapes the trawl. Upwards
of 1,500, besides other saleable fishes, have been captured in a
single haul, and again near the same ground only a few would
reward the labours of the fishermen. The appearance of the
whiting in the summary of the months of the decade differs
from that of the haddock since its maximum is in October
(3,633). Both August and September, however, are high
(2,721 and 2,298). Like the haddock the lowest numbers occur
in March, while they keep proportionally high in November

and December.

170 INVESTIGATIONS IN FORTH, 1895,

The total for cod was 1,147 or 15 per haul, an average of
one under the previous year. All were saleable except 56. The
average 1s 8 above the favourable year of 1887, and third in the
list, the highest having occurred in 1890, when 23 per haul were
captured. The small trawl of the “ Garland” was little adapted
for successful cod-fishing, the more so as work was carried on
solely by day. In the 14th Report a slight increase (of ‘7) is
stated to have occurred in the last five years of the period, but
this is just what would have been expected with so great a pro-
portion of the hauls during the winter months when cod specially
abound in the Forth and its neighbourhood. Consequently,
high figures for this fish are found in November, December
and January. A glance at the monthly periods and hauls
(Table XI.) will show the essential difference between the two
periods of five years in this respect. If it had been said that
out of the three highest monthly totals two of these occurred in
the latter five years, and thus was an evidence of increase of
the species following the closure, perhaps the argument would
have been more convincing. As it stands, the influence of the
closure on this species in the Forth is not appreciable. Like
other fishes, constant pursuit tends to render it more wary, and
to break up the shoals in the nearer waters, but the ubiquitous
distribution and the enormous powers of reproduction, together
with the curious migration of the very young cod to the lamina-
rious region, seem to be sufficient to enable the species to hold
its own. |

In the monthly totals (Tables XI. and XII) during the
decade of the “Garland’s” work in the Forth, January commences
with a proportionally high figure (990), higher, indeed, than
any of the previous fishes (viz. haddock, whiting, plaice, dab,
and long-rough dab), the numbers then decrease to May, rise to
August (1047), slightly diminish to November (858), and rise
in December to 1028, only 19 less than in August, a unique

condition amongst the important food-fishes. The attraction _

offered by the herring in winter thus makes a noteworthy
change in the abundance of the cod. It is also equally evident
that there is a considerable diminution of this species in the
Forth at its spawning-period, when it apparently seeks the

AND DECENNIAL SUMMARY. 171

waters beyond the Island of May and further outwards. The
closure of the Forth does not appear to influence the abundance
of this species, and it is doubtful if any extension of the limit,
e.g. to 13 miles, could affect its distribution.

The cod is one of those forms which suffers in its young
condition (codling) from the liners in the Forth. Thus numerous
young cod about ten inches in length were captured on the
hard ground near Crail this autumn', The comparative regu-
larity of their size, indeed, attracted notice, and demonstrated
how other methods of fishing than trawling could decimate the
young fishes. As formerly mentioned, such forms were caught
simply because they held the ground where the lines were
“shot.” If a trawl had passed through the area many would
likewise have been captured.

The grey gurnard had a total of 1,059 or 14 per haul, an
average of 5 over last year. Of this number 118 were unsale-
able, but of course at certain ports all gurnards are generally
unsaleable. This species also shows the zigzag records of a
food-fish throughout the ten years. Beginning with an average
of 10, it twice fell below this, viz. in 1890 and 1894, when the
average was 9, twice it stood at 13, viz. in 1888 and 1889,
three times at 15, viz. 1887, 1891, and 1893, and only once
reached 19, viz. in 1892. No species could more clearly
illustrate the futility of attempting to increase the supply of
fishes in the open sea and its neighbourhood by the closure of
inshore areas. ‘The numbers remained very much at the end
as they were at the beginning, and throughout showed only the
ordinary variations. This species seems to reach its maximum
in May and June in the area of the Forth, and to diminish in
_ the winter months. It1is also in considerable abundance in July,
August and September. In the Review in the 14th Report of
the Fishery Board it is pointed out? that gurnards increased by
an average of 3 per haul during the last five years of the
experiments, and it is curious that the number of hauls of the
trawl during May was greatly in excess of those in the first
period. Thus 18 hauls during May in the first period were
balanced by 44 in the second. Further, of two years in the latter

1898, vide p. 30. 2 p. 141.

172 INVESTIGATIONS IN FORTH, 1895,

‘period the number of hauls in May was the highest in the whole

series of months in the ten years, viz. 14 in 1891 and 13 in 1892,
and producing respectively 597 gurnards in 1891 and 730 in
1892. These alone would make a considerable difference in the
average of the second period of five years; indeed, the figures
to be pitted against them during the whole of the first period
in May are just 181 and 139 respectively. The gurnard,
therefore, was under different circumstances in the second half
of the experiments.

In glancing at the monthly aggregates during the ten years
in the Forth, the effect of the seasonal variations just alluded
to in the gurnard are striking. To have drawn conclusions from
a series of experiments carried out in January, February, March,
November and December would have given very erroneous
results, for the total of the gurnards captured in these months
amounted to only 93, not a fifth of those secured in April or in
October, while these five months give numbers only a twenty-
eighth of those secured in May, the month in which the
maximum occurred. As May is the month in which the
majority of the gurnards are ripe, this increase is apparently
associated with the function of reproduction. It may be
questioned also whether, in view of this natural consensus in
the warmer months, any efforts made by man to alter the
balance would have much effect, since the forces at work are
beyond his control.

The total number of lemon-dabs in 1895 was 1018 or an
average of 13 per haul, a number less by three than in 1886,
when the experiments commenced, though one more than in
1894, The reviewer in the 14th Report of the Fishery Board
accordingly emphasises the fact that the average of this valuable
food-fish had fallen both in the closed and in the open areas
during the last period of five years, a result probably due to
depletion of the offshore grounds. The first period, however,
cannot be safely contrasted with the second in regard to this
species, the maximum captures of which occur in June, July,
August and September, since the numerous blanks in its colder
months exaggerate the captures during its warmer months,
more especially if these also are marked by unusually high

AND DECENNIAL SUMMARY. 173

numbers. Nothing, however, must be taken on trust in so
important an inquiry and accordingly a Table has been

Lemon-Dab, during the months of the Decade.

1st period 2nd period Average
No. of | Sale- Unsale- Sale- Unsale- | No. of Ist 2nd
Hauls | able able able able | Hauls| period period
Jan. 9 10 a 110 13 27 1 4
Feb. 18 20 — 150 9 44 1 3
Mar. 18 63 — 147 23 32 3 5
Apr. 18 156 — 339 62 36 8 st
May 18 246 — 505 105 44 13 13
June 35 | 713 ow A471 98 37 24 15
July toe 211 7 668 157 34 3} 24
Aug. 35 801 261 794 105 38 30 23
Sept. 24 -| 682 104 624 164 35 32 Dp
Oct. 31 298 13 377 28 35 10 dl
Nov. 29 176 63 138 14 29 8 5
Dec. 18 53 3 131 16 41 3 3
146 139

constructed showing the captures of the species throughout
each month of the ten years. From this it will be seen that
the averages for the first period of five years exceed by 71 those
of the second period, a result in keeping with the principles
already so often adverted to, though not so strikingly shown as
in certain cases. This result is due not to any noteworthy
diminution of the species, but to causes connected with the
periods of capture and the usual variations met with in all
methods of fishing in the sea. It would have been unusual to
find that with so favourable a first period of five years the
captures of lemon-dabs had not exceeded those of the second
period. This result is, perhaps, more evidently exhibited in the
monthly totals for the decade in Table on p. 174. The spindle
formed by the captures reaches its maximum (with a slight
break in July) in August (1,961), the minimum being in January
(133). No fish, deed, could more conspicuously show the
effect of the season in regard to its numbers, and this altogether
irrespective of man’s interference. It would seem, therefore,
that the hypothesis of the depletion of the offshore grounds

1 Decimals are here as elsewhere not counted.

G6
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INVESTIGATIONS IN FORTH, 1895,

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AND DECENNIAL SUMMARY. 175
gains no support from the work of the “Garland” in connection
with the lemon-dab.

In relation to the other forms captured in the area of the
Forth during the ten years the following facts suggest them-
selves. Flounders remained at the end of the period very
much what they were at the beginning, and as it is not a fish
specially sought by any class of fishermen, and is one not
affected by the offshore supply of eggs, 1t might have responded
to the view that the closure imcreases the number of food-
fishes within the limits. No such tendency, however, is seen
' either in this species or in the halibut, turbot, brill, sail-fluke
sole or topknot. All the latter appear as accidental captures
and in small numbers. In the monthly aggregates during the
decade the maximum for flounders occurred in March, followed
closely by April, these two months, especially March, being
associated with the spawning-period. The witches or pole-dabs
occur more plentifully than the foregoing, show similar yearly
variations in numbers, and were not in any visible way affected
by the ten years’ operations. The monthly totals for the craig-
fluke (witch) are, like those of the flounder, comparatively small,
the maximum being in April, and the next in October. There
is considerable irregularity in the series, though the colder
months have the smaller numbers. The same remarks apply
to the hake, ling, conger, poor cod, bib, mackerel, pollack,
John-dory and sea-trout. Some of these, as the sea-trout and
John-dory, were only met with on one occasion, and the personal
experience of nearly fifty years of the neighbourhood shows that
this is in accordance with former conditions. It is well known
that both salmon and sea-trout are common in the sea, and not
always close inshore, yet how seldom are they captured in a
trawl. Their wide distribution is only now and then disclosed
by the rare capture of a young sea-trout ina herring net. Other
fishes like the gar-pike (Belone) and skipper (Scombresow) are
similarly situated, for while it is known they occur in consider-
able numbers, as the stomachs of sharks and other fishes show,
they are captured as a rule by neither liners nor trawlers.

Four round fishes yet remain for consideration, viz. the
angler, wolf-fish (cat-fish), herring, and sprat, and it is inte-

176 INVESTIGATIONS IN FORTH, 1895,

resting that two of these have pelagic eggs (for we may include
the large eggs of the angler carried in sheets of mucus in this
category for the moment), and two demersal or attached, viz.

the wolf-fish and herring. The frog-fish (angler), so far as the

The Angler or Frog-fish, a destroyer of food-fishes.

experiments show, was not affected by the closure either in
regard to increase or diminution, and the few sprats captured
indicate, in waters abounding with such small forms, how difficult
it is to estimate their numbers. The pelagic herring, again,
is quite independent of such measures as the closure, and the
few captured only indicate the shoals that frequent the mouth
of the Forth, especially in the first four months of the year.
Judging from the captures of the “Garland,” the autumn herrings
are much less numerous. Thus of saleable herrings in the ten
years 45 were captured in January, 49 in February, 8 in March
and 16 in April, while a blank occurred till November and
December, when 2 and 11 respectively were obtained. Herrings
under 7 inches were captured in the other months of the year

AND DECENNIAL SUMMARY, ilar

(with the exception of August) besides those mentioned, as
shown in the accompanying table. February seemed to be the
month in which the maximum number was obtained.

In considering general fishery questions the history of the
herring offers interesting reflections. In our youth the herrings
were caught as a rule from 12 to 16 miles from shore, and
vast multitudes in August at the Old Hake, a region off the
Fife coast between Barbet Ness and the Carr Rock, a distance
of about 34 miles’. Shooting their nets close inshore over
rocks and shingle, it used to be a common saying amongst the
men “no herring no nets,’ since the plentiful captures of
herrings buoyed their nets from the sharp rocks, and vice versd
the empty nets were ruptured by contact with the rocks. Since
that date the herrings have deserted the Old Hake, so that
for many years no fishing of note occurred there, and even now
it is only occasionally that they return. Viewing the question
broadly, it is generally admitted that the boats require to go
further out to sea for the capture of herrings than in the olden
time. Yet few would assert that this is a proof of the de-
cadence of the herring-fishery and the diminution of the species.
Applying the same argument to the haddock, it 1s remarkable
how promptly the same sequence is brought forward as a proof
of its approaching extinction at the hands of the ubiquitous
trawlers. The mere fact that fishing has now, even if it were
always the case, to be carried on at a greater distance from
shore than in the days of our forefathers does not indicate the
ruin of a fishery, especially when other features are considered.
Again, the annual consumption of whitebait has no appreciable
effect on the abundance of the herring.

On board the large sea-going trawlers this fish is a rarity, only
14 having been procured in Januaryand Februaryand 1 in August
during the Trawling Expeditions of 1884, chiefly in the neigh-
bourhood of the Forth. Such captures are in a sense accidental
since the fish as a rule can readily escape through the meshes.

1 It is noteworthy how few herrings and sprats occur in the trawl, and such
are no test of their abundance in the area, e.g. St Andrews Bay. Nets may even
be shot from the rocks and capture many, while they are altogether absent from
the trawl.

M. R. Wy

178 INVESTIGATIONS IN FORTH, 1895,

It need not be said that they give but a feeble indication of the
vast numbers of herrings occasionally present in the inshore
and the offshore waters, yet they aid in familiarizing us with
the true facts of the case.

The Forth is a favourite habitat of the cat-fish or wolf-
fish, which is “born and bred” within its limits, especially
on the stony ground near Crail. In no form is the contrast
greater between the Forth and St Andrews Bay, since they
are seldom caught in the latter. The cat-fish, moreover,
from its habits, is one that ought to have been benefited by

Herring Wolf-fish (Cat-fish)
Unsaleable Saleable Total Unsaleable Saleable Total
January 7 45 52 — 28 28
February 51 49 106 2 48 50
March 8 8 16 3 54 Die
April 28 16 44 1 74 75
May 10 — 10 1 87 88
June 44 = 44 1 53 54
July 10 == 10 — ie 1.2)
August — — — — 6 6
September 1 — ii — 1 1
October 2 == 2 — 2 2
November 15 2 iy _ 3. eae
_ December 11 1l 22 = 9 9
Wolf-fish.
1886 1887 1888 1889 1890 1891 1892 1893 1894 1895 Total
css — a 1 — 5 7 4 5 6 28
— — a 3 12 2 10 ie 5 50
ee = 1 6 4 26 — 16 4 Din
a= — = 12 7 7 9 10 19 11 75
a — oe 6 HO il 4 16 — 31 88
sos 1 4. 7 —_- — 32 “i 3 == 54
= — — 2 1 2 1 2 — 4 12
== = 2 1 — 2 — a 1 6
= — ———— a as — i -— i
— == ———— —— — —_—_ — 2 2
oe == 1 1 1 a ee — 3
oo — —— 1 5 =: 2 — 1 9
= 1 tr 8S 29 58 81 51 57 65

the closure. It is a comparatively sedentary form in adult life,
being only pelagic in its post-larval condition. But it is a
species frequently caught by the liners, and hence was affected
by other agencies. Beginning with a single example in 24
hauls in 1887, the average slightly rose in 1888, and still more,

J

Mending herring-nets after a successful season, July, 1898.

To face p. 178]

AND DECENNIAL SUMMARY. 179

in an irregular manner, in the subsequent years, never, however,
reaching the average of 1 per haul. The months in which the
highest numbers occur are the first six of the year, the captures
increasing from January to May, and then falling to June,
though the latter is almost double that of January. The two
highest figures occur in April and May, viz. 75 and 88, followed
by 57, 54, 50, 28, the numbers respectively for March, June,
February and January. The contrast with the second six
months of the year is sufficiently bold, July has 12 and the
others in succession 6, 1, 2, 3, 9. Perhaps no great weight need
at present be placed on this feature, but it is evident that the
early months of the year were the most productive in wolf-
fishes, and it is these months which are wholly absent in the
first period previous to 1889. The highest monthly numbers
certainly occur in the second half of the period, but the numbers
are small, at most an average of 3 per haul. The circumstances
of the two periods are assuredly not equal, but it would only be
fair to say that this species seemed to be benefited by the
closure. One of the most interesting facts, however, is the
prevalence of the species during the first six months of the
year in contrast with its paucity in the remaining months.

Of the Elasmobranchs, or cartilaginous fishes, the numbers
were comparatively small. The thornback had its highest

FORTH.

Monthly Totals, 1886-1895.

Thornback Grey Skate Starry Ray
Sale- Unsale- Sale- Unsale- Sale- Unsale-
able able Total able able Total able able Total
Jan. 24 iF 4l a 4 11 6 9 15
Feb. 32 153 47 21 8 29 7 20 27
Mar. a 20 52 15 5 20 4. 8 Wy
Apr. 42, 2, 44 19 — 19 10 1l 21
May 55 iL 56 16 4 20 3 4. 7
Some 42°: .2. 44. 35 3 38 5 15 20
July 55 i! 59 18 3 DAL 8 9 17
Aug. 101 ih 107 44 17 61 8 8 16
Sept. 65 6 7] 48 28 76 3 7 10
Oct. 91 10 101 40 9 49 5 14 19
Nov. 56 18 74 24 4 28 8 7 15
Dec, 34 14 48 15 3 18 15 14 29

180 INVESTIGATIONS IN FORTH, 1895,

numbers in August and October (107 and 101 respectively for
the months of the decade). In the totals of the months nothing
striking occurs. The smallest numbers (41 and 44) are in
January and April. No evident interference with the ordinary
operations of nature in this species seems to have followed the
closure. The same may be predicated of the grey skate, which
had its highest monthly numbers in August and September

Skate gliding through the water.

(61 and 76), and the lowest in January and December (11 and
18). The monthly totals of the starry ray have no apparent
regularity in their increase and diminution. The highest
numbers occur in December (29) and February (27). The
others were captured too rarely to be of service. A considera-
tion of this group affords no grounds for believing that the
food-fishes of the Frith of Forth have been in any noteworthy

AND DECENNIAL SUMMARY. 181

manner altered by the closure. Further, while there is a
tendency to an imcrease in the warmer months, the differen-
tiation of the colder from the warmer months is less pronounced
in this group than in the bony fishes. The numbers, however,
were so small as to make it hazardous to rely on them. The
notion that young skate probably frequent rocky ground and
are thus free from injury by the trawl is unlikely. They occur
on the smooth ground where their parents live, as in the case
of the thornback in St Andrews Bay.

Special attention was drawn in the Trawling Report of
1884 to the necessity for observing the increase in the size of
inshore flat fishes during the experiments after closure of a
bay. It was commonly believed and generally stated by
fishermen that the flat fishes (pleuronectids) in open sandy
bays had been reduced in size by trawling, that is, all the
larger forms had been swept off. There were reasons, however,
in 1884 for desiring further information on this point, and hence
it was one to which the attention of the Fishery Board in
carrying out the experiments was specially directed. One of
these reasons was that in the deeper offshore water only adult
plaice had as a rule been found, whereas in St Andrews Bay and
similar regions an immense number of plaice of small size
occurred. Even at that time (1884) an attempt was made to
locate the several sizes of plaice and other flat fishes by
trawling in parallel lines from the region beyond low-water
mark outward. The remarkable uniformity of the saleable
_plaice (7—-13 inches) procured in such a bay as that of
St Andrews was another fact which suggested the true ex-
planation, viz., that the eggs, larval and post-larval plaice
sought the shore, and that the older plaice as they grew large
sought the deeper waters. Year after year since that date and
the closure the same size of saleable plaice from St Andrews Bay
has uniformly been obtained, showing that the original view
was correct, and that little alteration of any note had occurred
from the interference of man by the closure.

In the summary in the 14th Annual Report it is stated
that from a “calculation of the average size of the individuals

L Op. cit. p. 379.

182 INVESTIGATIONS IN FORTH, SUMMARY.

1))

of each species in each haul’” it is apparent that a small yet
definite and appreciable diminution in size has occurred in the
area under consideration. This laborious calculation shows how
anxious the members of the department were to sift the case as
far as they could. But it seems to me that another and more
simple solution of the question may be found. If we compare
the immature (unsaleable, that is, small and very small) fishes
captured in the two periods of five years, 1t appears that 12,551
occurred in the first period, or 46 per haul, whereas in the
second period 33,142, or 74 per haul, were obtained. The larger
number of small fishes secured in the second period, when work
was much more thoroughly carried on (447 hauls in contrast
with 270), would of itself have a tendency to lower the average
in each species, and make the reduction to which the reviewer
alludes. It is, however, stated under the cod, that about equal
numbers were measured in the two periods; but this affords
little information, since it is not explained whether the larger
or the smaller series were taken in the greatly preponderating
second period. Until these doubtful points are made clear it
is necessary to withhold sanction from the statement that the
size of the food-fishes in the closed waters has diminished. So
far as personal observations have gone, the food-fishes in the
areas have been throughout the ten years very much as they
were before the closure.

In the review of the experiments of the “Garland,” in the
Fourteenth Annual Report of the Fishery Board, great value is
attached, just as in the case of St Andrews Bay, to a comparison
of the work of the first five years with the work during the
second five years in the Forth. A preliminary comparison is
made of the captures in the closed area in 1887 and 1889, the
report showing that the average number per haul was more
than double in the former what it was in the latter. This
gives a key to the whole position, for any conclusion drawn
from a comparison of 23 Lauls in the months of June, August,
and September in 1887 with 90 hauls scattered over ten months
in 1889 is hopeless, especially when it is found that five winter
months with their low averages form half the period. It is

1 Op. cit. p. 142.

INVESTIGATIONS IN FORTH, SUMMARY. 183

immaterial whether we take the closed or open areas separately,
as in the Report, or group them together, as in the present
case (Tables XI. and XII.). In the comparison of the captures
of the flat fishes in the closed and open areas the same misap-
prehension is made, the difference of 100 per haul readily falling
to 1887 with its working period contined to the three pro-
ductive summer months. In like manner the notion that on
the cessation of trawling there appears to have been an increase
in the abundance of fishes within the closed areas, “as shown
by the high averages in the year 1887!” must lapse. The
choice of 1892 for a low average of flat fishes in St Andrews
Bay is in the same category, for while in that year 16 hauls
occurred in the moderately productive months of May, June,
and October (July, August, and September with their high
figures being blank), no less than 28 hauls were in the colder
months of February, March, April, November, and December.
Fluctuations in these and similar cases are due to other causes
than a dearth of fishes. In the Report, however, it is pointed
out that the curve of fluctuation in the abundance of round and
flat fishes corresponds with the general curve for the food-fishes,
a conclusion which is in accordance with the method adopted
here, viz., dealing with the subject as a whole. From the
figures in the Report it would appear that in contrasting
the two periods of five years there was an increase of fishes of
all kinds in the closed area of the Forth from 242 to 252, or 10
per haul; moreover, that there was an increase in the open area
from 160 to 171, or 11 per haul. In this total the flat fishes
showed very little change, a diminution of 2 in the closed and
1 in the open only occurring between the first five years and
the second. But, on a consideration of the circumstances
attending the work of the two periods, it would seem that this
diminution might well have been larger, since of a total of
269 hauls no less than 159 occurred in the warmer months
(May to October), as against 110 in the colder. Fifty hauls in
favour of the warmer period is a very considerable advantage,
and it would not be unfair to conclude that if the proportions
of the warmer and colder periods in the first five years had

1 14th Report S. F. B. p. 148.

184. INVESTIGATIONS IN FORTH, SUMMARY.

been nearer each other, there would have been an increase
instead of a diminution, as in the case of fishes of all kinds in
the Forth. The conclusion! therefore “that there has been a
decrease in the abundance of flat fishes in the closed waters of
the Forth” rests on the most uncertain foundations, and is of
little moment in dealing with so large a question, especially
when there is appended to it the theory that the cause is the
over-fishing of the offshore waters in the neighbourhood.

In the second period (1891—1895) the hauls were grouped’
as follows, viz., 214 in the warmer months and 219 in the colder
months, or 5 in favour of the colder months. The very large
number of hauls in the warmer months probably gave a total so
substantial that not even the numerous hauls in the colder
months could reduce the average, especially since round fishes
were a prominent feature of the area, and occasionally occurred
in these colder months in considerable numbers. If the three
very productive months of July, August, and September in each
period are taken, it is found that in the first period (1886—
1890) there were 16 hauls in July, 35 in August, and 24 in
September, or a total of 75 hauls, whereas in the second period
34 occurred in July, 38 in August, and 35 in September,
making a total of 107. Out of the six colder months only one
blank period Gn November) occurred, whereas there were five
blanks in the warmer months. The fact, however, that there
was no falling off under these more equally balanced circum-
stances of warmer and colder months argues well for the
food-fishes of the Forth, and gives no ground for despairing
of the situation.

114th Report S. F. B. p. 138.

CHAPTER V.

SCIENTIFIC INVESTIGATIONS IN THE MORAY FRITH.

TABLES XIII. to XXVI. 1887—1897.

In 1884 the Moray Frith was worked only by some of the
comparatively few trawlers then in Scottish waters, but it was
not searched with that avidity which marked the pursuit of
fishes within its area a few years later. Few opportunities
occurred in 1884 for its investigation, and, besides, it did not
form so prominent a subject in the fishery affairs of the day as
it does now. Fortunately, however, in April 1884 three hauls
of the trawl were made, in the ordinary course of work, off the
coast of Caithness and on Smith Bank, and these afford an im-
portant comparison with the subsequent work of the “ Garland,”
and with the region just outside the limit as observed in 1898.

The remarks made on this area in 1884 were as follow :—
“The three hauls on Smith Bank (8th and 9th April) afford an
interesting comparison with the Bay of Aberdeen. ‘Thus they
gave more cod than the 15 hauls in the latter (37 against 38),
and also an excess of young cod (codling), viz. 21 against 16 at
Aberdeen. It cannot be said, therefore, that the adult cod
came to Smith Bank for the purpose of spawning. In their
stomachs were young haddocks, young whiting, and sand-eels,
so that the latter occasionally go to the deep water at a distance
from land. The large size of the haddocks is noteworthy, for
none of the kind termed small were procured. The average
number per haul was 604, or next to the Forth in rank in this

186 INVESTIGATIONS IN MORAY FRITH, 1884.

respect. The paucity of whiting was equally noteworthy, while
grey gurnards especially abounded, almost all being full-grown
fishes, only one or two from 7 to 8 inches having been obtained.
The proportion per haul is 116, whereas in the Forth it is 59.
The cat-fishes were also numerous, but being unsaleable at
Macduff were thrown overboard. The vessels did not seem to
work much longer on this bank, a considerable diminution of
the fishes having occurred. The captures made on the present
occasion were not heavy, and the long journey was expensive.”

The foregoing is probably a reliable view of the condition of
the fishes of the region at a time when little agitation existed
in the neighbourhood, and when the strong statements con-
cerning the depopulation of the waters of the Frith by trawlers
were seldom heard.

The three hauls of the trawl produced 2,711 saleable fishes,
or 903 per haul (Tables XIII. and XIV.), a very moderate number
in contrast with some of those off the Forth the same season,
and which produced from 1,500 to 2,744 per haul of saleable
fishes. Indeed, the oft-quoted St Andrews Bay occasionally
gave as many saleable fishes per haul in 1884, so that in those
early days when trawling had made comparatively little pro-
gress in the Moray Frith the captures were not remarkable.
Only a single grey skate and a single starry ray occurred. The
total number of cod was 102, or 34 per haul, a considerably
higher average than generally met with during the experi-
ments, yet 1t was not to be compared in value with three hauls
off the Forth 9 or 10 days later in the same season, since the
majority (64) in the Moray Frith were young cod (codling),
only 38 being adults, whereas off the Forth three hauls pro-
duced 84 adult cod and only 13 codling. In the latter area a
congregation had probably taken place at the spawning season,
whereas in the former (viz. the Moray Frith) such a congrega-
tion may only have been commencing. All the haddocks
captured were large, and their numbers were considerable, viz.
a total of 1,812, or 604 per haul; yet this fell far short of such
a haul as II. (off the coast of Haddington) in January, which
gave 959 large and 905 small haddocks. The number, how-
ever, far exceeds that captured in April, 1884, in any other

INVESTIGATIONS IN MORAY FRITH, 1884. 187

locality’. Whitings were much less numerous than off the
Forth, though large, and ling were more frequent. Plaice were
in considerable numbers and large, viz. 64 per haul, and the
majority had yet to complete spawning. Dabs were not
numerous, only 14 being present in each haul. Lemon-dabs
were common, no less than an average of 50 occurring in each
haul. Pole-dabs or “witches” were very few in this part of the
Frith. Gurnards were plentiful and all of a saleable size, the
average per haul] being 116,a high figure. The wolf-fishes were
also in considerable numbers, viz. 9 per haul.

The main features, therefore, of the fish-fauna of the region
were the numbers of large haddocks, cod, plaice, and gurnards.
These data are reliable for the season, and are in a different
category from the vague and unsatisfactory, though reiterated
remarks often produced for comparison of a particular area with
the conditions at the present day. Moreover, it is well-known
that the trawling-ships eagerly frequented the Moray Frith to
the last moment, and that to-day all would return if it were
possible.

The work of the “Garland” in the Moray Frith commenced
in August 1887, fully three years after the preceding observa-
tions. Six stations were chosen close inshore as follows :—

I. Off Burghead Bay, length 7 miles, 6—7 fathoms, sand.

II. Off Nairn, length 8 miles, 9 —12 fathoms, mud.

III. In Cromarty Frith, length 4 miles, 3—7 fathoms, sand.

IV. This and the succeeding le in Dornoch Frith.
Parallel to shore for 5 miles, 7—9 fathoms, mud and sand.

VY. Further out, length 8 miles, 11—15 fathoms, mud and
sand.

VI. South of V., length 5 miles, 10—15 fathoms, sand.

Each station was trawled over once in the latter part of
August, and the total result was 1,567 fishes, or 261 per haul.
Of this number 600, or 100 per haul, were saleable, and 967, or

1 The note of 8th April, 1884, states that a few of the haddocks might have
been counted among the ‘‘small” of the Forth, but at the same time they
would have been indifferently placed in either group. This shows that the
haddocks here are more uniformly large. There are, however, comparatively
few very large.

188 INVESTIGATIONS IN MORAY FRITH, 1884.

161 per haul, were unsaleable, a comparatively poor result
when contrasted with the work either in St Andrews Bay or in
the Forth during the same month. Further, the contrast with
the three hauls of the converted tug “ Royal Saxon” (a paddle
steamer) in April 1884 is still more marked, for the average
per haul was no less than 903, and all saleable, and it must be
remembered that August is the most prolific month of the year.
Much of the divergence is probably due to the inefficient work
of the “ Garland,” and the position of the stations.

Plaice held the first position with a total of 559, or 93 per
haul, a comparatively high average, though much under that
obtained in St Andrews Bay during the warmer months, and
even during the entire year, as in 1890, when the average per
haul was 169: comparatively few were large plaice.

Dabs followed, with a total of 370, or 61 per haul, an
average requiring no comment, further than that it was
moderate, though larger by far than the captures at Smith
Bank in 1884, or beyond the Frith in 1898. The total for
haddocks was 318, or 53 per haul, a small number, and in
marked contrast with the captures in April 1884 in the Frith,
and in 1898 beyond it; the former showing an average of 604
per haul, and the latter of 695, in both cases the numbers being
more than ten times higher. Gurnards were fairly numerous,
the total being 182, or 30 per haul. Lemon-dabs averaged
about 7 per haul, and thus were more numerous than in St An-
drews Bay. It is doubtful, however, how much reliance should
be placed on the “Garland’s” work, since in the commercial
trawlers the average in 1884 was 50, and in 1898 (outside the
Frith), 21. Long-rough dabs were very few, about 2 per haul,
“witches” (pole-dabs) about 3 per haul, flounders and grey
skate about 2 per haul, turbot and brill about 1 in three
hauls, cod 5 in 6 hauls, and whiting about 3 per haul. The
captures on this occasion showed that fishes in all probability
were fairly numerous, and only required efficient apparatus and
persistent energy to make their pursuit highly profitable.

The most productive stations were II., V.,and VI. Station
III. in Cromarty Frith seemed to have slender capabilities.

In 1888, the month during which the six stations in the

INVESTIGATIONS IN MORAY FRITH, 1887—1889. 189

Moray Frith were examined was May, and though the number
of hauls was the same as in 1887, a considerable diminution
was to be expected. The total number was 1,158, or 193 per
haul, and the proportions of saleable and unsaleable were widely
different from last year, being for the former 1,108, or 184 per
haul, and for the latter 50, or 8 per haul.

The gurnard headed the list with a total of 235, a somewhat
unusual position for this species, which is generally a subordinate
one. In May, however, their numbers are as a rule noteworthy.
The average per haul is 39, or 9 over that of the previous year.
Dabs follow with a total of 201, or 33 per haul, only a little
more than half the number captured last year. Haddocks are
in the same category, with 23 per haul instead of 53. The
important plaice was represented only by a sixth of the number
of 1887. Whitings, on the other hand, were six times as
numerous, and witches nearly seven times as plentiful. Long-
rough dabs had increased even more largely. The numbers of
each species were, however, small, and the changes were due not
only to season but to the variations inseparable from such
operations, especially in a ship like the “ Garland.”

A great increase on the previous year occurred at Station I.
and a less increase at Station V. All the rest showed a con-
siderable decrease. On the whole the captures were small.

The six stations were examined once in June in 1889, the
result being the small total of 634 fishes, or 105 per haul, not
half the number with which the experiments commenced in
1887. Of this number 546, or 91 per haul, were saleable, and
88, or 14 per haul, unsaleable. The closure certainly did not
seem to improve the captures of the “Garland,” and in the
Report of the Fishery Board it is said that the results “show a
decrease both in round fish and in flat fish.”

Though plaice were three times as numerous as in 1888,
the total gave only 47 per haul, a moderate number. The
figures in almost all the other fishes were reduced. Altogether
the year was an unproductive one in the Moray Frith.

The year 1890 was characterised by an increase in the
number of hauls in the Frith to three times the former number,
and in three separate months, viz., May, July, and September.

190 INVESTIGATIONS IN MORAY FRITH, 1889—1892.

The total number of fishes was 2,421, or 134 per haul. Of this
1,433, or 79 per haul, were saleable, and 988, or 55 per haul, were
unsaleable. The year showed therefore an improvement on the
preceding, though the captures were still comparatively small.

Dabs held the first place with a total of 1,337, or 72 per
haul, an average only once reached in the Frith of Forth, but
which had been doubled in St Andrews Bay. Plaice came next
with an average of 30, a number more characteristic of the
Frith of Forth than St Andrews Bay, where the average is
high. The other fishes were in small numbers, and indeed the
three examinations were not productive. For instance 17 hauls
in the much-trawled St Andrews Bay gave in 1886, the year in
which the closure was applied, 555 more fishes than the 18 did
in the Moray Frith. In the Ninth Report of the Fishery Board
it is stated that there was “an increase of flat fish and a slight
decrease in round fish.”

An increase on the previous year occurred at Stations IL.,
IV., V. and VI., and a diminution at I. and IIL.

Six hauls in the month of September 1891 gave a total of
1,385 fishes, or an average of 232 per haul, a considerable im-
provement on 1890. Of this total 875, or 145 per haul, were
saleable, and 510, or 85 per haul, unsaleable.

The increase on the previous year was mainly due to a large
proportion of dabs, viz. 141 per haul, and an increase of 7 per
haul of plaice. Haddocks had reached the average of 3 per
haul, the lowest in the series up to date, showing that they at
least either did not frequent the areas or escaped the “Gar-
land’s” trawl. Gurnards had increased 10 per haul on the
previous year, and there were eight hake.

All the stations (especially II., IV., V.) showed an increase
except I, where the reduction was nearly one-half on the
previous year.

Six hauls in September in 1892 produced a total of 1,745
fishes, or 290 per haul. Of this 1,043, or 173 per haul, were
saleable, and 702, or 117 per haul, unsaleable.

While in the Board’s Report of the year the concluding
sentence of the summary is to the effect that, “It is a note-
worthy circumstance that although the prohibition of beam-

INVESTIGATIONS IN MORAY FRITH, 1889—1892. 191

trawling in territorial waters must have served to protect
immature plaice (owing to their very special distribution) more
than the young of other fishes, this fish is diminishing in
abundance year by year,” it is curious that in the Moray Frith,
the records of the year show that the number of plaice
captured there was nearly five times that of 1891, and the
highest in the whole decade. Such are the uncertainties of
fishing operations. Each hau] yielded 174 plaice. Dabs, on
the other hand, were reduced by nearly one-half.

The phenomenal total (for the region) of 1,238’ on Station
IV. along the shores of the Dornoch Frith on the 2nd of
September, is worthy of note. This was made up of 894
plaice, 309 dabs, and 35 other fishes.

The closure of the entire Moray Frith on the 22nd Novem-
ber, 1892, caused the Fishery Board to increase the number of
stations in the area from 6 to 16. The ten additional Stations
are as follow :—

VII. 32 miles oft Tarbet Ness E. by $S., length 34 miles,
22 to 28 fathoms, sand and mud.

VIII. 12 miles off Tarbet Ness E. by S., length 34 miles,
28 to 31 fathoms, sand and mud.

IX. Parallel with VIII. and 4 miles further east, 3 miles

long, 28 to 32 fathoms, sand and mud.
X. 3% miles from Lossiemouth, 34 miles long, 18 to 15
fathoms, sand and shells.

XI. Across Smith Bank, 5 miles long, E. by N., 18 to 25
fathoms, sand and shells.

XII. At right angles to XI. on Smith Bank, length 5
miles, depth 18 to 21 fathoms, sand and shells.

XIII. Parallel with XII., outside Smith Bank.

XIV. 3 miles E. by 8. 3S. of Clyth Ness, 5 miles long, 30
fathoms, sand and shells.

XV. 103 miles S.E. by E. of Ord of Caithness, 6 miles
long, 23 to 31 fathoms, sand and mud.

XVI. 18% miles N. of Macduff, 6 miles long, 34 to 36
fathoms, sand.

* To avoid complexity in tables a few (9) unsaleable fishes such as solenettes,
pipe-fishes, and sea-scorpions have been included,

192 INVESTIGATIONS IN MORAY FRITH, 1892—1893.

These stations extended the points for observation more
directly into the Moray Frith.

Thirty-two hauls of the “Garland’s” ordinary trawl were
made in 1893, and six with a shrimp net. It has been
thought advisable to omit the results of the latter, so as to
make the comparison uniform, and to separate those of the
original stations (I. to VI.) from the new ones (VII. to XVI).

Twelve hauls on the original six stations gave the best
results yet obtained, viz., 3,837 fishes, or 319 per haul. Of this
total 2,168, or 180 per haul, were saleable, and 1,669, or 139 per
haul, unsaleable. The work was carried on in May and October,
two months on the whole favourable for the experiments,
though less productive than August. Thus the average (10
years) for May in St Andrews Bay is 251 and for October 223,
while for August it is 515. In the same way the average for
the Forth in May is 175, October 262, and for August 421.
The comparison will show that the result of the work in the
Moray Frith in 1893 was exceptionally favourable.

The highest place was occupied by the dab with 1,577, or
131 per haul, yet in this respect 1t was 10 under 1891. Plaice
followed with 1,413, or 117 per haul, 57 under the average of
the previous year—closure notwithstanding. Haddocks had
not reached so high a figure, 379, or 31 per haul, since 1887.
Gurnards were likewise 12 per haul over the previous year.
Lemon-dabs were also more than double the number of 1892.
The reporter seemed somewhat puzzled’ by the divergence
between May and October, but as the preponderance was chiefly
caused by large numbers of small plaice and dabs in the latter
month no surprise need be felt. It is observed that the cessa-
tion of trawling will, to some extent, account for the increase
of flat fishes, and apparently it is thought that the Moray Frith
may come up to expectations better than either St Andrews
Bay or the Frith of Forth “since it contains within it exten-
sive spawning-grounds for white fishes.” Subsequent results,
however, seem to demonstrate the value of the saving clause
“but it is too soon yet to draw any conclusion as to the
results of the closure.”

1 12th Report S. F. B., p. 27.

INVESTIGATIONS IN MORAY FRITH, 1893 AND 1894. 193

Twenty hauls took place in May and October on the
outer stations (VII. to XVI.), resulting in a total of 4,760
fishes, or 238 per haul. Of this number 2,445, or 122 per
haul, were saleable, and 2,315, or 115 per haul, unsaleable.

A considerable divergence in the fish-fauna of these
outer stations is at once apparent, and it would have been
well if the Blue-book had devoted some of its energies to
this feature. Instead of an average of 117 plaice per haul,
the average was only 7, but they were all of the larger size,
viz., from 12 to 19 inches. The trawl had got rid of the
swarms of young plaice, so characteristic of the shallower
water. The ubiquitous dab was in less numbers than in
the inshore stations, but still held a good position with an
average of 69 per haul. Moreover, there was an absence of
the line of demarcation as in the plaice, for considerable
numbers of the unsaleable and smaller saleable sizes were
present. Lemon-dabs were about three times as numerous.
Long-rough dabs were more than twice as numerous. One
of the greatest contrasts, however, was in the haddocks,
which had an average of 31 per haul in the first six stations,
and one of 97 in the outer (VII. to XVI). Cod were also
more numerous, and the general distribution of the gurnard
was indicated by a higher average (28).

The foregoing captures of the “Garland” in the Moray
Frith are, at best, but poor in contrast with the 800 or 900
fishes secured each haul by the commercial trawler.

The same number of hauls (12), as in 1893, on the six
inner stations in July and October, 1894, gave a total of
3,018 fishes, or 251 per haul, a result falling short, by 68,
of the average per haul of the previous year, one of the
usual uncertainties of the pursuit.

Almost all the fishes were reduced in numbers except
lemon-dabs, the total for which was double that of the previous
year, though still small (74). Plaice were 94 per haul, just
one above the condition in 1887, not an encouraging feature
in connection with the closure of the “extensive spawning-
grounds.’ Dabs were still comparatively abundant (113 per
haul), though 18 under the previous year ; their high numbers in

M. R. 13

194 INVESTIGATIONS IN MORAY FRITH, 1893 AND 1894.

comparison with the plaice being interesting im connection
with the notion that they and the long-rough dabs supplant
the plaice from the facility with which the small breeding
individuals escape through the meshes of the trawl, whereas
the breeding plaice cannot. The evidence here is not in
favour of this view. Haddocks were 10 instead of 31 per
haul, and gurnards 13 instead of 22 per haul. The experi-
ments therefore resulted in a moderate capture of fishes.

All the stations showed a reduced number, except IV.,
where the total was 38 over the previous year, and second
in the series of nine years.

If little success attended the work of the “ Garland” on the
inner stations, it was this year very different on the outer
stations (VII. to XVI.), where the same number of hauls
(20) as last year yielded 2,392 more fishes, or a total of
7,152, or 357 per haul. Of this number 5,556, or 277 per
haul, were saleable, and 1,596, or 79 per haul, unsaleable.

The foregoing increase was chiefly due to the large
numbers of haddocks, which amounted to 3,172, or 158 per
haul. These were chiefly captured in October, the total for
that month on the ten outer stations being 2,204, and they
were saleable fishes of 10—14 inches. The contrast with the
inner stations is sufficiently marked, for the twelve hauls there
in July and October produced a total of only 115 of the same
size. The enormous number of haddocks evidently peopling
the neighbourhood, and many of which would survive to in-
crease the species, shows how capable nature is to maintain the
food-fishes in the open sea. The Moray Frith alone could, in
all probability, have supplied in October and the subsequent
months of 1894 sufficient haddocks for all the fleets from
Aberdeen, and that without causing any undue strain on the
permanent abundance of the species. They presented them-
selves there at that convenient season, yet due advantage was
not taken of the opportunity, and the reduced average of the
succeeding two years showed that perhaps such opportunities
do not occur every year. A favourite argument of some is that
while the total for the haddock and other fishes goes on
annually increasing, or at any rate maintaining its ground with

INVESTIGATIONS IN MORAY FRITH, 1894. 195

the usual variations, that this total is made up of fishes brought
from Norway, Iceland, and the Faroé Islands—to which
distant regions the ships have now to go to keep up the supply.
_ Every Scotch bay, according to these “ practical” gentlemen, is
“ swept out,” or “ cleaned out,’ so that it is no longer profitable
for liner or trawler to fish there, and the ruin of our fisheries
and our fishermen is already accomplished. But, in the first
place, they forget that unproductive periods in haddock-fishing
oceur very frequently, and have occurred from time imme-
morial, times when the men prepare their boats for herring-
fishing (the unfailing nature of which is marvellous), and which
often richly rewards their efforts. Moreover, if the ships go to
a great distance for large and certain gains in regard to white
fishes, 1t is not because their own waters are depopulated, but
because with less effort they secure a rich harvest in other
seas. Facts, like those produced by the experiments now
under review, are therefore not to be compared with the crude
suppositions which serve the purpose of the “fisherman’s
friend.” If by dipping a small trawl like that of the “ Garland ”
in the Moray Frith, 220 saleable haddocks of 10—14 inches in
length, and at least 33 others of a small but also of a saleable
size, are brought on board each haul, not to speak of other
fishes, he would be more than a bold man who holds that our
haddock-fisheries are ruined. Other areas and other forms are
dealt with elsewhere, but that one fact alone disposes of the
idea that any such area as that of the Moray Frith is “swept
out” by trawlers.

Dabs still maintained a high average, viz. 87 per haul, or 18
more than the previous year. Lemon-dabs remained the same,
while the captures of the long-rough dab had been trebled.
Whitings and gurnards were also more numerous, as also were
“witches” or pole-dabs, which gave an average of 4 per haul
instead of 1 in 1893. Cod, on the other hand, were fewer,
about 2 per haul instead of 5 in 1893.

It is curious that all the stations except XI. and XII. show a
decided increase. These two stations form a cross over the
centre of Smith Bank. It is possible that special influences of
season or ship were connected with this condition.

13—2

196 INVESTIGATIONS IN MORAY FRITH, 1894.

A table was this year given by the Fishery Board showing
the quantities of white fishes caught within the closed waters
of the Moray Frith, and the number of boats, with a view of
noting the changes inaugurated by the closure. Seven districts
were chosen as fishing specially within the closed area, but
even though such were the case, the difficulties of an accurate
record are great, and it may be expected to show only the usual
variations from year to year characteristic of all fishing opera-
tions. There is small chance of any satisfaction being derived
from an accumulation of fishes due to the closure. This table
extended up to date (1897) is appended :—

Captures in the Moray Frith by Line-Boats in cwts.
1894 1895 1896 1897

Codncou neti eoccee ene eee 52571 4403 64663 79731
| Dynal oA aaaienee tr mates oct ean rt nti 2169 339 3868 3544
MOPS, vocatumasnne cone eran toeaenn 25 6 94 25
Wotton’ smscwe nee sacra 6120 552 10636 11761
Fad doclan cs, wicseeenens wreeneee 153529 65421 | 156703 | 126031
Wabi Pee aedaceounecoseesaeene 5845 3347 4836 3319
AME OG! eas ae atncs ae saenenor 5 — 5) 16
TEI HAT OD ame ae mien ore Mare merger ay, Mc 954 De 691 707
Temom=Wa ja. ssc essences — — 19 14
Flounder, Plaice, Brill ...... 5477 208 3402 3978
CONGER GAs a kedos ees 1244 49 823 1533
NM KaiGe! yaad t snes eee eee 3281 77 3683 3999
Other kinds white fishes ... 7976 1967 7483 6663
Motel ake soe eae ee 218495 78491 | 256916 | 241350
Average haul or shot ...... 3°5 4°77 4:26 3°83

large iboats) since 7082 1107 11915 14039

SIOMINE OOPS soGondecoboce 54866 14930 | 48346 | 48836

The work of the “ Garland” on the inner stations (I. to VL.)
was carried on in 1895 in July, six hauls of the trawl giving
the meagre amount of 715 fishes, or 119 per haul, less than
half that of the previous year, a result by no means encouraging
with the stake at issue. The vast enclosed area with its
“extensive spawning grounds” did not in connection with
these stations indicate an improvement. Not even by such
a gigantic measure were the arrangements of nature in the
open sea to be altered to any noteworthy extent. The saleable
fishes were 380 in number, or 63 per haul, and the unsaleable
335, or 55 per haul. A great reduction had occurred in all the

INVESTIGATIONS IN MORAY FRITH, 1895 AND 1896. 197

fishes usually having the higher numbers, such as plaice, dabs,
haddocks, long-rough and lemon-dabs, and gurnards. Every
station gave evidence of this feature.

Ten hauls on the outer stations (VII. to XVI.) were some-
what more productive, resulting in the capture of 2,001 fishes,
or 200 per haul. This was composed of 1,144, or 114 per
haul of saleable, and 857, or 85 per haul, of unsaleable fishes.
Dabs were most numerous, viz. 57 per haul, haddocks next at
52 per haul, followed by long-rough dabs and gurnards. At
every station except XI. (across Smith Bank) a reduction
took place.

The inefficiency of the ship probably had a close connection
with the foregoing result.

The year 1896 was characterised by an increase both in the
number of months and of hauls of the trawl, for work was
carried on in August, October, and November, yet the number
of hauls was not great seeing that the ship was free from duties
both in the St Andrews Bay and the Forth. It is true the
number of hauls was a secondary consideration, for if they had
been effective (like those of the commercial trawler) their
number would have sufficed.

Highteen hauls in the three months on the inner stations
(I. to VI.) above-mentioned gave a total of 1,553 fishes, or 86
per haul, a result even more depressing than the previous year,
for it was 33 per haul less. It has to be remembered, however,
that November is one of the unproductive months in the
shallower water, and actually furnished only about half the
number procured in October. If any reliance was placed by
the Board on the work of the “Garland,” here certainly the
effect of the closure of this great area carried only disappoint-
ment. Nor was much comfort to be derived from the statistics
of the fishes caught by line in the enclosed waters.

The comparatively cheap dab headed the list with an
average of 31 per haul, followed by the plaice at 30 per haul,
the important haddock being represented by only 2 per haul,
and the gurnard by 5 per haul. The saleable “witch” occurred
at an average of a little over 1 per haul, and the thornback at
2 per haul. The four years of the closure of the “extensive

198 INVESTIGATIONS IN MORAY FRITH, 1896 AND 1897.

spawning grounds” had, so far as these statistics showed, given
no sign of success, and if they should be prolonged to 14 or even
to 40 years, it is unlikely that the arrangements of nature in
the open ocean would be materially altered. Even the laborious
collection of the statistics of the white fishes caught by the
liners in the enclosed area do not improve the situation, for
instead of the 4°77 cwts. per haul of 1895, they show only 4°26
cwts. in 1896. They go far to demonstrate, however, that with
an efficient ship the Board’s returns might have been different,
though such might not have altered the conclusions to be
drawn from them.

On the outer stations (VII. to XVI.) the same number of
hauls took place—yielding a total of 3,869 fishes, or 214 per
haul, an increase of 14 over the previous year. Of this number
2,409, or 133 per haul, were saleable, and 1,460, or 81 per haul,
unsaleable?.

Here also the dabs surpass the others in numbers, a feature
seldom or never observed on board a commercial trawler, their
average being 94 per haul, or nearly double that of the previous
year. The saleable plaice reached only about 2 per haul,
lemon-dabs were fewer than in 1895, and so with long-rough
dabs and haddocks, which had an average of 43 per haul,
in contrast with 2 per haul on the inner stations. Gurnards
had increased (chiefly in October) by 5 per haul. One of the
features of the Frith, in common with the neighbouring waters,
was the frequent occurrence of hake, which are seldom seen in
St Andrews Bay or in the Forth. Witches or pole-dabs are
also characteristic of the softer grounds.

During 1897 twelve hauls of the trawl took place in the
months of June and November (six in each) on the inner
stations (I. to VL.), resulting in a total of 1,770 fishes, or 147
per haul, a considerable increase (61 per haul) on the previous
year, which was the fourth in a gradually diminishing series,
The average is but a moderate one, not half that of 1893, and
about half that of 1892. Of saleable fishes there were 1,110,

1 A few fishes such as the butter-fish, dragonet and pogge are included; but
their numbers are insignificant and have no influence on the totals. The angler
is only occasionally sold. The unsaleable, therefore, chiefly include the immature.

INVESTIGATIONS IN MORAY FRITH, 1897. 199

or 92 per haul, and unsaleable 660, or 55 per haul. While
June in other areas has not been one of the most productive
months, and November is classed with the unproductive, yet,
in this instance, the peculiarity exists of a higher average in
November than in June, viz. an average of 205 in the former
and less than half, 87, for the latter. A tendency to this
condition had been noticed in former years, e.g. in 1896, in
which the total of 4 hauls in November exceeded that of 6
hauls in August. The marked differences in the captures
of haddocks, dabs, and plaice, in the present instance (1897)
sufficiently account for this feature. Thus in June they were
respectively 10, 196, and 76, whereas in November they were
35, 537, and 473. Plaice thus showed an increase of 397, and
dabs of 341. Of the eight months during which operations in
the Moray Frith were carried out in the years 1887—1897,
a period of eleven years, the highest average occurs in October,
September being next, then August, July, November, May,
June, and April. November stands thus as fifth in the series.
The number of hauls, however, is comparatively small, so that
too much weight need not be put on this feature, but it
is necessary to allude to it.

As in 1896, the dab was the most plentiful fish, the average
per haul (61) being almost twice as great as in the year
just mentioned. Only a single dab over 11 inches was obtained,
the majority (446) being unsaleable, while 286, from 7 to
11 inches, were saleable. This average (61) was precisely that
with which the experiments began in 1887, the numbers
falling to half next year, and the following to only 18 per haul,
then springing up to 72 and 141, the latter being the highest
average during the 11 years, and from work done only in the
month of September. It does not follow, however, that this
month always held the same position, for the following year the
average was only 85. After rising to 131 in 1893, it fell during
the next three years to 31, the second lowest average of the
series. The average for the five years 1887-91 was 68, and
for the six years, 1892-97, 77, but work was carried on thrice
in October, the most productive month in this area, whereas in
the first period this month was absent. As in other instances

200 INVESTIGATIONS IN MORAY FRITH, 1897.

the captures of the dab in the Moray Frith presented the usual
variations attendant on sea-fishing, and in no sense can it be
said that the closure of the area benefited this fish or altered
the arrangements of nature.

Plaice followed with an average of 45 per haul, or 15 over
that of the previous year. Only 75 were unsaleable, that is,
under 7 inches, the majority (249) being between 7 and 11
inches, while 191 were between 12 and 18 inches, only 34
being beyond 19 inches. This average, though higher than the
previous year, held a median position in the series, five being
below it, the minimum being 14 in 1888, and five above it, the
maximum (174) being about four times as great, and occurring
in 1892, when the work was confined to the productive month
of September. The record of the plaice, after even greater
irregularities than the dab, remained in 1897 only half what it
was in 1887, and though during the first five years the average
was only 40 as contrasted with an average of 73 in the last six
years, the conditions under which the work was accomplished
in the two periods were divergent. Thus while no colder
months are present in the first period, May and June twice
appear. In the second period they occur only once, while
October is entered thrice. The condition of this species, there-
fore, leads to the same conclusions as in the dab.

The position of the haddock throughout the eleven years
shows great variability, since the highest average (53) occurs in
1887, the first year of the experiments, the last year (1897)
having only 3, the same number likewise representing the
captures for 1891, the last of the first period. The average for
the years 1887—1891 is 14, and that for the years 1892—1897
(six years) being 11, or 3 less. The absence of similarity in the
months, however, renders comparison uncertain. Moreover, since
even a more marked change is present in these periods in the
gurnard, it cannot be said that the condition of the haddock is
peculiar. The average for the first five years in the gurnard 1s
19, for the second period it is 12, that is to say, 4 more than in the
case of the haddock. In 1887 the average for the gurnard was 30,
in 1897 the average was only 11, yet it would be inconsistent
with experience to suppose that these figures indicate a dimi-

INVESTIGATIONS IN MORAY FRITH, 1897. 201

nution of the gurnard from any method of fishing. The irregu-
larities of the pursuit are further illustrated by the witch, which
in the first period was three times as numerous as in the second.

The condition of the lemon-dab in 1897 is interesting, for
the number (42) obtained in 12 hauls is exactly what was caught
in 6 hauls in 1887. Here then is a case for the oft-repeated
assertion that the sea is being depleted, since with double the
work only the same number were caught as in 1887. If the
months and days had been the same in both periods greater
colour might have been lent to this notion, but they are not.
A survey of the years shows the ordinary variations. Thus in
the first five the highest average is in 1887, and the lowest in
1890, the average for the whole period being 3. In the second
period of six years, the highest average was in 1894 and the
lowest in 1896, the usual variations also being present through-
out the period, which had the same total average, for all
practical purposes, as the first period. The long-rough dab
stands even in a worse position, for the average per haul for the
first period was 6, while in the second it was a little over 3.
Would any one of experience maintain that the long-rough dab
was yearly becoming scarcer in the Moray Frith? On the other
hand, the cod has an average a little under 2 for the first
period, whereas for the second it is fully 3. The whiting, again,
is the reverse, since it was about 6 times as plentiful in the
first five as in the second six years. The hake and the turbot
were likewise more numerous in the first period, while the
brill was more frequent in the second period.

The witch, a characteristic form of the region, was fully
three times as numerous in the first period, and the flounder
and the grey skate were more plentiful in the same period. To
balance these irregularities, the thornbacks were about twice as
numerous in the second period.

It is unnecessary to proceed into the details of these forms
as regards months, for the number of hauls was comparatively
small. It is sufficient to draw attention to the ceaseless
variations, and the danger of drawing conclusions from data
that are not thoroughly sifted.

Viewing the captures in connection with the various

202 INVESTIGATIONS IN MORAY FRITH, 1897.

stations (I. to VI.), a decided increase is apparent on every one
in 1897, its amount being in the order of the stations as
follows :—19, 120, 2, 6, 98, 121. Judged by the averages for
the first five years, the most productive stations were V. II. and
IV., whereas in the second period the order was IV. V. and VL.,
the highest average of the whole series occurring at IV.

The average for all the stations during the first five years
was 170, or 108 saleable and 61 unsaleable, while during the
second period (1892—1897) the average was 192, an increase
of 22, composed of 122 saleable and 69 unsaleable. The
question as to whether this increase was due to the closure or
to the nature of the working-periods is best answered by a
reference to Table XIX., where it appears that all the hauls in
the productive month of October are confined to the second
period. It is true one haul in April, with an average of
only 35 handicaps this period, but there were 11 hauls in
July against 6 in the first period, 7 against 6 in August.
Moreover, though 12 hauls occurred in November in the second
period, their average was equal to that in May. The advantage
of 12 hauls in September in the first period against 6 in the
second period could not obliterate the foregomg advantages.
The closure, therefore, here as elsewhere, had no evident
influence on the area.

During the same months of 1897, 19 hauls of the trawl
took place on the outer stations (VII. to XVI), giving a total
of 4,126 fishes, or 217 per haul, an increase of 5 on the previous
year. Of this number 2,006, or 105 per haul, were saleable, and
2,120, or 111 per haul, were unsaleable, a smaller number of the
former and a larger number of the latter than in 1896. The
apportionment of the hauls in the respective years was different.
Thus in 1896, only 4 hauls took place in the colder months,
while 14 occurred in the warmer, whereas in 1897, 9 were in
the former and 10 in the latter. It has to be borne in mind,
however, that November sometimes presents in the Moray Frith
a considerable average from dabs, gurnards and haddocks.

In the light of the five years’ work, 1897 stands third, the
highest average, viz. 357, being in 1894. The next is the first
year of the experiments on these stations, viz. 1893, with an

INVESTIGATIONS IN MORAY FRITH, 1897. 203

average of 238, or 21 higher than in 1897. The lowest average
occurs in 1895. There is nothing, however, in these totals to
indicate any effect of the closure, or other feature than the
ordinary irregularities of the pursuit.

The hauls throughout the quinquennial period were fairly
distributed over the six months from May to November, except
that more than double the number of any other month occurred
in October. A very different average would have resulted if
such had not been the case, for the average exceeds by 61 that
of any other month. It is followed by that of November at
282, only 61 less, then July with 211, May 182, August 176,
and June 130. There is thus, so far as the individual months
go, a parallelism between the total monthly averages of the
inner and the outer stations of the Moray Frith.

The study of the yearly averages of the outer stations gives
no sign of accumulation, but tends to corroborate the opinion
that man’s influence in the way of closure is immaterial.

The fact that the dab holds even a more conspicuous position
than in 1896 again emphasizes the nature of the “ Garland’s”
work, which materially differs from that of a commercial trawler.
The average per haul is 128 or 34 more than the previous year,
and it is the maximum number for the quinquennial period,
and is nearly double the average of 1893. The capture of dabs
in the Moray Frith seems to be characteristic of October, and
as this month held a prominent position, the abundance of dabs
is a consequence.

The next average, viz. 26, that of the long-rough dab, is
separated by a wide interval. It is more than double that of
1893, yet it is the next lowest in the quinquennial period, and
is exactly the average for the latter, viz. 26.

The gurnard follows with an average of 20 per haul, the lowest
of the series. The average for the quinquennial period is 28.

This year seems to have been, for the “ Garland,” an unfor-
tunate one for haddocks, only 17 per haul having been procured,
a condition of things probably due to some extent to the months
during which operations were carried on, viz. June and November,
for the maximum number of haddocks occurs in October}.

1 It may be that the handling of the ship in regard to tides and other
factors in efficiency had a share in this result.

204 INVESTIGATIONS IN MORAY FRITH, 1897.

It is 80 below the average of 1893, and not half what it was the
previous year, and no less than 60 below the average for the
five years. That this state of matters was not due to absence
of the haddocks need hardly be discussed, since, a few months
afterwards, a commercial trawler, outside the limit of the Frith,
captured 695 per haul, and when it is remembered that the
liners produced a large number from the enclosed area the
same year. Yet it may legitimately be advanced that the
averages of the haddocks both in the inner and outer stations
have shown a downward tendency from 1887 and 1893 respec-
tively. Thus, in the first five years of the inner stations the
average steadily sunk from 53 to 3, while in the second period
(six years) it began at 9 and ended with 3. It is true it rose
to 31 in 1893, but thereafter 1t declined to 10, 8, 2, and 3.
Now the work was carried on entirely during the warmer
months in the first five years, and in the second period (six
years) 13 out of the 66 hauls were in the warmer months.
The total hauls for the eleven years were 108, and of these 95
were in warmer months, and only 13 in the colder. A survey of
the captures in detail according to the months of the two
periods gives, however, further information :—

MORAY FRITH.

1887-1897.
Stations I. to VI. Stations VI. to XVI.
No. of | Total Average {| No. of Total Average
Hauls Haddocks per Haul Hauls | Haddocks per Haul
1 Apr. — = — — —
I May 178 10 10 798 79
12 June 71 5 10 200 20
17 July 88 5 11 703 63
13 Aug. 341 26 13 510 39
18 Sept. 107 9) — — —
18 Oct. 496 27 30 4215 140
12 Nov. _ 68 5 13 326 25
108 1344 12 87 6752 77

It is evident that haddocks are less numerous on the inner
than on the outer stations, the disparity (12 to 77) being so
great as to necessitate different treatment. At the inner

1 Vide p. 207.

INVESTIGATIONS IN MORAY FRITH, 1897. 205

stations the maximum period is in October, closely followed by
August, then May, the other months being nearly equal. Now
the comparatively high average of 53 with which the observa-
tions commenced was obtained in August during a year (1887)
in which exceptionally high averages were present in the areas
of St Andrews Bay and the Forth. Next year (1888), with an
average of 23, the work was done only in May, a month which
shows an average not half that of August. The third year
(1889) had its working period confined to June, in which the
average is not half that of May. There was a decrease to 10.
The irregularities so common in fishing operations might easily
reduce the total average of three “poor” months to four, or one
under the lowest, whilst the same cause might readily diminish
an average of 5 to 3. No great weight need be placed on the
suppositions of the last sentence, yet the whole history of
fishing operations is full of such irregularities, which moreover
strongly characterise the haddocks in the second period. Thus
in 1892 the hauls occurred only in September, yet the result
(9) is 4 above the average. In 1893 a rise to 31 per haul, the
second highest in the series, took place in the maximum and a
medium month, the third (April) being a blank as regards
haddocks. Next year, the maximum month and one with a
small average only resulted in 10. The last three years of this
period had diminishing averages of 8, 2, and 3; yet the first
had a working period including one productive month for
haddocks, viz. August, whilst the second included both August
and October, so that the diminution must have been due to
other causes, which also seem to have affected the outer
stations since their average was smaller during these years
(wde Table XXVI.). Haddocks apparently were not plentiful
on the inner stations during the working periods, but their
numbers increased seawards, as the returns from the outer
stations and the captures of the liners in the closed area prove.
The haddock, indeed, was by far the most prominent fish in the
returns from that region. Thus in 1894, 153,529 ewts., in 1895,
178,370 ewts., in 1896, 156,703 cwts., and in 1897, 126,031 cwts.
of haddocks at least came from the closed area’, independently

1 16th Report S. F, B., Part 11. p. 20,

206 INVESTIGATIONS IN MORAY FRITH, 1897.

of the incursions of foreign ships. It has also been proved that
fine haddocks were in great numbers beyond the closed area.
The diminution, therefore, was local diminution, a feature of
perennial occurrence in all seas.

The maximum month, so far as the statistics go, for haddocks
on the outer stations (VII to XVI), which may now be con-
sidered, was also October, and the average for this month is
about double that next in order, viz. May, while July, August,
November and June follow with diminishing averages’. The
total average for the outer stations 1s more than six times
that for the inner.

The average for the first year (1893) was 97 haddocks per
haul, the work being done in May and October, months having
the highest averages for this fish in the returns. Next year a
great increase occurred, viz. an average of 158 per haul, the
experiments having been carried out in October and July, the
latter having an average of 63. Next year (1895) the average
fell to about a third of the last-mentioned, viz. 52, the working-
periods being in July and August, the latter having an average
of 39, and thus the captures correspond with what may be
termed the normal. In 1896, a diminution, due to other causes
than those connected with the periods, had taken place. A
similar reduction is present in the captures by the liners. In
1897, work was carried on in June and November, months
having an average of 20 and 25. The actual captures gave an
average of 17, the lowest in the series, or 5 under the normal.
The returns of the liners also show a diminution.

In respect to the haddock, therefore, there is little to satisfy
the country, and especially men of science, as to the propriety
of the closure of this great area. If experience, indeed, did not
show that variations in areas are common, and that no lack of
haddocks existed in hundreds of square miles beyond the area,
the Fishery Board, so far as the work of the “Garland” is
concerned, is confronted with anything but success in its
efforts to increase the products of the sea by controlling the
“ spawning grounds.”

Of the other fishes the lemon-dab was twice as common as

1 No work was carried on in April and September on the outer stations.

INVESTIGATIONS IN MORAY FRITH, 1897. 207

on the inner stations, and remarkably uniform in its average,
which was 8 in four years, and 5 in the fifth (1896). Whitings
on the other hand were variable and few, and the same may be
said for hake, ling, turbot, brill, grey skate, sandy ray and sail-
flukes. Flounders were absent. The most frequent skate was
the starry ray, so abundant in deep water. Anglers were more
numerous than on the inner stations.

In surveying the averages on the several stations (VII. to
XVI.) the ordinary variations are evident. Station VII, off
Tarbet Ness, maintaining from the first a fairly high average,
stands at the head with an average of 392 per haul for all kinds
of fishes. Station VIII., in the same region, but further sea-
wards, follows with an average of 382, yet in 1894 and 1895
the two highest averages (624 and 614) occur on this. ground.
The others appear in the following order of averages, IX., XV.,
XVI, XIV., X., XII, XI, and XIIL, the average for which was
only 134, or about half that for all the stations, viz. 251.
Commencing with a total average of 238 the series concluded
with one of 217. The former is made up of 122 saleable and
115 unsaleable, the latter of 105 saleable and 111 unsaleable,
that is to say, a diminution in both. Such reduction, however, as
the general average shows, is as much due to the usual variations
as to any other cause, fishes of all kinds being probably about
as numerous at the end as the beginning.

On the 7th and 8th of April, 1898, six hauls in a commercial
trawler’ were made outside the limits of the Moray Frith,
resulting in a total of 5286 fishes, or 881 per haul, a contrast to
the indifferent work of the “Garland” within it (Tables XV. and
XVI). Of this number 4914, or 819 per haul, were saleable, and
372, or 62 per haul, were unsaleable. It has to be remembered
that this work was carried on in the open sea in the midst of
numerous trawlers (upwards of twelve in sight, probably from
12 to 20)—all eagerly following the same pursuit. Yet this

1 For this courtesy the author is indebted to Bailie Pyper, of Aberdeen. An
otter-trawl was used. It is a noteworthy fact that, since April, this vessel has
been manned by a crew of liners from Torry and Cellardyke, and they are doing
profitable work both for themselves and the owners. Moreover, Peterhead,
Fraserburg, Hopeman, and Wick give signs of moving trawlwards,

208 INVESTIGATIONS IN MORAY FRITH, 1897.

much fished water contrasts most favourably with the three
hauls of a commerial trawl’ made on Smith Bank nearly on the
same date in 1884, and resulting in the capture of 2711 fishes,
or 903 per haul. In both cases the chief fish was the haddock,
604 per haul occurring on Smith Bank in 1884 and 695 outside
the Frith in 1898, a fact which demonstrates that the dis-
tribution of this species is so wide, and its numbers so great,
that a thoughtful survey of the whole subject leaves little room
for doubt as to the wisdom of removing all unnecessary
restrictions from fair fishing. The haddocks of 1884 on Smith
Bank had fewer small in their ranks than those of 1898 in the
open water, but it is probable that a special congregation of
spawning fishes had occurred, or, at any rate, had come in the
way of the trawl on that occasion. The haddocks of 1898, just
beyond the enclosed waters, were more numerous by 91 per
haul, and of the total of 4173 only 42 were unmarketable,
though some of these would have been eaten at St Andrews.
We know that haddocks abounded as of old in the great
enclosed area of the Frith, and extended far beyond it in the
numbers just indicated, but we fail to observe the slightest
trace of any effect on this fish in or near the Moray Frith by
the closure of the huge area against British trawlers. Such a
step was never dreamt of in the cautious proposal to close the
areas of the Forth, St Andrews Bay and Aberdeen Bay for
expervmental purposes,—and yet it has been done without any
clear evidence being produced to warrant its adoption. Step
by step every available argument has been examined, and its
facts duly weighed or its want of facts exposed, but no scientific
basis remains on which to uphold such a proposal. A con-
sideration of the condition of the haddock alone in this area
in 1884 and in 1898 dispels the fanciful notions of certain of
the so-called “practical men,’ who are responsible for much
of the confusion in fisheries’ problems still lingering in our
country. No imaginary figures or theoretical percentages are
dealt with here, but facts resting on personal observation.
There is no sign that the extensive fishing-operations in the
Moray Frith and its neighbourhood have proved seriously

1 Beam-trawl of about 51 feet,

INVESTIGATIONS IN MORAY FRITH, 1897. 209

detrimental to the distribution of the haddock,—no more indeed
than the constant pursuit of the herring has affected its
perennial abundance. In the case of both species, periods of
scarcity occur, and are used by agitators and others to proclaim
the decline, or, it may be, the utter ruin of the fishery, and the
urgent need for administrative interference. But both classes
are ominously silent when boats are overloaded or nets sunk
with their valuable captures, which nature, never failing in
resource in the open sea, sends as an answer to their complaints.

To return to the consideration of the examination in 1898,
it was found that plaice were much fewer beyond the Frith
than on Smith Bank. Instead of 64 per haul, only 3 occurred
outside. Some suppose that a congregation of plaice ensues on
Smith Bank at the breeding season, but it is more probable
that this area is the home of the adult plaice, which is more or
less local in its groups, the latter being fed by a constant stream
of adolescent forms from the shallower waters. Dabs, on the
other hand, gave exactly the same average as on Smith Bank,
viz. 14 per haul. Lemon-dabs were not half so numerous in
the distant area as on Smith Bank, a feature probably due to
their peculiar distribution, unless it be held that the trawl
singled out this species and the plaice for special destruction.
Long-rough dabs were absent in 1884, but had an average of
6 per haul in the outer waters, a feature in accordance with the
view just expressed. Cod were more than twice as numerous
on Smith Bank in 1884, viz. 34 per haul, whereas in the open
waters in 1898 they had an average of only 14 per haul, but it
must not be forgotten that many ships had for weeks scattered
their shoals and decimated the stock of the season before these
observations were made. Whitings were more numerous in
1898 by 12 per haul. Gurnards, again, were less numerous by
69 per haul. Ling remained about the same; while sail-flukes
occurred only in the outer waters to the number of 10 per haul.
Witches were also more numerous in the proportion of 11
instead of 1 per haul. One turbot occurred in three hauls in
1884 on Smith Bank and one in 6 hauls in the outer water.
Grey skate and starry rays were more numerous in the outer
area.

M. R, 14

210 INVESTIGATIONS IN MORAY FRITH, 1897.

Nothing in the foregoing facts is inconsistent with a sound
condition of the area of the Moray Frith (closed and open) as
regards food-fishes. They are in unison with what has been
found in the other areas, and if they demonstrate anything
more than another it is that the interference of man, specially
by closure, is powerless to increase the food-fishes of the sea, or
by eager fishing to reduce them to vanishing point.

A careful consideration of the returns both of liners and
trawlers in connection with the Moray Frith shows that there
are no satisfactory grounds for the closure of “spawning areas,”
any more than for the closure of the inshore limit of three
miles, for the purpose of increasing the fish-supply of the
country. For eleven years closure of part of the area, and for
five years closure of the entire area, has been in force, with the
result that, allowing for the usual variations, the fishes in the
area and its neighbourhood as a whole, are very much what
they were at the beginning. Scientific evidence as to the
serious diminution of any species is wanting. On the contrary,
there is proof of the abundance of all the important forms over
a wide area, including not only the closed region, but the
waters beyond. Temporary reduction, local or otherwise, has
always occurred, but, sooner or later, the nomad food-fishes
again assert themselves, and continue. from generation to
generation of men a never-failing supply.

_ It cannot be said, however, that complete satisfaction has
been felt with the work as carried out by the “ Garland,” and if
other means for observation had not been constantly at hand,
the same confidence would not have been felt in coming to a
decision on a question so important. The investigations of
1884, those of the commercial ships before the closure of the
Frith, those during its closure, and those made in April, 1898,
outside the Frith, together with the work of the “ Garland” and
other observations, give a body of facts which are reliable.

Lateral view of a Trawler in Aberdeen harbour.

To face p. 210]

CHAPTER VI.

SCIENTIFIC INVESTIGATIONS IN THE FRITH OF CLYDE.

1888—1897.
TaBLES XXVII. to XXXII.

TWELVE stations were selected in the estuary of the Clyde
chiefly in relation to the fishing-banks frequented by trawlers,
six in the region extending from the eastern side of the Mull of
Cantyre to Loch Ryan, three in Kilbrennan Sound, and three
between Arran and the Ayrshire coast. Station I. begins a
mile and a half south of Davor Island, about 200 yards from
the shore, and extends to Davor Lighthouse. Depth 13—17
fathoms; bottom sand. Station II. begins at Plack Point in
the Sound of Kilbrennan, about 200 yards from shore, to
Carradale Bay. Depth 10—23 fathoms; sand and _ loose
tangles. Station III. in Machig Bay, Arran, and extends
4 miles N. and 8. at the same distance from shore as the
foregoing. Depth 7—20 fathoms; sand and tangles. Station
IV. off Pirn Mill in Kilbrennan Sound, 14 miles long. Depth
20—29 fathoms; sand and sea-weeds. Station V. is half a mile
from shore in Whiting Bay, extending for 3 miles N. to-
wards Holy Island Light. 9—15 fathoms; sand and tangles.
Station VI. extends 1 mile east of Rhuad Point, Cantyre, for
3 miles S., and then W. for 14 miles. 25 fathoms; sand and
sea-weeds. Station VII. off Ballantrae, and extends 4 miles
parallel to coast. Depth 15—25 fathoms; sandy, with a few
weeds. Station VIII. 10 miles off Ayrshire coast, passes W.

14—2

212 INVESTIGATIONS IN FRITH OF CLYDE, 1888.

for about 4 miles, ending 5 miles 8.W. off Ailsa Craig.
30 fathoms; clean. Station IX. 4—5 miles W.N.W. from Ailsa
Craig and extends 4 miles in a §.W. direction. Depth 20—28
fathoms; mud and sand. Station X. 4 miles long, lies in a
N.E. direction, 7 miles from the Cantyre coast, between it and
Ailsa Craig. 23 fathoms; sand and sea-weeds. Station XI.
passes round Ayr Bay for 4 miles, from 2—4 miles off the
shore. Depth 12—20 fathoms; sandy, with rocks and hard
ground. Station XII. 4 miles long, extendmg E. midway
between Arran and the. Heads of Ayr. 33—40 fathoms; mud?.

The area of the Clyde, thus closed by the action of the
Fishery Board and under the impression that an increase in
the number and size of the fishes would result, as well as for
experimental purposes, differs in certain features from the
Forth and St Andrews Bay, and in others approaches the Moray
Frith.

The first period of the “Garland’s” work in the Clyde
occurred in February and March (1888), and resulted in the
capture of 1,367 fishes, of which 705 were saleable and 662
unsaleable. The average for the 13 hauls was 105, or 54
saleable and 51 unsaleable. The small number of hauls (2) m
February in proportion to the 11 in March did not reduce the
average so much as it would otherwise have done. The differ-
ence in the number of food-fishes in this area as contrasted
with the Forth was commented on in the Report of the year?,
and it was stated that such was due to the fact that the Forth
was closed, whereas in the Clyde trawling was actively prose-
cuted. But February and March were not the most productive
months with which to institute the comparison, since the
average for the former was only 27 and for the latter 119.
Little weight therefore need be put on this supposition as to
the cause of the scarcity, especially as all the hauls occurred in
the colder months.

The dab occupies the first place with an average of 23 per
haul, a number about a third that of the Moray Frith and
St Andrews Bay, but only one less than the average the same

1 6th Annual Report, S. F. B., 1888, Part 111. p. 32.
2 6th Annual Report, Part m1. p. 33.

INVESTIGATIONS IN FRITH OF CLYDE, 1888. 213

year in the Forth. The dab in the Forth, therefore, had not
been benefited by the closure if we entertain the opinion that
this fish in the Clyde had suffered from over-fishing. The
gurnard is next with 20 per haul, or 7 more than the average in
the Forth, while it is 4 less than in St Andrews Bay, and
8 less than in the Moray Frith. The fish next in order is the
witch or pole-dab, which has an average of 13 per haul, a
number far greater than in the Moray Frith. In the Forth
only one or two occur in a haul, while in St Andrews Bay it is
absent. This form therefore is,in quantity, characteristic of the
area, just as the succeeding one, the hake, is. In the Clyde
the average for the hake is 9 per haul, whereas only 1 or 1°5
occur per haul in the Moray Frith, while it is rare in the Forth,
at most 1 in 13 hauls, and it is altogether absent from the
returns in St Andrews Bay. The lemon-dab was less frequent
than in the Forth, only 7 per haul having been obtained,
whereas 17 were procured in the Forth the same year,
where they were, indeed, 2 above the average of the first
quinguennial period, and much more numerous than in St
Andrews Bay. The next in order is the whiting with an
average of 6 per haul, the smallest of the series, since that
for St Andrews Bay was 10, the Moray Frith 22, and the
Frith of Forth 27. Plaice come next with an average of
5 per haul, whereas in the Moray Frith it was 14, in the
Forth 40, and St Andrews Bay 106. Long-rough dabs were
more numerous than in St Andrews Bay, considerably fewer
than in the Forth and the Moray Frith. Grey skate were
more frequent than in any of the other areas, the next being
the Moray Frith. Amongst other fishes sail-flukes occurred
more numerously, on the whole, than in the other areas.

The next year in which work was carried on in the Clyde
was 1890, and the whole of the hauls (12) were made in July.
1201 fishes, 854, or an average of 71, of which were saleable,
and 347, or an average of 29, were unsaleable, the total average
being 100, or five less than in 1888. The most abundant form
was the witch, the average being 19 per haul, or 6 more than
in 1888. The long-rough dab follows with 17 per haul—12
more than in 1888; then the dab with 13, or 11 less than

214 INVESTIGATIONS IN FRITH OF CLYDE, 1888.

in 1888; the gurnard with an average of 10, or 10 less than
in 1888; the whiting with an average of 8, an increase of two
per haul; the hake with an average of 6, or three less than in
1888, and the lemon-dab was also diminished. Plaice! had
considerably diminished, but thornbacks were nearly 3 per
haul. The chief feature was the proportionally large number
of “witches,” and the larger proportion of saleable fishes in
contrast with unsaleable. ‘The occurrence of the John Dory
and the red gurnard is also worthy of note.

Trawling was not resumed by the “Garland” in the Clyde
till 1895, when 12 hauls were made in the month of November,
a month which, in the meagre data, stands fifth on the list of
8. The total number captured was 1361, or an average of
113, or 13 over that obtained in July, a fact which shows that
the area approaches the condition in the Moray Frith, and
diverges considerably from St Andrews Bay and other open
seaboards of the east.

The witch had increased its average to 25 per haul, 6 more
than in 1890. Gurnards were more than double the number
in the latter year, or 24 per haul. Long-rough dabs had also
increased. Dabs were 1 more per haul than in 1890, but hake
had diminished by 4 per haul and plaice by 13 in a total of
41. Lemon-dabs were fewer, and so were cod and _ haddock,
both of which occurred in small numbers. Grey skate had
disappeared from the returns, while thornbacks had increased
to fully 4 per haul. A total of 9 soles were captured, and 1
John Dory, 1 smelt and two nurse-hounds showed the pecu-
liarities of the region.

In 1896, 24 hauls of the trawl (in April 12, in October 11,
and in November 1) gave a total of 2902 fishes, or 120
per haul, an increase of 7 on the previous year. Of this
number 1990 or 82 per haul were saleable, and 912 or 38
per haul unsaleable. An increase of 10 per haul brought the
average of the witch to 35, the highest yet obtained. The
gurnard followed with 19 per haul, a decrease on the previous
year. The average of the long-rough dab had diminished by

1 An elaborate research on the races of the plaice of Western Europe is now
being carried on by Mr H. M. Kyle, M.A., B.Sc., St Andrews.

INVESTIGATIONS IN FRITH OF CLYDE, 1890, 795, °96. 215

5 and the plaice had also diminished, but the dab remained
the same. Lemon-dabs had increased to 7, and hake to 6 per
haul. Cod and haddock were about the same, while the whiting
had diminished. Thornbacks were slightly reduced, and soles
more distinctly so. Amongst characteristic unsaleable fishes
were the John Dory, wrasse, nurse-hound, and black-mouthed
dog-fish.

In 1897 the number of hauls was increased to 36, of which
12 occurred in April, 12 in May, and 12 in September. The
total number of fishes captured was 4926, or 136 per haul,
an increase of 16 on the previous year, and 31 on 1888, a
period of 9 years. The gain was not great, but the advocates
of the closure are entitled to it, the more so as a comparison
of the twelve hauls in April in each year gives the following
result :—1896, 114; 1897, 160. An increase of 46 per haul
thus took place in the year 1897 in this month. The witches
had increased to 47 per haul, a steady rise having taken
place from 1888; indeed, their numbers were trebled. The
witch, or pole-dab, by some will be held as a typical fish for
testing the effects of the closure, since it does not readily take
a hook, and as a proof they will cite its steady rise from 13
per haul in 1888 to 47 in 1897. But it is unsafe to trust
to an individual form without careful scrutiny of the col-
lateral circumstances. Moreover, the number 13 with which
the witch commenced in 1888 could not but be a low num-
ber, since the work was carried on only in February and
March, two months in which the averages are comparatively
small. The two following years had 12 hauls respectively in
July and in November, two months with a moderate average,
that is, higher than the average of the first year (1888). In
1896 the work was chiefly in April and October, only 1 haul
being in November. The average could not fail to be higher
than in any previous year—taking into consideration the more
productive months dealt with. In the same way, in 1897, the
addition of 12 hauls in May to those in April and September
still further increased the average, especially of the most abun-
dant fish. There was little in the whole scheme of work to
make a safe comparison possible; but, such as it is, it has

216 INVESTIGATIONS IN FRITH OF CLYDE, 1897.

been shown to be in a line with the results obtained on the
east coast.

The pole-dab, again, is not more important than the dab
in thus substantiating the benefits of the closure in the Clyde,
and yet the dab commenced with 22 per haul in 1888, and
concluded with but 12. The plaice began similarly with 5
per haul, and ended with a little over 2. The lemon-dab
began with 7 and ended with 5. The whiting began with 6
and ended with 2. A diminution occurred likewise in the
cod, sail-fluke, flounder and grey skate. On the other hand,
the long-rough dab commenced with 5 per haul and concluded
with 17, but this number also occurred in the second period,
viz. in 1890; the gurnard began with 20 and concluded with
21, and the hake with 9 and 9. The average captures of the
sole during the five years were 11, 5, 9, 8 and 25 per haul, the
latter being more than double the number in 1888, but the
fact that three low averages intervened shows that an element
of uncertainty exists, and that in all probability such an in-
crease is due to the influence of the months of May and
September, which are not represented in the previous work
of the “Garland” in the Clyde. The haddock showed a slight
increase, beginning with 2 and ending with a little over 3.-
With the exception of the pole-dab and the long-rough dab,
it cannot be said that any increase occurred in the flat fishes.
The vicissitudes im the returns of the majority of the fishes
arise from the usual irregularities, and a consideration of
the whole gives little support to the cumulative theory, but
rather favours the opinion that food-fishes in general in the
area of the Clyde were practically unaffected by the closure.

A similar conclusion is apparent by an examination of the
returns for each station. For three of these, without regard to
the greatly increased number of hauls, the last entry was lower
than the first.

The essential differences between the work of the “Garland”
and that of a commercial trawler is clearly brought out by con-
trasting the results in the protected area of the Clyde with that
on the east coast in 1884 in the unprotected waters. Nuinety-
seven hauls of the “ Garland’s” trawl in the Clyde area produced

INVESTIGATIONS IN FRITH OF CLYDE, 1897. yaws

a total of 11,757 fishes, of which 8248 were saleable, and 3509
unsaleable, the average in the first being 121, in the second 85,
and the third 36. Ninety-three hauls of a commercial trawler
on the east coast in 1884 produced no less than 81,854 fishes, of
which 69,880 were saleable, and 11,974 unsaleable (with the
exception of 361, all being immature), the average in the first
being 879, more than 7 times as many as in the Clyde, in the
second 751, and in the third 128.

During 1896 and 1897 comparative trials were made of
trawling by night and trawling by day on three stations in the
Clyde, viz. on VIL, VIII. and IX. In 1896 the total of the
day-hauls in April on these stations was 320, whereas the total
of the night-hauls was 550. In November the 3 hauls on the
same stations gave 404 by day and 545 by night. The total
was then 724 fishes for the day-hauls and 1093 for the night-
hauls. In 1897, however, similar hauls in April on the same
stations gave 622 fishes by day and only 485 at night. In May
the result was 571 by day and 443 at night; in September
537 by day and 548 at night. [or the season the totals were
by day 1730 and by night 1476, a different result from the
previous year. The totals for the two seasons are for the day
2454, for the night 2569, a slight preponderance in favour of
the latter. The experience of fishermen is in favour of the
night, and certainly the work on board the beam-trawling ships
corroborates this view. The essential point seems to be the
presence of darkness, and there may have been circumstances
in connection with the ship (“ Garland”) or the locality, which
tended to make the distinctions less pronounced.

CHAPTER VII.

SUMMARY AND CONCLUSIONS.

THE uniformity of the results of the observations and
experiments in St Andrews Bay, the Forth, the Moray Frith
and the Clyde is worthy of note, for in none can it be said that
a substantial increment, or a great diminution has occurred; in
none have the fishes increased generally in size, or varied in
kinds from what they have always been. Changes may have
happened since the days of our forefathers, but they do not
seem to be of a kind to be influenced in any marked manner
by the restrictive measures hitherto adopted.

There is no diminution in the total quantity landed, but an
increase. Nor will it much alter the case to state that this
increase has been obtained by a larger fleet of ships and boats,
since these, individually, may capture a proportionally smaller
number of fishes. In England and Wales a similar condition
holds, a progressive: increase from 1895 being apparent. Thus
in 1896 the total quantity was 7,550,678 cwts. of the value of
£5,166,780; while in 1897 the total was 7,946,108 cwts. of the
value of £5,568,978. Moreover, haddocks seem to be the
fishes of which the largest quantity was taken, viz. 2,548,913
cwts.

In St Andrews Bay, the condition of the fish-fauna imme-
diately after the cessation of trawling showed that the statements
as to impoverishment could not be sustained. Not only great
abundance of flat fishes, but, in their season, even large round
fishes, such as the cod and conger, were captured. The distribu-
tion of the food-fishes, indeed, within the bay, remains very

SUMMARY AND CONCLUSIONS. 219

much what it was previously, and certainly has not been
improved to any noteworthy extent by the closure. With
regard to the allegation that frequent trawling on a line (and
it would be interesting to know where this line can be so
accurately kept) rapidly exhausts the fishes, it 1s only necessary
to point to the statement on p. 99, where it is shown that the
fishing-boats of St Andrews from the first introduction of the
method to the last day of it found that their richest trawling-
line was always the same, viz., Scooniehill in a line with the
steeples.

The Frith of Forth showed no increase either in numbers or
size in its fish-fauna, but remained at the end of the experi-
ments very much what it was at the beginning. Protection
has not increased the food-fishes, nor has it added much to
the contentment of the liners, who, it may be, have not fully
appreciated their advantages. It is here and there asserted
that it is useless to shoot lines in the Forth, eg. in the
neighbourhood of the towns of the east, as all the haddocks
have disappeared. Now, the “Garland’s” work proves that,
within easy reach of the coast towns fair captures of haddocks
can be made, and which, by energy and _ perseverance,
might be considerably augmented. Moreover, while such
is the case, it is also a fact that during the slack period of
haddock-fishing a man and two boys may occasionally, in a
single night, secure £9 in herring-fishing. Politicians, animated
by a desire to benefit the liners by upholding the closure to
the three-mile limit, and by extending it if possible to the
13-mile limit, might pause in their efforts if they were aware
that it is a moot-point with some liners whether it would
not have been better to have confined the trawlers to the
three-mile limit, and have given them (the liners) the open
sea. No great weight, perhaps, need be attached to such
statements, but they show the uncertainty and unrest which
appear to be chronic in the department, and which do not
seem to have been improved by the methods sometimes
adopted. No beneficial effect has ensued in regard to oyster,
clam or mussel-bed in the area; indeed, the case of the oyster,
which appears to shed spat but rarely in the Forth, or at

220 SUMMARY AND CONCLUSIONS.

least which produces little or no viable spat, is still shrouded
in mystery. The solution of the difficulties connected with
this subject would be a profitable and a worthy field for the
energies of the Fishery Board—more productive than a search
for benefits from the closure, or a costly and unsatisfactory
chase after marauders within the boundaries.

A careful review of the subject and of the fish-fauna in the
Moray Frith indicates the absence of substantial data (1) for
instituting the closure, and (2) for its continuance. If the
results of the experiments in St Andrews Bay and in the Forth
had been such as to warrant the closure of a single square mile
of the Moray Frith, then the bold step of shutting trawlers out
of 2000 square miles in this area would at least have merited
the respect due to resolute and masterful methods. So
responsible a body as the Fishery Board for Scotland will
probably produce its reasons for such a step. So far as they
have been disclosed, they are by no means convincing ; indeed,
a careful search of the entire work of the “Garland,” of
collateral fishery evidence, and of the history of the Scotch
fisheries, fails to afford an explanation. The Fishery Board
had the control of a large annual grant for the solution of such
questions, and its manipulation of the funds was more or less
untrammelled. The results of its experiments must have been
either conclusive or inconclusive, unless it is to be supposed
that sentiment and not fact pervaded its deliberations. It may
be that the laudable view of keeping the peace between the two
more pronounced classes of sea-fishermen formed the guiding
spirit of the Board’s action, but this is a feature at any rate
which was not included in the remit by Parliament, as the result
of the Royal Commission under Lord Dalhousie. The country
has not decided that the closure is to be applied to the whole
of the 3-mile limit, or to the 13-mile limit, to keep the peace
between the various classes of fishermen. All that has been
done is to provide the Board with the means for proving or
disproving the allegations of 1883 and 1884, and of satisfying
itself and the country as to facts before proceeding to take
further steps. Yet what do we find? Only vague statements
as the grounds for important measures. Thus, two thousand

SUMMARY AND CONCLUSIONS. 921

square miles of the sea were closed, and kept closed, besides
schemes for further closures, because—“ The conclusions point to
the closure of the offshore areas during the spawning time, but
the size and precise position of the areas that should be closed
in relation to any given part of the territorial waters have not
yet been well determined; nor indeed the situations and extent
of the principal breeding-grounds'.” A perusal of the fore-
going chapters, and a close scrutiny of the tables at the end of
this work, it may be, will enable those who give earnest
attention to the subject to reach very different conclusions.

It has also been recently stated? that since St Andrews
Bay and the Forth are “devoid of spawning-grounds” it is
proposed in future to conduct the experiments in the Frith of
Clyde and the Moray Frith, where important spawning-grounds
exist, and where the results of the closure will therefore be
probably much more marked than in the former areas. It
is further asserted? that “before the investigations of the
“Garland” were begun, it was believed that the food-fishes
propagated principally in inshore waters, and that an area like
the Frith of Forth was in consequence to a large extent self-
supporting. But it has been proved that the important food-
fishes do not spawn on the east coast within the territorial
limits, and that the territorial zone is directly dependent on
the spawning grounds situated in the outer seas, whence the
floating eggs and fry are borne by the currents.” Reference,
however, to the Trawling Report of 18844, shows that this was
clearly brought before the Royal Commission then, so that
instead of being new it only corroborates what had been
formerly pointed out. Now, what are the results of the ten
years work in the Moray Frith? They simply show that this
area 1S very much as it was in 1884, and that the closure would
not appear to affect it more than the open fishing, a conclusion
in line with the results of a scrutiny of the Board’s work, and
independent observations elsewhere. The idea of controlling
the “spawning-grounds” of marine fishes with pelagic eggs

1 14th Annual Report, 1896, Part 111. p. 12.
2 14th Annual Report, S. F. B., 1896, p. 18.
3 [bid. p. 12. 4 p. 379, etc.

299, SUMMARY AND CONCLUSIONS.

is chimerical, and cannot be seriously entertained in these days.
All the naval resources of Britain would scarcely be adequate
to patrol the vast “spawning areas” round our shores, just
as the few gunboats and cruisers are insufficient in an area so
limited as the Moray Frith. Besides, there are limits in regard
to expenditure, and to the patience of the public, though there
may be no defined boundary to a “spawning area.”

A much more effective method of protecting the fishing-
grounds, if such were necessary, would be to limit the number
of steam-trawlers, sailing-trawlers and other fishing boats. But
while such might be possible in our own country, it would be
extremely difficult, if not impossible, to control other nations in
this respect.

The result of the closure of the great area included within
three miles beyond the Mull of Cantyre, and a similar distance
beyond Corsewall Point on the west coast of Wigtownshire,
gives no other result than that taught by the three foregoing
experiments. No accumulation of food-fishes, no general
increase in their size and no alteration of the ways of nature
have been effected by the interference of man in this respect.

Thus the great labour and very considerable expenditure
during at least ten years prove that the balance of nature in
the neighbouring seas is steadily maintained, and that so far as
facts go there need be no anxiety concerning the continuance
of every species of food-fish.

It is true that in some quarters attempts to minimise the
advice of science are made on the plea that science is not
practical, but whether this refers to the experience gained from
the sale of fishes and shell-fishes on land, or minute acquaintance
with their capture at sea, is not clearly stated. The first
alternative need not concern us, and the last will give its
believers little satisfaction. No class dealing with fishes has
probably a more intimate, or more extensive acquaintance with
what is, and has been landed by fishermen on our shores and on
other shores, with the statistics bearing on this subject, and the
reliance to be placed on them, than the scientific investigator
in the department. He is familiar with the manipulations
of liner, trawler, net-fishing of every kind, and other methods of

SUMMARY AND CONCLUSIONS. 223

capture, while, it may be, he is in a position to see daily what
is landed in a large or in a small fishing-centre from both
the near and the distant grounds. A close observer of nature,
he weaves no theories, and is not incautious in deduction.
The welfare of the fisheries as a whole is his aim, and the
influences which act on those engaged financially in them
or have political or other connections with them, are un-
known to him.

He considers not only the fishes which haunt the various
areas, as made known by the different methods of fishing, but
is likewise familiar with the whole contents of the water,
from the innumerable floating eggs and swarms of young food-
fishes to microscopic plants, all of which as a rule are unknown
to those who frequent an area simply to capture as many sale-
able fishes as possible. He also is cognisant of the history
of the subject, and that complaints very similar in nature to
those of to-day were made hundreds of years ago, without being
followed by the disasters to the food-fishes so frequently
reiterated.

Besides the foregoing “practical” qualifications, the scientific
observer comes to his task with a precise knowledge of the life-
histories of the important food-fishes. He knows, for instance,
that the young cod as a rule seeks the inshore waters when
about an inch in length, remains near the tidal margin for
some time, and as it gets larger and older seeks the offshore
grounds. That the haddock, on the contrary, in its early
stages 1s a deep-water fish, and only comes to the inshore
waters when 5 or 6 inches in length. He is familiar with the
curious cycle in the life-history of the plaice and the turbot,
fishes which, as a rule, shed their pelagic eggs in deep water
offshore, but the eggs and tiny young are borne shorewards, and
are by-and-by to be found at the tidal margin, the former early
in the season and in vast numbers, the latter later, larger and
in fewer numbers. Further, as these fishes increase in size they
return to the deeper waters, thus keeping up as it were a
double migration, shorewards in early life, to the offshore when

1 An interesting and minute study of the growth and early migrations of the
cod and whiting has just been completed by Dr A, T, Masterman at St Andrews,

22.4 SUMMARY AND CONCLUSIONS.

approaching maturity. Having studied as far as possible the
life-histories of the food-fishes, he has likewise observed their
rate of growth, their habits and so-called migrations, their food,
and, last, but not least, their environment in the ocean.

It has still to be shown that such knowledge, which is
nothing if not accurate, is a disqualification in dealing with the
complex problems of the fisheries. Yet how few officials or
public bodies, how few individuals fully realise the prolonged
study necessary to grasp all the complex problems of the
fisheries. It is, however, not always easy for the public to
distinguish between the real and the counterfeit in such a case,
and class-interests eagerly seize on the remarks of those who
have little more than the rudiments of the subject.

Trawling, the subject of these experiments, appears to have
begun systematically at Brixham and Plymouth last century,
yet, after more than a hundred years’ work, though the area for
trawling was by no means extensive, no proof of exhaustion is
forthcoming. Long previous to this date, however, viz. in 1376
—1377, in the reign of Edward III, a petition was presented
to Parliament praying that a new fishing instrument like a
large oyster-drag and called a Wondrychroum be interdicted.
It was stated that “It destroyed the spawn and brood of fish,
and the spat of oysters and mussels and other fish, by which
large fish are accustomed to live and be supported. So many
small fishes were taken by it that the fishermen did not know
what to do with them but feed and fatten their pigs with them
to the great damage of the whole commons of the kingdom”.”
Fishes were probably as cheap at this period as formerly. Thus
at Billingsgate in the time of Edward I. turbot were sold at 6d.
each, eels at 8d. per ewt., pickled herrings at ld. the score, and
oysters at 2d. per gallon.

Again, in 1491, during the reign of Henry VII, many of
the fishermen of the Norfolk and Suffolk coasts were convicted
and fined £10 (=about £100 to-day) for fishing with small-
meshed nets and unlawful engines for taking small fishes. So
in the reign of James I., and subsequently, fishermen near Rye
were “taken” for fishing with unlawful nets,—proving that

1 Mr Jex, Fisheries Conference, Part 1, p. 318.

SUMMARY AND CONCLUSIONS. 225

fishermen were determined to deal with the abuses caused by
small-meshed nets, especially those used by trawlers. Both
foreign and English fishermen were punished for using such
nets to the deterioration of the sea-fisheries by capturing the
young. The nets were seized, confiscated and burnt. The mesh
of the trawl-net was regulated and fixed at various standards
in the time of Charles II. Regulations indeed were carried
out from the time of James II. to the accession of Queen Anne.
Mr Jex (from whom the above is quoted!) says abuses were not
prominent until the Government ceased to regulate the mesh of
the trawl-net.

The need for caution in dealing with the question of the
fisheries, indeed, must be apparent to all who have watched the
various phases during the last generation. The prominent cry
before the Royal Commission on Trawling under Lord Dalhousie
was that the decline of the Fisheries was alarming, and that
the approach of ruin was near. No reliable statistics other than
those of cured fishes were to be had, and thus it was difficult
to form an opinion of the exact condition. This alleged serious
diminution was coincident with the appearance of steam-
trawling in Scotland. It was not previously urged that the
sailing-trawlers, in open sandy bays, had ruined the fishing
there, and a doubt remains as to whether dissatisfaction so
general would have been expressed if the steam-vessels had not
entered vigorously into the same pursuit and on the same ground.
At any rate, a tendency to use the new seine-trawl has lately
appeared in various areas where formerly beam-trawls were
employed by the liners.

Many will remember that the drift-net fishermen of the
west coast placed the blame of destroying the herring-fishing
on the seine-net fishermen. Accordingly in 1860 a close time,
on the west coast, during the first five months of the year was
enacted for the herrings. Consequently herrings could not be
caught for bait in cod-fishing, and starvation and discontent
were prevalent, while the herrings were not a whit improved.
A Commission, on which were Lord Playfair and Prof. Huxley,
removed the restriction with great benefit to the people and to

1 Fisheries Conferences, Part 1. p. 318,
M. R. 15

226 SUMMARY AND CONCLUSIONS.

the fisheries. The same feature is indicated by M. Georges
Roché in regard to the net fishermen of the shores of France,
those with drift-nets accusing those with fixed nets as the
source of the diminution of the fishes. This author? puts other
aspects of the case thus: “Si lon consulte les archives de
ladministration de la marine, on voit que de tout temps des
plaintes se sont fait entendre 4 ce sujet. Aux siécles passés,
déja, on prétendait que la mer du Nord était dépeuplée, et
lon accusait certains procédés de travail d’étre les causes de ce
dépeuplement. Les pétitions adressées au roi, il y a deux
siécles, par des pécheurs de la Méditerranée étaient concues
dans les termes presque identiques @ ceux des pétitions ac-
tuelles. Tous les reglements qui ont été élaborés pour parer au
‘dépeuplement des mers depuis 1850 sont précédés de con-
sidérants tels, que l’on semblait croire, aux époques ou ces
reglements ont été faits, 4 une stérilisation presque complete
du milieu marin.”

The fear which seems to dominate a section of the public is
that the sea-fisheries of our offshore and inshore waters may be
ruined by over-fishing, as in fresh waters both fluviatile and
lacustrine. They do not deem it in consonance with common
sense that large ships fitted with the most effective apparatus,
and increasing by hundreds annually, should energetically, and
in addition to the liners, search those waters without seriously ~
affecting the supply. But they do not keep clearly in view the
fact that as soon as an area yields less than what is remunera-
tive either to liner or trawler he changes his ground, and the
fishes in addition are scattered. The impoverishment of an
area is thus more or less self-curative. It is not within man’s
power to reduce any area of the sea to utter barrenness, since
the constant interchange between it and the vast field of waters
is constantly going on. Accordingly, as soon as a certain reduc-
tion is made, immigrants by-and-by restore the losses either
gradually or by great seasonal shoals. Besides, in connection
with trawling, only certain areas are chosen, since sharp rocks
or very rough ground are unsuitable. Yet in these sanctuaries
the liners can work. The trawl, moreover, captures fishes on or

1 La Culture des Mers, 1898, p. 68.

SUMMARY AND CONCLUSIONS. 2o%

within a few feet of the ground’, though the newer kinds may
be used in midwater.

It is true that by the closure the lines of the fisherman are
thus protected from disturbance and injury by the trawls, and
he is left the sole master of the situation, to put in and take
out when he chooses. He can spread fleets of lines entirely
over bays, and leave them unattended. On the same principles
areas may be closed against steam-communication, and traffic
relegated to the sailing-boat. In the one case it may happen
that lines left all night may not be visited for several days
during a storm, whilst hundreds of fishes hang on the hooks all
this time or perish from wounds or under attacks of cuttle-
fishes, whelks, star-fishes, dog-fishes and other forms. The
public, besides, do not obtain so large a supply, especially in
rough weather. In the other case, a monopoly of the traffic is
inaugurated, with its exorbitant charges and imperfect service.

The complication caused by the anti-trawling agitation
has been and is considerable, but is less due to those immedi-
ately interested than to interference from the outside and to
political circumstances, the former especially being marked
wherever limited information exists. It is seldom difficult to
rouse class-prejudices especially on a subject so difficult to
master as the fisheries, and the network of associations along
the seaboard of the country, and generally in communication
with each other, is not unfavourable for the rapid extension of
such movements.

The protection of the area within the three-mile limit has
entailed great responsibility on the Government without in the
least altering any of nature’s arrangements or adding to the
stock of fishes within the areas. Just as in the case of the
-destruction-of-the-spawn-theory, the demonstration of its fallacy
was followed by the destruction-of-the-food-theory, and the
destruction-of-the-immature-fish-agitation, by the injury to the
fishes themselves and by the devastation of the sea generally ;
so the closure of certain definite areas for scientific experi-
mental purposes was soon followed by demands for larger areas
being closed, then for the whole three-mile limit round the

1 See Otter-trawl on front book-cover.

15—2

228 SUMMARY AND CONCLUSIONS.

coasts, and now for the 10 or 13-mile limit, or perhaps even
more. So little can be done by man in the way of altering
nature's laws in the sea that it might be more prudent to leave
the adjustment of the supply and the demand in her hands.

Some bewail the destruction by trawlers of the rich grounds
of the North Sea which they say have been “fished out,’—
necessitating voyages to the Bay of Biscay and the west coast
of Ireland, and learnedly assert that all fishes have decreased in
size since they have not been allowed time to reach maturity.
They have found that screw-propellers must kill myriads of
young and destroy the floating eggs, though unfortunately the
facts are kept in abeyance as being perhaps unnecessary where
sensational effect is important.

The situation may be summed up as follows :—the apparent
success and general adoption of another method of fishing from
that pursued by the liners evoked strenuous opposition. Be-
sides, as time advanced the fishes in many areas seemed to be
fewer and more wary, so that the liners had difficulty in making
sufficiently large “catches.” So many competitors, indeed, are
in the field that it 1s now necessary to proceed further from
shore so as to make the pursuit profitable. Instead, however,
of placing the onus of the scarcity on any method of fishing,
such as trawling, it would be more reasonable to lay the blame
on general over-fishing. Certain it is that, with the exception
of the herring and the cat-fish, all the important food-fishes
have floating or pelagic eggs, and are scatheless from trawls.
Nor will the introduction of the paddles and screws of steamers
alter the case. Notwithstanding one or two shreds and patches
of science, trawled fishes hold their own in every market in
our country, and on an average command a higher price than
line-caught fishes, though nothing can exceed the condition of
the latter. The half-informed outcry about the destruction of
the food of the fishes on the bottom has been silenced. The
last stronghold, viz. the grave and permanent deterioration of
our inshore and offshore fisheries, has been dealt with in the
foregoing pages, and, by a practical and unbiassed examination
of the areas themselves, and of the statistics of fishes caught in
them, the condition is shown to be one that inspires confidence

SUMMARY AND CONCLUSIONS. 229

and not alarm. In coming to this conclusion not only the fishes
captured for commerce, but the floating eggs in their season,
and the minute young fishes, of which no ordinary fisherman
has any knowledge, have been duly considered.

Just as in the case of the food-fishes, the antiquity of the
coral fishery, the comparative freedom in regard to working,
and the exhaustion of certain banks, have led to suggestions for
restriction. Thus it has been proposed to make a close season
during the development of the eggs, but as this period stretches
from April to September and even later, the very season when
the fishery can best be carried on, the suggestion is impracticable.
The proposal of Prof. Lacaze Duthiers to divide the Algerian
waters into five areas, each of which should be fished in
succession, is noteworthy, though by no means easy to carry out.
Such proposals in regard to the red coral of commerce have
certainly this to be said in their favour, viz. that the corals are
fixed throughout life with the exception of the brief pelagic
larval existence. If any form, therefore, would be benefited by
the closure of areas, it would be this species, which holds so
prominent a place amongst the products of the sea captured by
man for gain. Yet, it may be asked, where has this been
efficiently and systematically carried out with a corresponding
and notable result to the coral fishery ?

Suppose, for the sake of argument, that a new kind of
fisherman appeared, who, by means of an ingenious instrument,
captured the lob-worm in greater numbers and more quickly in
the same area, so that 1t took much harder work for the older
fishermen to secure a supply; indeed one of the new fishermen
obtained as many in a given time as four of the old. Legislation
might, in the same manner as in the case of the trawl, be asked
to step in and close the tidal margin against the new fishermen,
who would require to pursue their calling by apparatus working
under water. Is it to be supposed that, even in this sedentary
and comparatively local species, such methods of fishing—the
old and the new—would extirpate the lob-worm? It might be
more difficult to secure a supply, but those acquainted with the
economy of the species, its development, and distribution, would

1 See Apparatus for Coral-fishing in the Mediterranean on the rear book-cover.

230 SUMMARY AND CONCLUSIONS,

have little fear on this account, however loudly its doom might
be pronounced.

In areas constantly harassed there can be no doubt that the
fishes become more wary and thus more difficult of capture.
A tiny larval or post-larval cod will avoid the forceps intended
to capture it, and it 1s very probable that the adults will move
from ground that is constantly fished. The same holds with all
the food-fishes. Hence when fishermen find that their captures
—on what was rich ground—seriously diminish, such may be
due to increased wariness as well as to decimated ranks!. Marine
fishes differ in habits from fresh-water forms, such as the trout
in streams. Instead of from day to day frequenting nearly the
same spot with snouts directed to the current, or hiding under
the same stones or ledges, the majority of the oceanic round fishes
roam hither and thither in vast swarms, consorting with those
of a similar size and bound to no locality, for their food is
universally distributed. Even the more sedentary flat fishes
in their life-cycle often show many changes of habitat, and
additional information has lately been given by Dr C. G. J.
Petersen from the Limfjord* into which the young plaice yearly
migrate from the North Sea, and are fished up without a chance
of returning in adult life to the open ocean and of reproducing
their species.

The larger forms of the food-fishes for the most part are
thinned for the time in areas of the open sea closely fished, but
the fishes are not extirpated, and if circumstances are favourable
they, as a rule, repeople the depleted waters. There are
differences however in regard to species. Some, such as the
cod, roam after prey, coming inshore in numbers during the
winter months and towards the spawning season. Bays have
been pronounced as “fished out,’ yet a single boat, with
suitable bait, will at the season mentioned capture 80 fine cod,
and others in smaller number. Adult halibut frequent deep
water, and appear to become much scarcer when eagerly fished.
The smaller forms again are generally found in shallow sandy

1 Vide “‘On the Memory of Fishes,” Journal of Mental Science, April, 1898.
2 «The yearly immigration of Plaice into the Limfjord from the German
Sea.” Fisk. Beret. 1895—96.

SUMMARY AND CONCLUSIONS. 231

bays. Their life-history is not yet fully worked out, but the
large forms of 6 ft. would appear to be of considerable age.
Hence they are kept in check wherever constant attacks are
made. The race, however, continues and is likely to continue.

In some cases it would seem that when the large plaice are
fished out of inshore areas, as near Girdleness, they do not
return, that is to say, no large plaice have been caught there
since. But whether the ground has been carefully examined is
not stated. It may be frequented by smaller forms. The large
haddocks of Dublin Bay form another instance. They have
not returned. But in neither case is the ruin of the fisheries
threatened, though these instances should be remembered in
dealing with the subject.

In regard to the question, What has been done, in the
opportunity afforded by closure, to increase the valuable forms,
such as soles and turbot in Scottish waters? two steps have
been taken by the Fishery Board, viz. the artificial hatching of
plaice, turbot and other forms at Dunbar, and the transference
of 500 or 600 soles from English to Scottish waters. The
former, that is, the artificial hatching of sea-fishes, is still in
the experimental stage, and may have been on too small a scale
for efficiency. What the author wrote in 1894 still holds :—

“Tt has still, of course, to be proved that the artificial hatch-
ing of marine fishes, even on a large scale, will be beneficial to
the fisheries generally ; yet the importance of the issue demands
an exhaustive trial. Almost everywhere during the last decade
or two complaints have been made as to the decrease of 1m-
portant marine food-fishes. Especially have the large halibut,
turbot, brill, soles and other flat fishes become rare. In Britain
this alleged diminution has been connected—for the last decade
at least—with the extension of beam-trawling in our waters.
Consequently, the Legislature has closed the inshore area all
round Scottish shores, and even considerably beyond that limit
in certain places, as in the Moray Frith and the Frith of Clyde.
Many thousand square miles are thus placed solely at the dis-
posal of the liner?.”

All that can be added is that support should be given to the

1 Sc. Progress, 11. p. 252, Dec. 1894.

232 SUMMARY AND CONCLUSIONS.

experiment till the issue is clear, and it is to be hoped that the
experiments at Nigg Bay will be definite. The transference of
such valuable fishes as the soles might well be extended with
benefit to the Scottish fishermen, and without injury to the
English waters?.

Before leaving this part of the subject, it may be remarked
that we lately have heard much of the advantages to science of
a costly expedition proposed to be sent to the Antarctic regions.
The increase of knowledge, even when not directly bearing on
the industries of man, always meets with a sympathetic response
from our countrymen. But there are so many unsolved
problems confronting us in connection with the fisheries at
this moment that one is tempted to ask if those in power
would not in the first instance do what has most immediate
bearing on the welfare of the many thousands depending on
the marine fishes for a livelihood. Why should we not be
in a position to say, in this nineteenth century, that a fish, say
the haddock, extends in great numbers from either hemisphere
into the Atlantic, and, if so, whether the pigmy belt of the
three-mile or even the thirteen-mile limit can have any more
influence on this form than on the ever-abundant herring ?

The trawling experiments of the “Garland” have in the fore-
going pages been linked on to those carried out for the Royal
Commission in 1884, so that continuous observations have been
made for fifteen years, and, in certain areas, for a longer period.
The aim in all this has been to arrive at reliable results as to
the effects of the closure on the captures in the protected areas,
on the size of the fishes within the limits, on trawling, and on
the welfare of the fisheries generally.

Some are in doubt concerning the sufficiency of time
(ten or fifteen years) given to the experiments, asserting
that 25 or even 50 years would be necessary, but such argu-
ments rest on no solid basis and are occasionally used ad

1 It was intended in 1894 to transfer a much larger number of soles, but an
agitation amongst the fishermen of Yorkshire appeared, and the cs Garland ”
was not permitted to remove more examples. The idea that such would injure
the fishing off the Yorkshire coast is untenable. Besides, none of those con-

nected with the experiment would have suggested any measure calculated to be
productive of permanent or even temporary prejudice to the local fishermen.

The old (wooden) St Andrews Marine Laboratory, the pleasant home of marine
zoologists for twelve years, 1884—1896.

To face p. 232]

ps

SUMMARY AND CONCLUSIONS. 233

captandum. If it were openly stated that such advice was
given solely to permit the liners to have the freedom of the
inshore waters without molestation, then it could be under-
stood. Whatever may be the opinion on this point it is clear
that a period of ten years affords certain important data,
especially in conjunction with previous observations, carefully
made and free from any disturbing element. Ample time
has been given for the growth of the various fishes, from the
egg to the adult state.

The conclusion here drawn (and the accompanying tables
will be useful in arriving at an opinion) differs from that in
the Fishery Board Reports. More especially does this differ-
ence affect the statement that “it appears to be fairly well
proved that there has been a diminution of the more important
flat fishes in the closed waters, instead of an increase, as was
anticipated, and that this may probably be traced to the
influence of beam-trawling in the open waters where the fishes
spawn. The remarks formerly made will show that a more
minute analysis of the statistics leads to a different conclusion
and one more in harmony with experience.

It is admitted indeed in the Blue-book that no very marked
change has taken place in the abundance of the food-fishes in
the areas since the prohibition of trawling, yet the plaice and
lemon-dab are brought forward to support the view that a
“falling off” has occurred. It is the last earthwork in the
defence, and seeing that the conditions of the two periods are
dissimilar, it lacks that reliability which is indispensable in
matters so important. It has already been dealt with on
pp. 125—128, and it need only be pointed out here that, by an
oversight, it is stated’ that the information concerning the
spawning-grounds of the plaice and lemon-dab was due to the
work of the “Garland,” but long before the experiments had
commenced the spawning-places of both had been determined,
viz. during the work for the Trawling Commission in 1884.

The efficacy of a 3 or a 13-mile limit in promoting the
increase of the food-fishes is open to doubt. In the first place
the food-fishes follow no hard and fast line of distribution so as

1 eg. 10th Annual Report S. F. B., p. 12, and subsequently.

234: SUMMARY AND CONCLUSIONS.

to be amenable to such restrictions. A species which extends
from the shores of Norway to those of America is probably
beyond the influence of such measures. Even were most ex-
amples, say of the haddock, removed, for the sake of argu-
ment, from the area of the 13-mile limit round the British
shores, we have yet to consider the pelagic eggs given off by
many of the specimens in the spring months, before and
during capture, other eggs swept in by currents from the
more distant waters, and the hordes of tiny young which
are beyond the reach of any mode of fishing. What perma-
nent influence can a three or a thirteen-mile limit round the
small area of the British Islands have on the almost boundless
ocean around, an ocean teeming with food from plants to
fishes, and harbouring multitudes of the very species we are
considering ?

Slowly, therefore, the conclusion has been reached that
the closure of regions of the open sea in a country like.
Britain presents few advantages worthy of the constant strain
and irritation of class against class, or of the considerable
annual expenditure. The capture of great numbers of small
fishes by either trawlers or liners is a misfortune for the
country, but the closure is powerless to prevent it. Yet so far
as history, and so far as observations at the present time go,
there is no ground for alarm in regard to the permanence of the
food-fishes. Those who have watched the swarms of young
soles and other flat fishes on the shrimping-grounds of the
Thames, that have been harassed almost daily for hundreds of
years, will appreciate the remarks on the permanence of our
fish-supply. No test, indeed, could be more decisive, and none
more completely answers the half-informed outcry about the
disappearance of the haddock from the Scottish waters. Nor
is the author alone in this view.

On June 18, 1883, at the Inaugural Meeting of the Inter-
national Fisheries Exhibition of that year Prof. Huxley, who as
a member of several Royal Commissions and Inspector of
Salmon Fisheries had large experience, after dealing with the
river-fisheries, summed up his address thus :—“ And now arises
the question, Does the same reasoning apply to the sea-

SUMMARY AND CONCLUSIONS. 235

fisheries? Are there any sea-fisheries which are exhaustible,
and if so, are the circumstances of the case such that they can
be efficiently protected? I believe that it may be affirmed
with confidence that, in relation to our present mode of fishing,
a number of the most important sea-fisheries, such as the cod
fishery, the herring fishery, and the mackerel fishery, are in-
exhaustible. And I base this conviction on two grounds, first,
that the multitude of these fishes is so inconceivably great that
the number we catch is relatively insignificant ; and, secondly,
that the magnitude of the destructive agencies at work upon
them is so prodigious, that the destruction effected by the
fisherman cannot sensibly increase the death-rate ”...“ I believe,
then, that the cod fishery, the herring fishery, the pilchard
fishery, the mackerel fishery, and probably all the great sea-
fisheries, are inexhaustible; that is to say that nothing we do
seriously affects the number of the fish. And any attempt to
regulate these fisheries seems consequently, from the nature of
the case, to be useless.”

Dr Brown Goode’ again, whose knowledge of the fisheries of
the United States was extensive, states that “the conclusions
gained by Prof. Baird, the head of the American Fisheries Staff,
tally exactly with those of Prof. Huxley, that the number of
any one kind of oceanic fish killed by man is perfectly insignifi-
cant when compared with the destruction effected by their
natural enemies.” He observes of fishes deserting or returning
to particular coasts, “their movements are no more to be antici-
pated than those of the atmosphere; and, in many instances,
with no intelligible cause, some of the most abundant species,
the blue fish, the chub mackerel, the little tunny, the scuppang,
and the bonito, have absented themselves for considerable pe-
riods of years.” The late Mr Spencer Walpole, whose experience
in fishery legislation and of fishermen was great, also agreed
with Prof. Huxley. He pointed out however, as a caution, “that
though the sea-fisheries are inexhaustible, failure, for which it
may not be easy to account or possible to explain, may occur in
particular years or during long series of years. Examples of

1 Fisheries of the United States, p. 64.

236 SUMMARY AND CONCLUSIONS.

failures of this character have already been given in relating
the history of the Norwegian herring fishery.”

Mr Walpole further observes, “It seems, then, reasonable to
conclude that oceanic fish, or fish which do not come habitually
or necessarily into narrow estuaries or rivers, are incapable of
exhaustion by any methods which man has yet invented, or
seems likely to invent for their capture. It appears, moreover,
that temporary failures of particular fisheries must not be
accepted as indications of exhaustion.”

He makes sure he cannot be misunderstood thus—“man
may rest satisfied that, so far as the open ocean is concerned,
the fish which he destroys, if he abstained from destroying
them, would perish in other ways!.”

The Commissioners of 1878 observe, “All? sea fish during
the earlier stages of their development draw in either to
estuaries or to the shallow waters which fringe the shore. But,
speaking generally, there is no reason to suppose that the
operations of man are making any sensible impression on the
number of the fry even in these places, since there is no
evidence that the stock of fish in the sea generally is de-
creasing®.”

Mr Walpole puts the matter clearly thus, when alluding to
Brown Goode’s notion that shoals of sea-fish spawning near the
coasts may be decimated :—“ Even assuming it were possible, I
doubt whether any harm would result. No one would think a
farmer improvident who brought one-tenth of his herd annually
to market. A fish reaches maturity much more rapidly than
an ox, and is some thousands of times more productive than a
cow. Why then should it be improvident for a fisherman to do
what no one would think a farmer improvident for doing? In
short, though I doubt the possibility of decimating a shoal of
fish, I should regard such a course, if it were practicable, as
about the best use the fisherman could make of it*”

1 Op. cit. (Official Report Fish. Exhib.) p. 138. He excepts seals and whales,
crustaceans (crabs and lobsters), oysters, anadromous fishes spawning near the
shore, and salmon. Fisheries Exhib. Lit. tv. p. 137.

2 Much has been learned since. The haddock is a marked exception.

3 Op. cit., p. 152.
4 Op. cit., p. 153.

SUMMARY AND CONCLUSIONS. O31

He, further, observes, “ while I am opposed on the one hand
to the imposition of unnecessary restrictions on fishermen, so I
am opposed on the other to all patronage simply as such,
because I believe the best part of the British fishermen is
the independence which they enjoy; and God forbid that the
independence which they have won by their own efforts
should be taken away from them by the patronage of other
people.” The same authority pointed out that the prohibition
of trawling in the loughs and bays of Ireland had not resulted
in an increase of the Irish fisheries» Sir Thomas Brady,
lately one of the Inspectors of Irish Fisheries, is of the same
opinion.

Tn connection with Mr Walpole’s views, it may be mentioned
that not long ago the Government gave grants to the poorer
fishermen to aid them in purchasing and improving their boats,
but it was found that this did not increase their enterprise and
self-reliance, and the experiment has not been continued. On
the other hand, no encouragement was needed by the English,
Scotch and Manx boats, which drew rich harvests from the
waters of their less energetic western brethren, and are ever
ready to do so on the same or more distant grounds. No one
familiar with the fishermen of our country can have other than
the warmest sympathies with them in their daring and un-
certain calling, and in their efforts to make the best of a
method of fishing which occasionally has difficulty in meeting
the requirements of the times, especially against so many com-
petitors. In most pursuits competition is keen, and constant
effort 1s necessary to maintain a good position. There is no
need, however, to despair of line-fishing, for there, as elsewhere,
skill, steadiness and perseverance will enable its followers to
hold their ground.

Mr G. Shaw-Lefevre and Sir J. Caird, members, along with
Prof. Huxley, of the Royal Commission of 1866, agreed generally
with Prof. Huxley’s opinions. That Commission came to the
conclusion that there was no ground whatever for the allegation
of the falling off of any important fishery on any part of our

1 Fisheries Exhib. Lit, vol, 1. p. 130,
2 [bid. p. 1 DE

238 SUMMARY AND CONCLUSIONS. »

coasts. The same opinion prevailed at that time (1868) in
Francel.

Mr Shaw-Lefevre states that from the Scotch returns the
average catch of herrings for the 5 years previous to 1863
was 680,000 barrels, and for the 8 years ending 1881, 1,050,000
barrels, an increase of about 50 per cent. During the same
period cod and ling had increased about 50 per cent. The
number of fishermen had increased by only 15 per cent., the
number of boats by the same proportion, while the tonnage had
increased by 20 per cent. In 1863 there were 580 trawlers
from Hull, Grimsby, Yarmouth, and Ramsgate, in 1881 there
were 1500, and in addition the vessels were nearly double the
tonnage’.

He tersely gives his opinion thus:—“I think that it
may be taken as an established and incontrovertible fact that
there has been no falling off in our fisheries, but a very great
increase, an increase In most cases greater in proportion than
in the number of men and boats employed, and giving an
adequate return to the very largely increased capital devoted
to them’.”

Similar views were held by the late distinguished Prof.
J. P. van Beneden of Louvain, who was a member of the Com-
mission appointed by the Belgian Government for investigating
the subject of the fisheries. He was of opinion that the pro-
ducts of the sea were inexhaustible, and that no restriction
should be placed on the capture of marine fishes. His equally
distinguished son, Prof. Edward van Beneden of Liége, Vice-
President of the permanent Commission on pisciculture (mari-
culture), more recently opposed the proposition to restrict the
fisheries—broached by the Commission—on the ground that it
‘had not been proved that a general diminution had taken
place.

Mr Holdsworth’s article on Sea-fisheries in the Encyclopedia
Britannica breathes the same spirit.

1 [nternat. Fish. Exhib. 1883. Conferences, vol. 1. p. 88.
2 Op. cit., pp. 89 and 90.
3 Fisheries Exhib, Lit. 1v., Conferences, p. 91, 1884,

SUMMARY AND CONCLUSIONS. 239

M. Georges Roché, the Inspector-in-Chief of the French
marine fisheries, on the other hand, accepts the conclusions?
of the Blue-book in regard to the ten years’ work of the
Fishery Board as if accurate and final, attributing, for instance,
the great increase of 1887 to the accumulation of fishes before
the trawlers had time to affect the offshore. He, however,
draws attention to the illusion of supposing that the closure
of the three-mile limit will ensure the protection of the
fisheries.

But it may be said that the increase of the large fishing-
vessels’, both line and trawl, quite alters the situation; that
man’s skill and the extent of the apparatus now in use must
seriously affect the numbers of the food-fishes; and that the
condition of to-day is wholly different from that of any pre-
vious period in the history of the fisheries.

Similar calamitous forebodings, however, have sporadically,
or it may be endemically, appeared in the history of the British
fisheries from time immemorial, and have been followed by no
disastrous diminution, or the extinction of the most eagerly
pursued species. The continuance of the sea-fishes, under
every circumstance, has not been generally appreciated, and
has not fostered that faith in the marvellous ways of Nature
(Divine Providence) in the sea, or built up that confidence
for the future which might have been expected as intelli-
gence advanced. The mode of viewing the question has
indeed, in some instances, approached that of him who dreaded
that the oxygen would by-and-by be diminished in atmo-
spheric air by the apparently boundless increase of man and
animals.

A calm survey of the situation, however, shows that the cry
concerning the annual diminution of our fish-supply has been
dispelled by the institution of statistics; that the alleged
destruction of spawn has no basis in fact; that the destruction

1 La Culture des Mers, p. 83, et seq.

2 For instance, 90 were added to those at Grimsby and Hull alone in 1897,
making a total of 538 at these two ports. Moreover, there is now a tendency to
convert steam liners into trawlers.

240 SUMMARY AND CONCLUSIONS.

of immature fishes is common to all classes of fishermen, and
nowhere is proved to have resulted in the ruin of any sea-
fishery ; that because the first five years of the decade (1886—
1895) had a higher average than the second in the Fishery
Board’s experiments, it therefore followed that diminution of
the fishes had occurred, and called for further closures beyond
the three-mile limit to remedy it, is shown to rest on insecure
data; that the closure of the three-mile limit has failed to
increase the number or the size of the food-fishes, is ineffective
in regard to the supply of the public, and is a continual source
of friction and expense, while falling short of the expectations
of those who clamoured for it; that the evidence given before
the Trawling Commission of “trawling out” certain grounds in
three years with a small vessel carrying a small trawl, the
working period being about three times a week for three
months in autumn, is at variance with experience; that the
statements to the effect that fishes captured by the trawl are
inferior as articles of food to the general public cannot be main-
tained either by science or by a knowledge of the markets; that
the “Garland’s” work shows the comparatively small destruction
of immature fishes of value, even though she often trawled
where no commercial ships would; that the perusal of masses
of fishery-statistics shows the constant series of changes that
take place on every area, yet the fisheries are not destroyed;
that such a fishery as that for sparlings in the estuary of the
Tay has from time immemorial been very much as it is; that
though salmon and sea-trout abound in the sea man derives
little knowledge of their presence by either trawl or hook, and
yet many of both must come in their way.

Lastly, the results of the foregoing investigations do not
seem to offer a basis for the fitting-out of fast cruisers with
search-lights to pursue the trawling vessels of our countrymen
in their own waters. They may be of importance, however, in
preserving order between the various classes of fishermen, and
in carrying out properly organised scientific experiments and
observations in connection with the food-fishes, which, it is
clear, have not received any appreciable benefit from the
closure,

SUMMARY AND CONCLUSIONS. 241

The returns from the various centres all over the country
have for the most part steadily increased since 18841, and
though it is true that large quantities are captured on the
Great Fisher Bank, Iceland, and other regions at a distance
from British waters proper, yet this is due to the more remune-
rative nature of the work, and not to the dearth of fishes in
the seas at home. Such increase has not been fostered by the
closure, but, in the case of both liner and trawler, is due to
enterprise which was independent.

Nature has been able by her unaided resources to ward off
extinction in a species so eagerly desired by man as the red or
precious coral for one of the greatest incentives of the race, viz.
pecuniary gain, and yet so circumscribed in distribution, and
so slenderly supplied with means of dispersion in comparison
with many marine animals. Moreover, all this has occurred
in a sea, which from its limited boundaries is specially excluded
from the consideration of the question treated of in this work,
and which has been swept by hundreds of boats’ crews annually
by day and by night. If the continuance of the red coral,
therefore, has been assured, even if it be granted (for authorities
deem the diminished price rather than scarcity of coral at the
root of the present depression) that its numbers have been
lessened, what difficulty is there in regard to the permanent
abundance of the chief food-fishes of the open seaboard of our
country, set as it is in the midst of an almost boundless ocean,
with all the marvellous powers of increase, a thousand-fold
greater than the coral, so characteristic of them on the one

1 The long-continued abundance of the food-fishes of Britain may be estimated
by the following note on a year’s supply to Billingsgate about 1850 (Chambers’
Miscellany, ‘‘The Commerce of the Thames”):—The Morning Chronicle ‘‘3 or
4 years ago” gave a list of the fishes brought in a year to Billingsgate.
Live cod 400,000; barrelled cod 750,000; salt cod 1,600,000; salmon 200,000 ;
fresh haddocks 2,500,000; smoked haddocks 19,500,000; soles 97,000,000 ;
mackerel 23,000,000; fresh and red herrings and bloaters 200,000,000 ;
eels 10,000,000; whitings 20,000,000; plaice 36,000,000; brills and mullets
1,200,000; turbot 800,000; oysters 500,000,000; lobsters and crabs 2,000,000 ;
shrimps and prawns 500,000,000. Besides, even now, so large an amount as
37 tons may be destroyed as unfit for food ina month. -

M, R. 16

2492, SUMMARY AND CONCLUSIONS.

hand, and all the varied and gigantic resources of nature at
command on the other? Science as well as experience answers

that there is none.

Sea-horses (Hippocampi). The male with his brood-pouch
is on the left.

INDEX.

Aberdeen Bay, experiments stopped,
108
Accumulation of fishes, not apparent,
124
Alcyonium, distribution of, 11; effect
of trawl on, 38; caught by liners, 47
Allan, Dr J., 42
Anemones as bait, 129
Angler, occurrence in Forth, 175
Annelids, distribution of, 12; effect of
trawl on, 40; caught by liners, 48
Antarctic regions, expedition to, 232
Areas frequented by trawlers,
Aberdeen, 95-97
Granton and Leith, 98
Montrose, 96
Areas of closure, 55
Arenicola, 12, 229
Argyll, Duke of, Commission on coal,
26
Ascidians, effect of trawl on, 43;
caught by liners, 48

Bacteria, Black Sea, 6

Baird, Prof., 235

Banks, Sir Joseph, 6

Barrenness of sea-floor, none known,
10, 36

Bell Rock to Carr Rock (New Station),
119

Beneden, Prof. Ed. van, on fisheries,
238

Beneden, Prof. J. P. van, on fisheries,
238

Billingsgate, yearly supply to, 241

Birds, man’s interference with, 2

Blacksod Bay, frequented by trawlers,
98

Boring shell-fishes, destruction by, 19

Brady, Sir T. F., 26, 237

Brill, capture of, by “Garland” in St
Andrews Bay in 1886, 104; 1891,
118; 1892, 120; 1894, 123

Brill, capture of, by ‘“‘ Garland” in
Moray Frith in 1887, 188

Brixham, trawling at, 99

Brown Goode, Dr, on fisheries of
U.S.A., 235

Buckhaven, liners at, 110

Butter-fish, 198

Caine, Mr W. §S., 26

Caird, Sir J., 237

Calderwood, Mr W. L., 103

Cat-fish in Forth, 175

Es spawn of, 52

‘« Challenger,” H.M.S., 6

Cleve, Prof., Upsala, 7

Close-season, suggestion for, 229

Closure beyond three-mile limit sug-
gested, 125

Closure, effect of, 1382, 233
Hs principles of, 57

Clyde area, closure of, 109
45 ,, Stations of, 211

Clyde, effect of closure on, 222

Cod, capture of, by “Garland” in
Frith of Forth, 1886, 134; 1888, 138 ;
1889, 141; 1890, 146; 1891, 151;
1893, 157; 1894, 160; 1895, 170

Cod, capture of, by “ Garland” in St
Andrews Bay in 1886, 104; 1888,
114; 1891, 118; 1892, 119; 1894,
123; 1895, 124

Cod, difference in life-history from
haddock, 23

24.4,

Cod in Moray Frith, 1884, 187, 194,
195; 1898, 209

Cod in St Andrews Bay, 129

Cod, occurrence of in Frith of Forth,
146

Codling, capture of, by trawlers and
liners, 30

Codling caught by liners, 171

Commissioners of 1878, opinion on
fisheries, 236

Commission, Royal, on Trawling, wubi-
que

Congers, capture of, 31

Corals, distribution of, 11; red coral,
persistence of, 12

Corymorpha, haunts of, 9

Crews on trawlers, 70

Cruisers, adoption of, for police duty,
240

Crustaceans, distribution of, 14; effect
of trawl on, 41

Cunningham, Mr, confusion of author-
ship with Prof. Lankester, 27

Cuttlefishes as food and bait, 19;
caught by trawl, 45

Dabs, capture of, by ‘‘Garland” in
Clyde, 1888, 212; 1890, 2138; 1895,
214; 1896, 215; permanence of, 168

Dabs, capture of, by ‘‘ Garland” in
Frith of Forth in 1887, 136; 1888,
138; 1889, 140; 1890, 146; 1891,
149; 1892, 152; 1893, 156; 1894,
159; 1895, 168

Dabs, capture of, by ‘“‘Garland” in
Moray Frith in 1887, 188; 1888, 189;
1893, 192; 1894, 193,195; 1895, 197;
1896, 197; 1897, 199; 1898, 209

Dabs, capture of, by ‘“‘ Garland ” in St
Andrews Bay in 1886, 104; 1887,
111; 1888, 113; 1889, 116; 1890,
117; 1892 and 1893, 121; 1894, 123;
1895, 124

Dabs, immature, occurrence of, 35
», occurrence of, in Frith of Forth,

146

Dalhousie, late Earl of, 26, 54, 79,

220, 225

INDEX.

Diatoms, distribution, Arctic and Ant-
arctic Seas, 6; St Andrews Bay, 6

Diatoms as food, 6

Dog-fishes, injuries by, 24

Dragonet, 198

Duerden, Mr J. E., 10

Duthie, Mr, 40

Duthiers, Prof. Lacaze, 229

Echinoderms, man’s efforts against,
13; effect of trawl upon, 39
Edward III., petition in reign of,
against trawling, 224
Edwardsia, haunts of, 10; effect of
trawl on, 38
Esslemont, Mr, 79
Ewart, Prof., 55, 127
Fisheries Exhibition, International,
234
‘Fisherman’s friend,’ 195
Fishery Board Reports, 54, 56, 58, 74,
128
», Methods of carrying out Re-
commendations of Trawling
Commission, 56
Fishes, fresh-water, protection of, 4
», saleable, 27
Flounders, capture of, by “‘ Garland ”’
in Frith of Forth in 1886, 134
Flounders, capture of, by ‘‘ Garland ”
in Moray Frith in 1887, 188
Flounders, capture of, by ‘‘ Garland” in
St Andrews Bay in 1886, 104; 1887,
111
Flounders, increase of, 131
Food-fishes, man’s relations with, 21;
man’s efforts to interfere with, 54
Foraminifera, distribution of, 7
Forbes, Prof. Edward, 47
Forth fisheries, alleged decline of, 98
Forth, Frith of, investigations, sta-
tions of, 133; work of ‘‘ Garland” in
1886, 134; 1887, 135; 1888, 138;
1889, 140; 1890, 141; 1891, 147;
1892, 151; 1893, 155; 1894, 158;
1895, 161
Forth trawling-ground, 100

INDEX.

Frith of Forth, summary, 219
Fulton, Dr, 55, 113, 142

“Garland,” captures not comparable
with ordinary trawls, 105, 216

“Garland,” trawling, 35

ne work in Moray Frith, 210
i work of, 56

Gar-pike, 175

German Plankton Expedition, 6, 7

Gonothyrea, life-history of, 9

Great Fisher Bank frequented by traw-
lers, 95

Green, Rev. W. S., 97

Gunn, Mr, 139

Gurnard, capture of, by ‘‘ Garland ” in
St Andrews Bay in 1886, 104; 1887,
111; 1888, 113; 1890, 118; 1894,
123; 1895, 124

Gurnard, capture of, by “Garland ” in
Frith of Forth in 1886, 134; 1887,
136; 1888, 138; 1889, 141; 1890,
147; 1891, 150; 1892, 153; 1893,

157; 1894, 171

Gurnard, capture of, by ‘‘ Garland” in
Moray Frith 1887, 188; 1888, 189;
1893, 192; 1894, 195; 1895, 197;
1898, 209

Gurnard caught by ‘‘ Garland” in Clyde
in 1890, 213; 1895, 214; 1896, 214

Gurnard caught by ‘“Garland” in
Moray Frith in 1888, 213

Gurnard, grey, occurrence of in Frith
of Forth, 147

Gurnard, illustrating futility of clo-
sure, 171

Gurnard in Moray Frith 1884, 185, 187

Haddocks, alleged extinction of, 86

Haddocks, capture of, by ‘‘ Garland ”’
in Frith of Forth in 1886, 134; 1887,
136; 1888, 138; 1889, 140; 1890,
143; 1891, 151; 1892, 152; 1893,
155; 1894, 159; 1895, 162

Haddocks, capture of, by ‘‘ Garland,”
Moray Frith in 1887, 188; 1888,
189; 1893,- 192; 1894, 194; 1895,
197; 1896, 197; 1897, 200

245

Haddocks, capture of, by “ Garland ”’
in St Andrews Bay in 1886, 104 ;
USS lt eiSsse Misce 1890, 17.
1894, 123; 1895, 124

Haddocks, capture of, within the 20
mile limit, 166

Haddocks, fishing and bearing on
closure, 206—208

Haddock-fishing, supposed decay of, 154

Haddocks, large numbers of, 136

Haddocks, Moray Frith, in 1884, 187

Haddocks, occurrence in Frith of Forth,
143

Haddocks, capture of, by trawlers and
liners compared, 164

Haddocks, capture of young, 30

Haddocks, permanency of, 166; abund-
ance of in Moray Frith, 194

Haddocks, stomachs of, distended with
herring-ova, 165

Hake, 198, 201, 214

Halibut, 230

Hare, threatened extinction of, 2

Henry VII, in reign of, convictions
for illegal fishing, 224

Hensen, Prof., 7

Herring, breeding grounds, 57

Herring Fishery Act, 57, 117

Herring-fishery, uncertainty of, 156

Herring in Forth, 175

History of trawling, 224, 225

Holdsworth, Mr, fisheries, 238

Hooker, Sir J., 6

Huxley, Prof., approval of Trawling

Report, 26

a at International Fisheries
Exhibition, 234, 235

53 on herring-fishing 225

Ice, use of, in trawlers, 63, 64

Iceland frequented by trawlers, 95

Immature, distinction from unsale-
able, 29

Increase of nets and hooks compared,
74

Infusoria, distribution of, 8

Insects, withstanding man’s efforts at
extinction, 3

24.6

Investigator, scientific, experience of,
999, 293

Isle of May and beyond, frequented
by trawler, 98

Jeffreys, Dr Gwyn, 6

Jex, Mr, 225

John-dory in Forth, 175; in Clyde, 214
Johnston, Messrs, 115

Kyle, Mr H. M., 214

Lankester, Prof. Ray, confusion of
authorship with Mr Cun-
ningham, 27
= criticism on Trawling Re-
port of 1884, 27
Lemon-dab, capture of, by ‘‘ Garland ”’
in Clyde, in 1888, 213; 1890, 214;
1895, 214
Lemon-dab, capture of, by ‘‘ Garland”
in Frith of Forth, in 1886, 134; 1887,
136; 1888, 138; 1889, 141; 1890,
147; 1891, 151; 1892, 153; 1893,
157; 1894, 172
Lemon-dab, capture of, by ‘‘Garland ”
in Moray Frith, in 1887, 188; 1893,
192; 1894, 193, 195; 1895, 197;
1896, 201; 1898, 209
Lemon-dab, capture of, by ‘‘Garland ”
in St Andrews Bay, in 1886, 104;
SS, TEs 18905 Tit Soi iahSs
1892, 120; 1894, 123; 1895, 124
Lemon-dab, occurrence of, in Frith of
Forth, 147
Lemon-dabs, 131; table of decades,
173; capture in Frith of Forth, 172
Levi, Prof. Leone, 77
Limfjord, Dr Petersen on plankton
of, 7; plaice of, 230
Line-boats and _ their
changes in, 72
Line-fishermen compared to labourers,
17
», treedom of, 227
Line-fishing, profits of, 76
Liners and trawlers, relative catches,
79—81

apparatus,

INDEX.

Liners, of service to naturalist, 50
», hardihood and daring of, 76

Ling, 209

Lobsters and Crabs, diminution of, 16
oe history of, 42

Lob-worm, persistence of, 14, 229

Long-rough dab, capture of, by ‘‘Gar-
land ”’ in Clyde, in 1888, 213; 1890,
213; 1895, 214; 1896, 214

Long-rough dab, capture of, by “‘ Gar-
land” in Frith of Forth, 1886, 134;
1887, 136; 1890, 146; 1891, 150;
1892, 153; 1894, 159; 1895, 168

Long-rough dab, capture of, by “ Gar-
land” in Moray Frith, in 1887, 188;
1888, 189; 1894, 195; 1895, 197;
1896, 198; 1898, 209

Long-rough dab, capture of, by “ Gar-
land” in St Andrews Bay, in 1886,
104; 1887, 111; 1888, 114; 1890,
117; 1895, 124

Long-rough dabs, occurrence of in
Frith of Forth, 146

Luidia, caught by liner, 47

Marshall, the late Prof. Milnes, 47
Masterman, Dr, 52, 128, 223
Maitland, Sir J. Gibson, 55, 127
Matthews, the late Jas. Duncan, 55, 103
Yacht ‘“‘ Medusa,” 103, 105, etc.
Mimosa, fertility of, 2
Mollusca, caught by liner, 49
mi distribution of, 17
a effect of trawl on, 43
Moray Frith, closure of, 57
closure to trawlers, and
reasons thereof, 220
justification for closing,
210
reasons for, 58
stations of and work of
“Garland,” 187
summary and conclu-
sions, 220
table of captures by
line-boats, 196
table of captures of had-
docks, 1887-97, 204

99 99

INDEX.

Moray Frith, trawling experiments, 185
Murray, Dr George, 7, 15

Murray, Sir J., 21, 105

Mussel Commission, 18

Nets, effects of herring, 74

Nigg Bay, experiments, 231

Night-trawling compared with day,
106, 217

Obelia, life-history of, 9

» effect of trawl on, 38
Old Hake deserted by herrings, 177
Otter-trawls, effect of, 93

Peachia, haunts of, 10
» effect of trawl on, 38
Petersen, Dr, on plankton in Limfjord,
7; on plaice in Limfjord, 230
Plaice, capture of, by “Garland” in
Frith of Forth, in 1886, 134; 1887,
136; 1888, 188; 1889, 140; 1890,
144; 1891, 147; 1892, 152; 1893,
157; 1894, 159; 1895, 166
Plaice, capture of, by “Garland” in
Clyde, in 1888, 213; 1896, 215
Plaice, capture by ‘‘Garland”’ in Moray
Frith, in 1887, 188; 1888, 189 ; 1893,
192; 1894, 193; 1895, 197; 1896,
200; 1898, 209
Plaice, capture of, by ‘“‘ Garland” in St
Andrews Bay, 1886, 104; 1887, 111;
1888, 113; 1889, 116; 1890, 117;
1891, 118; 1892-3, 121; 1894, 123;
1895, 124 ;
Plaice, capture of, in St Andrews Bay,
32
», disappearance of large, 130
» habits of young in St Andrews
Bay, 181
», i Moray Frith, in 1884, 187
», life-history of, 34
», occurrence of, in Frith of

Forth, 144
,, and dabs, in St Andrews Bay,
107

Plants, marine, importance of, 5
Pogge, 198

24:7

Polyzoa, in pelagic fauna, 16
a caught by liners, 49
Protection of fishing grounds, 222
Bs a », in three-
mile limit, 227
Protection of fishing grounds, Playfair,
Lord, 225

Radiolarians, distribution of, 7

Red coral, persistence of, 12, 241

Rhizosolenia, in St Andrews Bay, 6

Rhytina, extinction of, 2

Roché, G., 128, 226, 239

Royal Commission on Trawling, 220,
225, 232, 237; recommendations of
do., 54

St Andrews Bay, captures by ‘“‘Gar-
land” 1887, 111; 1888, 113; 1889,
15s TSO SOI Sis 11892.
119; 1893, 120; 1894, 122 1895, 123

St Andrews Bay, closure of, 31

A 3 summary, 218

Saleable and unsaleable fishes, 27 ;
limits of species, 29, 30

Schizopods, distribution of, 15

Scott, Mr T., 40

Scottish Fishery Board Report on St
Andrews Bay, 108

Screw-propeller, supposed destruction
of spawn by, 228

Sea-horses, 242

Sea-pens, distribution of, 10

a effect of trawl on, 39
a caught by liners, 47

Sea-trout in trawl, 173

Sea-weeds as food, 6

Shaw-Lefevre, Mr, on fish question, 238

Skate in Forth, 180
| shabits®of Est
» in Clyde, 213

Skipper rarely caught, 175

Smelt in Clyde, 214

Smith, Mr Anderson, 36

Smith, Mr Ramsay, 40

Sole, capture of, by “Garland” in
Frith of Forth, 1887, 136

Sole, capture of, by “Garland” in

248

St Andrews Bay in 1890, 117; 1891,
118; 1892, 120; 1894, 123
Sole, in Clyde, 214; young in Thames,
24
Soles, attempts to increase in Scottish
waters, 231
Spawning grounds, control of, 212
Sponges, distribution of, 8
“ caught by liners, 47
Sprat in Forth, 175
Star-fish, man’s war against, 12
Stations of St Andrews Bay, 103

Thames, shrimp-fishing, 24; persist-
ence of young food-fishes in, 24
Thornback in Forth, 180
Total catch of fishes, and analysis, 1892,
82; 1893, 82; 1894, 85; 1895, 88;
1896, 91; 1897, 92
Trawl, effect of, on eggs of fishes, 50
on sea-bottom fauna,
36, etc.
Trawl, immunity of young fishes from,
53
» modern, 65, 66, 67
», shooting of, 68
Trawlers, conditions of labour of, 78
crews on, 70
sis increase of number of, 78
Trawling-apparatus, new form of, 71
Trawling at St Andrews, 75
a commencement of, 224
Trawling Commission, 26, 124, 220,
240
Report of, 1884, remarks
on, 26, etc., 221
Trawling, history of, 224, 225
Trawling-vessels and apparatus, 59,
60, 61, 62
Trembley, A., experiments on Hydra, 8
Turbot, attempts to increase, 231
Turbot, capture of, by ‘‘ Garland”
in Moray Frith in 1887, 188; 1896,
201; 1898, 209
Turbot, capture of, by ‘‘Garland”’ in St

99 99

99

99 99

CAMBRIDGE ;

INDEX.

Andrews Bay, in 1886, 104; 1888,
114; 1890, 117; 1891, 118; 1892,
120; 1894, 123
Turbot, constant occurrence of, 131
Tubularia, effect of trawl on, 38
Tweedmouth, Lord, 18, 26

Urochordates, food of, etc., 21

Variations in occurrence of fishes, 201,
216

Walpole, Mr Spencer, 77, 235, 236

Whales, man’s influence on, 5

Whitebait, 177

Whiting, capture of, by ‘‘Garland,” in
Clyde in 1888, 213; 1890, 214

Whiting, capture of, by “Garland” in
Frith of Forth, in 1886, 134; 1887,
136; 1888, 138; 1889, 140; 1890,
142; 1891, 150; 1892, “1535 1893;
157; 1894, 159; 1895, 169

Whiting, capture of, by ‘‘Garland” in
St Andrews Bay, in 1886, 104; 1887,
111; 1888, 114; 1890, 1175) 1ss2.
119

Whiting caught by “Garland” in
Moray Frith in 1888, 189; 1894,
195; 1896, 201; 1898, 209

Whiting, large numbers in Forth, 142

Winter and Summer catches com-
pared, St Andrews Bay, 126, 127;
Frith of Forth, Haddock, 163;
Plaice, 162

Witches, capture of, by ‘‘Garland,” in »
Clyde in 1888, 213; 1890, 213, 214;
1895, 214; 1896, 214; 1897, 215

Witches caught by ‘Garland’ in
Moray Frith in 1887, 188; in 1888,
189; 1896, 201; 1898, 209

Witch, cited as example for trawling
experiments, 215

Witch (pole-dab), 198

Witches in Frith of Forth, 141

Wolf, extinction of, 2

PRINTED BY J. AND C. F, CLAY, AT THE UNIVERSITY PRESS.

An oblique view of the Gatty Marine Laboratory from the land-face (west).

To face p. 242]

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TA DIEE Re

“GARLAND’S” TRAWLING IN ST ANDREWS BAY. 1886—1895.
STATIONS I. TO V.
| AVERAGE
: Torats PER HAUL
No. OF o ean . : a
5 YEAR | (fe St bp 3 5 ai «| sy Se 1 @ pa Warnes
Haus lees S| 82 | wen 5 | E s E z B/e|S)a |e Ss a 2 re & ae a @ 3 3 2s
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|
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17 1886 | 1204 | 1038 | 24 63 | 14 | 159 13 | 411 22 2 16 I 7 I —}— 70} 61 9 | 24
20 1887 | 3035 | 2605 | 105 86 | 4 | ror10 33 | 1048 | 142 | 13]}— | 4] 65|/—|—}|]—! 4] 6]—|]| to | —] x |/151}130! 50 | 52
25 1888 | 2650 | 2373] 12 65) 8) | 863))) 2585) ory 4 8 | a 2 44| 5|—| -=— | —]| — || 106) 94 | 34 | 20
34 1889 | 4141 | 1889 | ro | 30 | 15} 32] 53) 633] 134 | 7 | HE TE Bi ae Ree ef er hy | = | 1S
30 1890 | 5070 | 2206 5 EF 45 45 | 388 | 658) 122 3 S12 | Bl oh | | ee se 2| 1 || 169! 73 | — | 21
126 1886—1890 |16100 |1o111 | 156 | 266 | 86 | 2109 | 745 | 3267 | 424 | 33) 3] 7 | 94) 50)°3 | — |f22) 37} —| 11 2| 2 |\127| 80 | 16 | 25,
33 1891 | 1598 | 2865 4 22 | 20 | 56} 114 | 449 41 re aa taney, 5} 1 |—]| 13 | 14} 1 — | 86) 2 48| 86 | — | 13
40 1892 || 1671 | 1241 10 76 | 45 104, 356 | 1096 | 117 9 | 8 I 2 5} 1 | —| 30] 17 | —}| — 176] | 41] 31 | — | 27°
30 1893 1788 | 744 | 12 78 | 78 834 91 | 400 66 3 | —|- 5} 3] 2 )—]12) 12)/—]} — Aa ale SON eau yan ere
20 1894 1145 | 1436 3 17 17 | 422 85 179 89 oo we 2 WG re PhO | ie | ee er ye | eS
20 1895 1733 | 2973 15 12 | 12 | 310 38 | 897 | 140 i Sy et 7 WS So) =| Ba eal eee es | 86 |148 | 15 | 44
\||—-—- | |= = . | |= } oe
143 1891—1895 || 7935 | 9259 | 44 | 205 |172 | 1726 | 684 | 3021 | 453 | 15 | 12] 3] 23] 68 | 4 | 1 | 95 | 60] 2 — |266 | 4 || 56| 64} 12] 20
es —_— == SS |e Ss
269 1886—1895 (203 19370 | 200 | 471 i 3835 | 1429 | 6288 | 877 | 48 | 15 | 10 |117 |118 | 7 I |217 | 97 | 2 Ir |268 | 6 89] 72 | 14 22

.
A

“GARLAND'S”

TABLE VI.
TRAWLING. ST ANDREWS BAY.

SALEABLE FISHES.

Long-Rough Dab .
Do, A

Size in
Tnehies

1891/1892 1893/1894) Totals

Sg2] 1895 |-rotats

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Dat
ra)

3

SPECIES

Grey Skate
1.
Thornback Ray
D

0s
Sandy Ray
Starry Ray
Herring
Cod
Do.
Macdlock

Do,

Do,
Whiting

1.

Do,
Coalfish
SIO ReSSiEIS
Sail- Fluke
Red Gurnard
zene augh Dab

Os
Sand-Pluke*
Turbot

Lemon-Dab
Sole
Pounder
Do.
Grey Gurnord
D

0.
Catfish
Sprat
Conger

in the Blue-book probably refers

a ee ee eee

Bei A let ait

DECEMBER Average

er Haul
ee ee eral Le cen
of each SPECIES SS
890) 1891/1892|1894| Totals Species pecies
5 5 3 5 5 f 269
— | — | — | — | — 42 Grey Skate 15
—} ©{—}— I 56 Thornback "20
r|/—/|—]| 2 5 58 Starry Ray "21
—;}|—} 1] — I 4 Sandy Ray OI
I};—| 2;— 3 208 Herring 77
2) —— | —— | — 2 24 Cod 09
— | 2] 45 1 | 48 1193 Haddock 4°43
Rfo 27 | 18 | 1. { 218 772 Whiting 2°86
=e eal ire Oe 19 Whiting- Pout "07
Pee WN ere ee I Ling "003
Ee | 4 yO, | 1G 137 Long-Rough Dab 500
Shee ke 14 Turbot 05
—}—}|—|—|] — 3 Brill OI
—|—] rf — I 4246 Plaice 15°41
4 | 59} 11} 3} 100 || 9323 | Dab 34°65
— | — 1 | — I 112 Lemon-Dab “41
— | — | — | — | — 2 Sole "007
= |e rec cea | ieee 65 Flounder "24
2 se) Se 2 1947 Grey Gurnard 723
emcee sia ee I Catfish 003
— | — 2);— 2 2 Sand-Eel "007
4114 |) — | 17 40 Sprat "14
ee ite) Flapper-Skate 03
—}—;—}|—|] — I Poor Cod "003
90107 |(S5 | 17 \°417 {158280
500
O17
39
DECEMBER Average
per Haul
fennel SPECIES gpeach
1889|189288|1890/1891|1892|1894/Totals|| Species Species
Gis Sea et | t I 118 Angler 43
he, See eee 5 27 Skulpin 10
A a Saal Tho hd 2 28 Armed Bullhead “10
Sa. See hh St I Goby "003
Hie meee ha 6 Lum psucker "02
fe See a I 12 Short-spined Cottus 04
Be eae ee he Po fe) Butterfish 03
et eet tee ee ee — 2 Five-Bearded Rockling "007
a ee Seep ls i I Montagu’s Sucker "003
rq'b-ey Tbr | Se Beil 2 9 205

j
iy
we
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ACME, | WINE
y! GARLAND'S” TRAWLING. ST ANDREWS BAY. 1886—1895.
IMMATURE

SPECIES .

FEBRUARY

SEPTEMBER

DECEMBER

1895

1891

3

SPECIES

Grey Skate..
Thornback
Starry Ray
Sandy Ray
Herring
Cod

Haddock
Whiting ..
Whiting-Pou'
Lin

Sole...
Flounder
Grey Gurnard.
Catfish ..
Sand-Eel
Sprat
Flapper-
Poor Cod

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Grey Skate
TVhornback
Starry Ray
Sandy Ray
Herning
Cod

Haddock
Whiting
Whiting-Pout
Ling
Long-Rough Dab
Turbot

Brill

Plaice

Dab
Temon-Dab
Sole

Flounder

Grey Gurnard
Cathish
Sand-el
Sprat
Flapper-Skate
Poor Cod

Monthly average per Haul

71 |387

764 |

oo
a

UNSALEABLE FISHES.

SPECIES

MAY

SEPTEMBER

|1890}1892

1895

1 5 5

3

1891

Goby ......
Lumpsucker
Short-spined Cottus
Butterfish ....-..-...
Five-Bearded Rockling
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—j|2
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DECEMBER Avyerge

SPECIES

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Skulpin

Armed Bullhead
Goby

Lumpsucker
Short-spined Cottus
Butterfish
Tive-Bearded Rockling
Montagu’s Sucker

1891}1892/1893)1894,
Peso 5 35
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UOTVIS Yo ye (a[quvaresun puv squares)

S6gI—9ogeI Lid,
S6g1—16g1 Ler
S6gI Su
V6g1 IZ
£6g1 96
z6gI 66
16g1 gol
068I—9ggI olz
0681 6L
6881 | 06
888! Oa
L981 vz
O8gI ie
STAVH
UVAA 106K

TOO. NGL SN AN ALL ccc uhala ave bel Niaeaova

i cae

Total

Halibut

Sea- | Zeugo-
Trout | pterus

Total | Total
Pollack | Sprat
(1) (4)
(11) (5)
eel ake ee (15)
(12) (24)
ae (60)
4 (13)
tn)
a (2)
(2) (1)

ZB 87
14 IIT

TABLE X,

“GARLAND’S” TRAWLING. FRITH OF FORTH.

AVERAGE PER HAUL (OR TOTAL NUMBERS) OF SALEABLE AND UNSALEABLE FISHES IN EACH SPECIES.

| | ere Total | 1 | Total Total | Total Total Total Total
| | | |
| eee ifr ; :
{ e % L b ~ : Sail- S | Thorn- | Starry -| py | Green ey More y
Year Plaice, Dab Dab Gumard Fluke aug back | Ray CAG] AD Cod Herring fish ae
) | f
| | 16 p. h.
| 1886 | 39 | 29 (455) 10 = (36) = (3) = (1) =
47 p- h.
1887 73 48 (r129) 15 = (60) (4) (9) (1) = (32)
| 17 p-h
| sss | go | 24 | (888) 13 = (56) (67) | (14) (7) (3) (12)
| 11 p. h.
| 188 | 42 | 21 | (1063 ) 13 = (92) (91) | (23) (38) = (35)
| 9p-h "
ieee socicaes| es) 9 @) (168) (108) | (30) 9) = (60) ) =
{
1 |
|Totalforfive} 4, 27 | 4306 2 (2) (412) (270) | (79) (75) (4) (139) (1) =
| years |
| ==
| 10 p. h
| 48or 3s | 33. | (1135) pes (2) (218) (133) | (31) (58) (2) (20) (3) =
9p. h.
1892 | 28 | 27 | (951) 19 i (128) (160) | (32) (82) (18) (54) = (1)
} | 13 p-h
1893 35 | 37 | (ass) | 15 (4) (103) (113) | (23) (51) (1) (17) = =
| | 12 p-h.
| 1894 | 36 | 43 | (Sox) 9 (2) (130) (63) | (11) (58) = (25) (1)
| | 13 p. h. |
| 1895 | 44°| 36 | (rors) 14 (2) (113) (80) | (29) | (63) (2) (11) (2)
i - : 1
Total for fiv
| eeu ue 35 35 ) (5250) 15 10 692 549 126 312 23 127 6 I
| 1 | ,
Ree ten | 37 32 (9556) 14 12 1104 819 205 387 27 266 7 I
Average for | e : — _ =
Ist five years| 47 27 | 15 x2 a 5 5
| ea ara]
Average for pas 5 « = — = =, =
Gad prove 35 35 | ay 5 a ae
ee : = : " E :

i

in. “4 ae aes ae Ce Y

ty: i

» facie Scaler priya Raa bjdevreses in

ai mee steyr wicca ier 6%
A vi Oe hi Cy. Pe

44) het
" : ‘ é ; me. i

rey ae
6 f

heel Cs sy y

u A ee — a et i ty es
Sa Nies Rc 2) Maen!

en al ine fiw sal

a es

li pe eg Ce | EY ah f ha a

5 Wane aa:

x - Leh ee ble Bh |

, ‘ae ie Libyan AAS: 4 f % : aialt

‘ ees i esig ong : By oo sp ege te ae

Va) | a ED. © Dwi i

sso Shab et eR Seah hoc fen ay Ra Ye
ce

whe aL Rese Noe Sere naling ve

vera:
ae Elie
»f eac
peck

llée6s

=
ooe)

—

mon
WOoOWOuON OO

Oo

Aeon seal

(oy)
N
aw

TABLE XT.
SALEABLE FISHES.

“GARLANDS” TRAWLING. FORTH. (586—1hos.

ls
SPECIES:

wEU RE | owe |

buy | Hane | 2S

Immature Fishes

JUNE | JULY
1 q 1 i) T f
Tora) sol 7] ss885) 1805 885 8508 8g of ota S8 85 888 yl | Bay] roa | a 88908) 8511 89 1885850185084 ipa 890495 Toul
9 = |sjols|ol=fololilol=| a Is f=l|—jel7 lala GET
= i= 2 7/0 A= Tlie {=| 3 3/=| 7 1 =
a aS 7 rf} char aya) —)— i} = j=) 17 3 3 1
1 Se i He ped bat GES iS Che = u 2 H 3
3 =|= 2 alo == 7 == |= G 4 ve 2) 5
x = 3 2) = =| 1 =-|- 2i\4 = 5 2 5 3
3\=| 6 = ne 213 Bes Sy SNe SNE |r =| SS
2 Sl=}= = | 3] 2 = =|= =|=)= =|= BS SS) S) SSeS
31 =|=\= =l=|= 19| S 3 S)=)e4] 71 3) 3 to 7| 4 15] 6) 6 = 1 al) aN = 49 = a= 33) —| 139) —}—/ 45) =] 9] 6} 10) 36
S| = ls Ss 222 ub | 22 | 34 | 10 | ay es a eae es 2 = eles # = S|] =] 33 |tco | sz | 47 fo | = = = 74 =} at] 6 | 75 = 48) 76) — |= 16 |=) ty] —| =| @2| = fsa5| 28 | 72 list
1” + —|- -— =|-j- 7) a = Seis alee = =| 6h 1) — = = =}=| fro} a} 3 = = = = —|i0] 1] ‘2 = 1 = =|= ==] on =) —8] — 1) 33] 2
i at =l=\-— =\)-|- i 5 18, j=} s8)1 7s © SS ee 26 | 11 | — 63 279 | 78 | 72 | — =} =} 42 | 37 jr} 75 | = = = 67 — 305 | 77 | 2 = 1s = 169 | = 72} —| 680] — | — hs | — $3) 16: },60)
7 r SS Sf=|= =|197)| 1} =|—|22| 13) =)— 10 =|-|- =| 10) — =} = fist fs] — =) =} 43 jo7s [216 71 G3 | = = = = Sea = 4 = ad 5) STE a pet Sp py (sd et
3 9 == 1— = =\= a}— 1) =j=] 7) 1) 6|=— — =—|=|- =| 2}=— =|—|=) |= —j=] 3) 2) 3s-f=]— = - 7) = =| = j= = 18 | — =) tpi) = 4(=] 2
EJ ss =f-i- =|-|=— Bi 1) 6| 6} —=|=] 39) 78/25) — 36 = ies 6) 7]— 0 |106 | 97 | 35 | — =| =} 40} 89)! 66 | 18 | ay | — = = = =} 64 | 67 | 53 = 7 — == =! 39] —| =| 114) 2
27 =|=/- =f=|= | 3] sl — S| }i7 53) 39) x = 35 a4] |= = ac =| =o fee | 7 jg) 74) = = = = = {609 | 79 [113 = p23 | 45)| = =\= 759 6s 43 18
at at oh ES te es as A UE 34 ee)! Sa hee efi SNS | 0) ile S| fsa EEN pe = = = Sez eas) pe
= = = =|=- = — }—}=)— }=}=l= S| St =)=)=|=)i)=/=|= = = = = == 1 ==
= | = = = =| | | ie 1 = 1 3 1] 2 4 Ae
7 { 2) 1 i ri 1 -j- — z}—j—| 1j— rh
1 | = = = =a] Pa te mies = 2 = SS Sy ee |g Hs fad |
]=255ih a lio al alae ra 6 Beabaihrad lis! 5 allz = pr im == = SS FoR = I=) @h=l|=lal=| slialalao|=
is) 4 S]e) 4} 4x oe um Zi o7) 9) SlSj= [59 3) a=} 5 9 | 32] — = = in = =lnj= = = 3 \=|= = =j=4 = i= =|=)2\= =
BIS =) 08S Syatie i= auf 7| 4fel alas) 4 =|=|= $18) 315 = =e 4 = = = = peed eat esi ieaitrcal eats a ms = = = ; a l= = S/S) 9)}l20| 581. 9 = =l=] s)=}u2| 9) 7) 6l 7
74) 23 sr] jah6 tee) 35) 71) 4 32 | — —|38) 5423) 4) 33 | 4) 72 SSS) 4 yas any 1 =| — 155 97 = 20 a = 85 | —} —| s5| 78 | 82 jaar | 33. — RS 37 = 153. 326 || | — = § | — | 16 | 60) 35 | 24 6) — =| =] 33] =] 78 | 55 [1431] 40) 73 4
=|= =\|=)= = faz) = sab =|=|aj= Sf=jHirj=jrie SE ]H13 1 1 = = = = SSS SSS ates = = = = = t s}—|=— = ==) 2) p= 1\)= ==] =]=|SprJ=te] =
GE Fase] ae fee 33 peal td ss S}ealsl tS) 3) =!— ys fe et a ea = = = = = | =—|=|=)/—=J=] 1J=]e - = = — = 1 s}—j— = Sf =f =u) re =|= —{=} «{=]=) s}=} 2}=
ie St lel lara S|ejatclabe Melets| sl=|=l=lalelals S|E\=I 1 Sala A = Sle aial= ; = i he ie = s 3 eles = l= tee et l=] elles alae temeal ies
Or [105 = 675 1140 4 183 = = fiaz | 76 243 1 15h SS Se 32/31) = S 2 = i = =} 187 |! 143} =| = = a oz = 170. — 272 = = a i
Wha ae ats = SNA Bin Altra es SS SES rol Bae ey | bes ee 3 (055 | = 90 | vo |S) i Sto) a hs 135 Ee ite ee = = = ie Sees Hog [38 ik oS $ 6) South) 6/28 |
thr es apes} SHSf=|'s) a 1=lsq—]oa} = a ey a AS SS Sa eiss = = =n} SS = a = = = {= = =| 4}— Sls = ia
26 | 57 33.) 18 BIR Bs el etic s Los 3s 93 | 38) 38 630) — El=|@ ny 90 = A = |= Sinn == 5 [45 = 3 4 6 | 30 [249 | 236 353 6S | 65 |120 158 74 [58 33) 167 | 43 | 22 | Or 8:
36.1 33) ES ars 3813733 33 32 | 74 5/33) 19} 55 | 32) 43 jor 145 35 205 185 — 94 {197 | 8 173 7 |t0a 339) 8s [159 oy 97 21s 5946 45) 13) — =| =} 23] =] 30)sa] 2) 15 as a
=e oS be Se) Fes Se Ss eee on eat = 3 2B pt ee) 2 a = 98 s | ie Be eal earl gay ties 2 3 | ay Sy a ae oe ea tee pe a a Pe EH FS 1 IS
=\- Sag B05 af i ais | = 4 | 30) aa 2 9 = 2 es alt= 2 3/=)a s}—| 9 mi) —|= 1 = =|= =l=\3)/=1= SSS aN] SVelalSi Ss} GS
i)= = = == = =| 3) 3! sta —fas =\= a) 1 | ar] o 4 3 1 = 5 }alt 6) —| 2) 1j—]— > } =| 4) 1) 16} rj/=]— fi 29 || —| — = — =|= =|={=|=i= == =| Shaye aS
=|=|=|- =|= = =)=)=/=- =}=)=|=) 2) 2}S]=) e]= Z|=h=} 8} <0] 6 at She oz) 4g 55 | = = |= =) | 57 = —|=|=} 27 | 63 | 40 Pullers 2} 49 | 86|—| 63 | 63] a78\|—| =) 22} =]98] as) 28] a8} az ]a7 | 85] —|— 7 4 =}4 =lalisy als 117) = S SSS | alSlels
= = SSE = SS a= =) 3/=] =| = |=) 1s | 26 | a2 j—j=j— ls) 8 St - 53 |toy - 35 = }—|—\ or faa | 74 = tip | 75 x2 | 47 = bi} 74} 816 || 09 | 45 | s2|—] 13 93) 116) 68) 47158) 7 | = 43 a =)3 =) 8] } 2) =} 1) s}= SB a ahs lle
S32 S655 Pes ft Fm Pal cs Fe) FeV Po Se Pag Fe JEG eae se 92914 AS SE ES ey ce ee eV = SS les) BEN ht ay YE ee ee EN IE fe ED a le =i ete) Se = saics SiS) 2/2) SS) 1/25 =|S= |Z != 1-1/2 1/2 1=
-|= = S\8|2)2 =)=)=}= 1) ahs |—j 2}a Sete teailis SlZl=| Ss) a) a {= == Ss) | a = a a {a}= 7| sl—|=l=|=l= = =} 2) =|=)=|=J=J=|=] =} 2 f=) 2hZ)= = = =|= SIS|=/=|=/=]=1=]= =|=|=]= 2) =| 3\—
= 3 S) 7h) 4 = 2) ire b's es S112] 3 2S ERA S)=) 6) 8413) fas l= S||S =|=} 20] 6 = SSe | =|3 2 [ears] Ses ed = = 1 ee =| =|-|=) -—#-|= = — =|2 =|) 2) SONS Shel SiS SS = Ss ee
= = =|=f=|= = |= =|= -|-|- =|=—|=j=l-|-— =|=l=|—]=|]-|-j- =|= =|=|—)— — Beee =l = =| 2f—|-|=]-|= = =| =)/=] 4/=|=-]=- =| =J=l-| ay z= = = =| = SES lSla= ==) =
=j=|=|=j=|= =|=/=|= =|=l=/=)=l= =|=/=|/=}=]= 3S) 2) SSeS = 1]= SEES S HVS =\|= SSS Ee = =} =)=/=/=/=l= =} =|=|=} -=/=J=|= = =|= = SSl=
= SESS SSa2ee SSS lSy SS Sees bee | at fe nt Se, EES) = (S= === a= 2 SESS ASE Ss HiSHeessssSeaeseseee =
= SS == a | el ES ses | as SH aS Sy Sa l= 1 = =
=|= 10 == 10 2 = =
{ i N08 | 107511685 1303|1658) — |18yy]ix32 = | = roSslar97) 1660) 842) 406) i ies
fh | jae j] i
! | [| |

Total
Average

* No. of Havls.

Se pend a

os

we
€

pe

a
Pa 4

ne ar ia nea ied Od

f :

; ae 5

{ i by
Bae
, : ' a
th i 7 a
chy Ties ie
ane | Lr
- 4 ye ie,
t ‘ a i
ae? Pi eae tie
w> t os
ia t if
Pane qed por barren tia
He. : “pe

ae i
> ; eae
co e a aie
me er | t
a> oh. ac em Hoe
me ah | i
it: €
me fy
Us ry, rt He
Py t
ow

a

RAIS )-aiacl (as

cy
H

a ee Sate

ys

aor

ae Be
: eu 8 i
ns

4 *
recat ge te Sea a

A bene Bes i ¢ bs t i
; 4 wo Be eH
P f ine, i Ae '
5 od eo 4
' j oe D Me
4 & aan rg t

fa i alae

tains era ere

as
am Me i
: ; ef 4
| \ z i ee = Ke 3
t oe
\ } 3 wh Uh
i : he Asa ER 4.4 Smeal, ‘Me

t
z

eee
Ps
SS

t
q
Le
ess 4
s * a ie ‘ " ts .
i ca ee Ome me ry ee ad ae
2 Pe jee saunas tied it RN ol leas
~ a , ~~ ae it
te *3 : perv Vee an
hee a 1% Poe b
o +f Le ae H
’ d F y +

; Ga
cing Saget tg Py = Y

G

a DECEMBER

1891|1892|1893

2

4

2

355 36 651 |296

|

1894 taps)
5) a al ays
—j|}—| 2
— 2 I
== game ae es
3 —— —
81 | 16 I
40) | = I
86 Te
I =, —
72 |175 | 59
1a a Wee a a
I I =
214 | 94

Totals

2015

Totals

DECEMBER
1511 89011801|1892118031189411895
GNSS 5 ol ies aa
=a |) ea ae ee
| Za | dg ape au), 20: | 2
ae.
rj|/—/}—] 1}—
Dee ane (fe lee
“21 ee
(ie See ea | ED eee
py 2s hoc Beaman eo |.
7 EG am PF Ors fb ES

Brassie?

SPECIES

Grey Skate
Thornback
Starry Ray

Haddock

Whiting
Whiting-Pout (Bib)
Coalfish

Hake

Ling

Halibut

Sail-Fluke
Craig-Fluke (Witch)
Long-Rough Dab

Lemon-Dab
Sole

Flounder
Grey Gurnard
Bream

Catfish
Flapper-Skate
Sand-Eel
Sprat

SPECIES

Frogfish (Angler)
Dogfish (Tope)
Zeugopterus (Topknot)
Skulpin

Armed Bullhead
Rockling

Greater Weever

Goby

Lumpsucker
Fatherlasher

Lumpenus lampetriformis
Liparis vulgaris
Rockling (Three-bearded)

Rockling (Four-bearded)

|
Total |

of each
Species

Total
of each
Species

Average
per Haul

of each

Species

717
1°55

"009
‘OO1
2
04
‘Ol
‘OI
‘09
‘OI
‘04
"008
‘004
“O04
“OO!

: %
sad

| TABLE XII.
|
{ “GARLAND'S” TRAWLING. FORTH. 1886—1895. IMMATURE FISHES.
FEDRUAKY MARCH APRIL | May i JUNE JULY | AUGUST | SEPTEMIER OCTOBER | NOVEMBER * j DECEMBER
| — 2. = Sit ee = a eee
] Tale a 1 1 i} ; ; | —— 5 —— w.
i 18218 4 oxasl 6l | 1858 1886] R089 893809 elt 1892 1893] 801895] Toate | 86185] 4891188918] Soul Boal t8o5]t8a4)895| Tota | 86 611+ 892{ 1803805 {1885 1886] 69018] 8oa! 1893 [$4895] Toa | 1856 1887 [rss 1889] al 1895 |tSa4]n895/ Toute 1868578 8S] 1801895804185 Touals1556 18; 5511850] 180911891{189211893)189311893 {11830 18911892 1893118411895) Totale SSH SPECIES
f ‘ 889) Bed ( IL I i ( eA Es i i (Bee thes! 1135) tat} 1893118931194] So 189941891 [1892118931 854} 18s) TSSHIISS7 }1S92)1893)18j]1895) Torals
== S 5 S\=|=l[slololo}s! ola] SS Sinise o\a! slo lols | si) —|=(=\o jo |milay x =o 8 = S|=lS\7 lolol l= 9 Su ff za fist | 231] 65 [fo) | = fine [99] [Siol=lslajo|slololo 4|—lo}olo}m) os) o)—i6 7 s|afotr hy [ett set —|=
| aa SSS SS Sc so SSS se Sil = She =P = ; Sara 1
SSSqeqe Hels SSS eStSsesent | j\a j= 2 2 (esi 1 4 2) 4/2 4 =f Sa ey Grey Skate
== SS 3| 6|= ={=/=|= 1] 2 15] =|=|=|=| 1 Z =f=f=) = af =) =t=) =| =) 2)=/=!=]= Ssh r=) a} 4) =) == 3/—|=| =| 2/= 4 = Sia SHEN
SS leanne etme taailin | HUSH aN eS ies) SNS ISIS 2 H=}=|4)= lel Salas Sls == AE t=} 5] $}S| s[=| a1 3]E]=] S|ElE 4 (a Shale | fi fe ft acd fc | 6 Thombaik
===) S/S SS le SiS Af Sips (SSS SSeS =|=|=|=/= =)=|={S|=\=|=|=!=|=!= S/=)=l= =| — =) 2/24) S22) SSE 2 2 SS pf) 2G PS fe et 3
Shela) Sy eg | |] 2 a CO ey fa = 3) 9) — 2 8 a gees | it fo toe se Se). sa ed) SO SN SS Sl] (St Sl=]= = = =| 2/— =/=|7/—| s|/- Ss) = a
SS SS) = = 4 ff | ts} — 2] —| —|—] —} 33] 16] — 7) an} —| 2} 7 S =n ms) 25 =) =) =Ha5 35(—]. 4i| oo —| t= 1) =| =} te] =] az = = efi a fee | ea tp Ff fee Fe
eS | — 6 fies | $2 es == 23| 1 | 3 [ish [sea y =|=|3] 2) wo) 1] —\9 [ang 3 =} $9) =| i186) = 00 |= =|= 244 | = favo | 1821 |] = jtosz | 4] =| = 3616 | 6 [133 983 7 l=} x SS = in| 47 [16s [use| Sat Oh
bcs od Sil 74) 30) 7 i = 33] 13 | 92 35 4| 39] 12 | 62 | aes 40 143 22) 2 Cal} 9 6/ /= 26 | 33 2 te 3) 7 62) 12 iS | opr uf | 5 =l—|45 ml—} 5 B St)35 tof — | 8 5h) 45 y
=}=|=/=|- = =}=J=|=!=|=|=|= =|=|= =!=|=|=|= = oe) Sg ss == =)=|= = =\=) = =|=|= =}=|=|=|=|=)2]=)=\— f
= z— ={=l= = = = = SE) =) S24 2S SS SSS rasie= =l=}=/=|=)=)=] = |= SSS 1} a} | = l= =f=|=|=|=|=)=\S 15 |= he
zs S]=}= =) =|-J-}-]-|-!-]-|-/-! -}-]-|-]-!-]-|- =f=) ==}=)=f=)=!=)=t=)=) =) =a) H=)asal- =) -) =) -f-) =) 2 ]=l=l-}-J=) 2 - = SS lS lS Sa =) HHS) = = —!| =) |= | ul S420) [so ea (FF
|S ESSE \-]| = SEES EE! Slee elcli=) SSeS Se S2S= Ss S2ceesetee aeeeeesee S|2/=|2/S|=| Z/Z/E| Sl=| SIZ/=/EISIE = SESE =|=|= 5 “eS
SSSI SS) - SSS SSSR Se) Se aS eS = s2) sSeessqeeese eee seeseeeseeeeeecs SSS sles =\2) 13/52 2/2/22 SENSIS) = S!SiSie|2 25 Jes 5 Ale
SS) =) S| FS easel =| =)=fa)= laf =l=l t=) =] =I = =H] SH SIE Jalal Hh =J=l-)=l=!=!=)=lela! =!=l=l=l=)='=/=)s!='6} =! le lslel-lei- = =) SSNS l=) fy Sa ft Ft = SlSlSh= Sal Slat = SS) |
—|=l-l|al— 113 | 95 | 39 | S2 =| =| —] 36] 20) Ss [ass fas 1 58 | 732 |, —| —| —] 29] 58} 37 [186154 7] 75] 556 \) —| —|—} 24) 59) 17 sz | 67 | 99 [ts8) 476 |) —| —] —] 72 se 228 | 796 hs 2356 | 43 [132 | — ‘80 [107 | 90 j=} 45 | 39 1s [194 | 194 op Se 98 [205 | 67 | 49 — | 154 49) tig aks 115 292 [109 93 \= 44 | 70 [148 325, = uo —|4 | 46 } Ley p Rough Dab
5 es Se a SJ =)=)=] =| ==] = f= f=) =) =) ==) =) JH Fale) Hs) == l=) =) elle Jal Hh alelele=l=lelei= =) ===] 1 ==) =)=/- ={=)=l=/=|=| = SPSlElSl=lSj=! Sele =|=)=!=)- )=|=]=l=}-!= = =|a|=|—|=\=l=\=|= |
oe 08g eF ao" Be Bees eee ees ele Seeeeeee ee eee] seee See eeeeeeeeee SAS 4 alae ee eee ee pees ce ee 2 Seger cee 4s eseeeae i
ea | | SVSi= SHE 2/3/— = S]=|=| a} a=] SE} |=} 36 o) a) el—=(=|=15t a Sains = Se i (BIEN belcind S/n) a9) — 149 || =| 427 | = Sal =| aryl a|e 27 |=!2 58 Se ey bre Ae NS ae PT al Eas lie ua
S55 | 18 4] 3] 8} 35 |a2|39| 8 | ato 1] 7|a5|42| 6 iss | 16) 260 | 9} 20) 30] 30 [18y [145 | $7.| sos 1a | a8 [6 [265 | 75 | = [105 Si liao [rat | 98 | — [asa 187 G 79 |147 |312 {205 | 408 83 | = | 201 (1B (166 ag 524 g59 fas 410 | 75 700 336 }= | a5) 60 fiot 503 47/75 — nag toy) ax | —| nn ty | 72 26 8) Mice
am 3 1] 4 a) ex 9 4] 9]—j}ro]—j} 33 = 1}19) 2}a5| 5| 62 10 | 82) 2 1 0 1 $2! — = 7} a 08 48 104 jas 2 39 9) o4 ! {2 S16 3] 4) ja} 2i—F 3) gri} goj}—|—!| alist}! 8} 6} Lemon:Daty
aes =|ijalale] 6 = Sate y SSS 2 a|S= eS EM t= 7a |=t= 1ia|—)— 2/2) wie SSS i = = = =|=)= =| 1=lS/ =} Sh = Sea ial e Find
=| pe era PS fo ak oS hdl a el Sate | = | =| Si = bag stan| = 8) =|= =) is plus = #6 )19) =| 06) Shisn 52/65 | 0 = |=} 10) 2/6 he) | =|=| a0] =| = Syl |hees |= 9 |= las | Ell iel3s|a2 tet alispirile peer
| | | = =|=}=|=|=!=|=}=) =$=)=]=|=)=]=!=)=!=)=) =) =]=)=\=)=)-)-)- j=} =yajaialelef=/e =) - =|=/=|=|=/=\/=/=|= =f=)=/=/Sl=) =|=/=) ==] = =\= = =|-)=/=)=/= =|=|=|=|=)= pl ee = Tat
SS |5|S|= = SSiqee)s) sigeeleale eel SSESSeese sa alse SeSeSee a) Tenssseeee FSIS (=| Sreleleeleisiet= SelSie lee SSS = =k a\= ey
Fe et | es | ae SNS Sp ec ie Pt = =] E| ht ea = = =) ee =|=/=/=/=|=/=|=|= = | |e | |e al a (a ee | SS S| Ste = = al pal Fy Pe a QS) S| = Ste] he eatin
=) 5| ele = SS SGS Els) Wesel] css) assess eqseercSescessnFbemesanseeana SES EEE! SIS/2) Sl=) SSeS SEle === Stele S| 5/38 BES 1B 9 a 2
== lee = = Tenses Seerseth see SeSesbeeebeasteieeaearetes S|2} 3) 52/32) 4) Sf =|a (===) SJql=) 2 =] =l=| i =ElElel =} SS Senei =|E\=|E/E'2 =e) =|) 3} -|=|= jala Tale?
— |e @ = | 52] 92 |206 su “6 i823 [iss | 208 |] —| — | — | 46 |t73 35 | 07) | a18s |) =] = | =| 46 [oor [156 (643 i538 |z6r | 1925 |= =e Tos 365 |4S0 [S31 468 — 672 331 |1629)195 [261 | — |s10 fist series | =|= 74 [254 topo |i93 | = THO 4982 | — lata7 [ato 1430) 551 fas tes (S979 Jtovae | 202 [zone 4 | 7 3876 [36 60% [| =)]/78 fs3 16) Fe0y 345989 |= {28a | 497 jas] — | 21 |170 [38 Iss3 ‘a bis [2% | =| —|@ |= hiss (8 65 ps pa 94 | 2015
i d te | | t | J i i i | ! Pek | |
= = — = =a : © Nomber of Hauls: =
=| UNSALEABLE FISHES. 7
JANUARY q “| FENRUARY MARCH. APRIL JUNE JULY | ‘AUGUST SEPTEMBER { OCTONER NOVEMBER | DECENAER Ava
~ = Z } =e : i BT ees ih Nee = snows oer Ht
i ee i ie leeds) | : Fate | eleeeal [is Feaaeal es) Py oo 1 ates Taal hae Webel hey SPECIES: of each | oC ett
18 8 8 Ta 8) 857188) 185 851155189384] 1855 ota 8] 1857| $8] 509 181 Sl 8 84595 1557 189018911892) 1893 1886|1857}1888 189181891] 1893]1895] 180 1895) Totals 1 886 1857)1858| 859) 893 185411895) Totals} 1886] 1887 18911892) 18931894 1895) Totaly 1S} 893 18041895) Totals 1886 188p 1888 1$S9 o}1891[1892 1833 84) 189 USS 18851S 18 185 1895180185] Total 618515988} 1892 8181899 Tsay) Species [SPI
Sl aiwul—|—|—|o,o)elols|olo| @ |—|-|—/9|ol7]o os = olals|o | Si=lo | @ jE\e 10/9 =) 7 [=SunnnnmeanE = [aps ° 59 7 9|sio 4 [= a) o olinlaol= 6 Tietz) ofatr 6|—|is Slojaju 9 7
mi Sse CSS ie Rahal eS een Steril oathaal lea 7am |=|= Tail uaheai| a7 =i 3) | te) a =\\a 6 =|=) a7 |>s) 35] 9 |=) us | Sl 3) IES 3/25) 58 Say 7 jj s = Sls ofe =| 9s Hlole 9 | Hews vee) mie | gs
real ee EZ ey NE ed bs at tS te | 2h See ene SS Sie. pe sae ne Sy i= =) 2) Se SS) =) S13) =|) = See 2 = ais = =|=|=|= =| = =|=)= =} 9
= Si) Vase SSS 5e3eas SE y= SS =) =| Sy= == =>\\= = S| SS |= SS SSeS Seles ey a ie = ==) SS =| =| |= 2) > =| =|=1= S| ejoiere vp knon Tiloreet
3 2/2) 4 SSS 223 SS S28 Gita SNS] 1=) SSS) SiS =| |= == i = =|2 ft S| =) i) sll) 3) S) 6) 8S) SS 5 /Sl= |=) Ble) a) as = il s)=l=|= =| a= |e =) i S)a} aja 4 | Skahp m |
i SS ye SS) St are Ss eS ee SS Sra SS a3= aa) S = == = = Sic ate | eanesa sel lls [| SS 2) SSS \) a = =\0) (2! SN= =|1)/=]= END SS esiea lo 2 | Amal tallbe | oe
= y=) SA |, 8 (et Rey Oa Nt brane fe Wel Sees Ses pi == Sele|= == & = == =|])2)S SSseseSsseslSssbeSeSstes S SSS iSrl a = SVS SES S255 | eee SS oh eal Sh
Jesic=i — SSS SS SER eeeeeeeceege= SlSlele eS ; = API =I= (2) oS SSS Seta lel Sale sSeSeseiaiee SSIES SSele Sie Ble lei = jose mS
= = 3) Seals ei Sel ee a) ae SS ANN 2 == = = == Sei S\=)S)= = =) = = Se =) SS) | 3 Tapper i | oo
3 ‘= 3 y ay 2 = a $ Ss SS = Tamper jampetiiomi| "6 |) oe
== it = 2 = = i = Lipatis wulgacin y | so
rar Ble 3 ims = abs | a SS = la | = i = Reekling (hresbertel)| 3 /]. “eng
— =-/—|= )- = = == = =f=) = |= Sh eas | —|-i-)}- = Koekting (Foarbeanted) 1 ‘cor
fF Bal [ot ay 7 =li9 52) — 46 | 20 | 29 | 47 1 |=} s3))as) se]a7}a21—| 18) 32) 26) 07 Ivo] 38) 18/—) 00) | 30 8) 35] 24/87 | 10 S| 35 [aa fay) 8) lr] a6 slp slas fo fiy = 106 147
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TABLE, XVI. :
-MMATURE (UNSALEABLE) FISHES.
APRIL
i ie TES A pale ye 2 a ee
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ME eee 4 5 9 | 30
36 24 6 10 19 5Or i |. T45:a2
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“NORTH COASTS TRAW EING OUTSIDE SMO k AViaE Ria Giaeessec:

TABLE XV. TABLE XVI.
SALEABLE FISHES. IMMATURE (UNSALEABLE) FISHES.
No. of Hauls 6. ie
APRIL ; APRIL
SPECIES | Description SPECIES*
T Il Ill IV V VI Totals = I II III IV V VI Totals
ae pie | 8th Sth Sth 8th 7 eh eh Sth 8th Sth Sth
(Gieyes Katee ermariccsssnns ect — I I = 2 I 5 Grey Skate......... 16 — — — 5 9 30
Codirce st: se ILENER® soonacon | 24 | 24. Starry Ray......... 36 24 6 10 19 50 | 145
ID losis edaened Medium...... | — | 8 2 13 9 4 36 Sandy Ray......... — — —_ — — I I
Do.(Codling)| Small _...... — I — 4 5 ig 23 Haddock............ 9 7 — 14 4 8 42
Haddock...... IL EWES sonaaaoes 200 | 284 -| 243 136 249 | 126 | 1238 Wihtitin ore cena — — — 2 — — 2
180 | 134 | 102 201 | 97 1085 Hake si cavesncten I — — — — — I
2 | yf ZG) 484 | 357 | 1808 Wiatchiveretectntnee 18 — — —_— — — 18
9 14 21 19 | 42 117 Long-Rough Dab | — 5 _— 7 9 19 40
a 2 Sail-Fluke 5 _ — — — — 5
— 5 2 2 I 10 Wabi. wencce vente II 2 9 33 20 4 79
i] = a 8 5 52 Lemon-Dab ...... ote! I — 5 _— 8
— I — —}; — I
' — — — I I 2 97 39 16 66 62 QI | 371
IPIEINGS: Gaocoonne I — 6 6 5/ — 18-
Sail-Fluke Syibe oll I == II 9 57 JNA caonenanetnoo 14 os = = = 14
DAD steaneeeess 8| — 8
Lemon-Dab 14 Tee 28 LOM eet 45 119 Totals ......... III 39 16 66 62 or | 385
Gurnard ..... 24 — | 53 110 86 | 14 287 EN a
Gatfishermenen: —_ — 5 4 2 4 15 : ;
Poor Cod —_ 2 — 5 — | — 7 * Six young Cod (small) were liberated alive. -
BR OLal Smtr iacrsiedesta seins 993 | 727 | 663 | 641 Im7I | 719 | 4914
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NOVEMBER Totals

ee ee es || of each
Species SPECIES
1|1892|1893|1894 1895 1896 1897) Totals
—{|— |—]|]—]| 6 | 6 12 108
| Ee ae eee ee — 2 Grey Skate (large)
| SR ees eens ieee = 9 Do.
| Re en (ee ea 2 2 65 Thornback (large)
Ba en laeraa| a: fe Ss 2 3 5 66 Do.
ous) SA eee ieee ee eee — — | Starry Ray
ue pally eee aan -— I | Sandy Ray
pene (SE lig La I I I Fuller’s Ray
I Sree ee Ws fe oe hee a I Shagreen-Ray
3 oe ees 2 22 Cod (large)
9 —|—}|—]|—)/ 46] 19] 65 234. || Do.
Oo a ee ee ee 6 | 17 23 121 Haddock (large)
3) —|—|—]|—) 22] 18 40 449 Do.
3 Dae | ae ee ee == 430 Do. (small saleable)
cee, | a ERE aca ee ea I 6 Whiting (large)
9 Se el a 4 181 Dos
2 Bem eee Se Weal eo ay 2 127 Do. (small saleable)
5 Ay 9 | ape | a eae ae = 7 Hake
od 7) eo ean eras I I 2 2 Ling
et ss RN eae) ene eee = I Lythe (Pollack)
ne eS ee ge = a Halibut
= BOSE ei Sone eee bao — I Sail-Fluke
—|—}|—j|;—)} 6| 42 48 || 388 Witch
—|—|—|—|—} 2 2 31 Long-Rough Dab (large)
—}|—|]—}]— 7. 2 27 \ a 228 Do.
— | — | — | — | — I I 6 Turbot
ee eit Ss ease tl ae 3 £3 34 Brill
— | "| —= | ==. 65) 26 B2 320 Plaice (large)
— | — | — +) =| 8 1163 | 247 1678 Do.
— | — | — | — | 67 |221 278 3315 Do. (small saleable)
| a eal ea I 62 Dab (large)

— | — | — | — | 39 |182 | 221 3104 Do.
319 Lemon-Dab

—|—|— | —] 10} 15 25

Eo 5 cee, eee eee aes — 20 Sole

ee gn ee ee — Il Flounder (large)

Bee Free) Oe Ss — 18 Do. (small saleable)
eat aie = ee ae ae SG 7 251 Gurnard (large)

caesar tee fon te te 7 7 || or Do.

EDS AL fee ap if eae ea See — 2 Catfish (large)

Se a) ee a Rae ee — I Do.

— | — | — | — [299 |757 1056 12630

TABLE XVII.

“GARLAND'S” TRAWLING. MORAY FRITH, 1887—1897.

STATIONS I. TO VI. SALEABLE TPISHES.

APRIL MAY JUNE JULY AUGUST SEPTEMBER OCTOBER NOVEMBER Totals
ae 2 — - ; ae of ech
SPECIES nae | | soslisoel | |1897 H $92}1893) 18031 1895|1896] 1897] Totals | 1887]1888}1880]1890|189 | 1892|1893|1803|1895|1896|1897) Totals | 18871888) 1889]: 890118 893 1894]1895|1896|1897] Totals :887}1888) 18 8 8 Totals||138; 5 887|18 se STE
Thches ||) §87/1888|18S9]1890) 1891) 2/1893) 1894/1895) 1896) 1897] Totals || 1887) 1S88}1889) 1890) 1891/1892) 1893/1894) 1895) 1896/1897 Totals |/1887] 1888) 1889] 1899) 1891)1892) 1893) 1894] 1895}1896) 1897) Totals |) 1887/1888) 1889] 1890] 1891) 1892]1893]1894| 1895|1896|1897| Totals || 1887]1S88) 1889] 1890) 1891| 1892) 1893) 189411 5|1 1897} Totals}|1887} 1: 1889] 1890}1891]1892}1893| 1894] 1895] 1896| 1897] Totals ||1887}1888] 1889] 1890) 1891|1892|1893|1 194) 1895) 1896) 1897} Totals | 1887] 1888} 1889] 1890) 1891| 1892) 1893 1894) 1895 1896) 1897] Totals
Sa] | = a e 6 5 Si} 17 6 —_ 6 12 6 |— 6) 5 17 6 1} 6 13 6|6|6 is || — — 6/6 6 18 | — | — _— = 6/6} 12 108
: + | ; i cu loreatt | zs
aaa Ree =a SE = | 2|— Si 2 - = = — = = —|— — = —|-— 2 || Grey Skate (large)
= Fea (Ss = } | — = a 4 Coes = = SSS 3 2 5 Saal (ess = = = 9 Do.
| ea | <s 1 al 2 3 | 9 |} 3 = —|4 7i—|—|-—| 3/-—!|—|—| s] 8 16 = 3 3 2| 5] 6 _ 13 — 1} 3}—]ou}— 15 — 2 2 65 || Thornback (large)
a SS = | } Rae 2} 2 2 5] 9} 14 || rel] 2 3 rt] 6/-— — 7 6 | 15 12 33 ||} —} —| —} —| —| —!—}] —] —] 2] 3 5 66 Do.
S= Sess 2 | Sie) =e gee = = = = = SS a2 2's= Stary Ray
= | | r]— } «4 1] i ! =) = =}= _ | = —} -}-— — —! — 1
i | fs (ea | — | —] {-} — | — | — =| _ = | - =— a — —|1 1 I
= | Sa aei | =|= ileal ella! = | ||: = t | Salsas = = st em teal ai Sisereea
Su Se = | 1 3)/—] 7 lI _ — } 4{— 2) 1 |} 2 — I 3 2 2 = 2) rj— 3 | — = = 2 2 2
oe | Ps (SS es ee i = s =) GSS) yh eae } v4} | 5 18 23 | 6 10 | 16 || 2 | 3) 14 19) — | 18 | 20 | 18 56 15 | 20 6) 4r = = } = —|46/19| 65 s&s Dee
ea | s| 3 | p=! } } 21 || }24 =] = 24 || = 5 | 5 1 — 9 10 a 11} 8} io 29 Bil oy 6 9 — 2 —| 6)17} 23 121 | Haddock (large)
SN H } 114 | 17 ies 1345) = | = 35 7| 42 10 | — 21 | 25 - so |) 8} —|—|—}]—]—]—]—] 2 = 19 || —| —|—} 18} 8| 18 44 — 94 17 14 |) — = — 22/18} 40 449 Do.
KS a= } 21 } 21] 2 3 5 Salers: To |) | 3 3]}—|— 26 26 — |363 | 2 365 — — — =| 430 Do. (small saleable)
| A= j— } 34 | 3 —|;—|— —|-|— } | | 1) — T ny = ran = = —|—| 1 r 6 || Whiting (large)
| { | i 90 6) | j | 96 — 6 2) 9 17 || 17 | 2 19 a 4) 7 —!| 21 _— 2r} 1 2 24 || — _ — ! 4 4 181 Do.
aml Bail | | 45 1} 56 1 1 | so 14 3 | A= 21—|—]—1] 33] 10) 2 45 || — =) SS) = |5 | 8 = = = | 2 2 || 127 Do. (small saleable)
= SS a 4 —|— =|= 4 = = =| | == 3 | 3 = = S/S) = 7 || Hak
= { ay [= SS = = i | — = = —|-—|1 — — I _— =| — — —{|—j 1] 1 2 3 Ted
I —|-— aa 1 i | —)}— | — — _ = — 1 || Lythe (Pollack)
aes eat | | aS = | S)= =|= | = = = j=|=|=} =| — || Halibut
2 es | = | |= = — —|-|=— i — —|— | = r}— = 1|/—}|—)| — Sh | SS =| 1 || Sail-Fluke
} as | = | — |172 21 8 201 |} Ayal a7, 1 4] 1 = —|5 20 tr 48) 1 60 || — _ m} 3 12 | 26 _ 6) 42] 48) 388 |) Witch
| | 1 t Se) — 2 || = 3 3 1 1 } — =—|/=—j;—]} 8] 2 10 =— 7 S18 12 —}=— = 2 21) 31 Long-Rough Dab (large)
=| { 132 8 —|7\-— 147 || | 20 20 |} 4 29| 3 | = 8 18 || — 28 jar} 1}—|—}—|—}— 50 14 9|— 23 Sei =" 7) |k20! 27 || 32r | Do.
== fa Si= = | | — _ i i 1 _ I 2 || 1|— = | = H 2 _ 2) — —|— = ie | — 1 Tj 6 | Turbot
= = | |—|— | | s = | Al i = 2 | 1 3 Si 2)/= 2 SS} } 16 Sl} — Ba) 3 wil 34 a res
| — Set 16 Io | 35 | 27 | | 1 35 ]}—J|— 23 12 } { 4 50 || — Q} 11 | 23 43 = 79 || = i—|— = 2 32 320 | ce
a | Fe i “2 | 61 | 42 ;—!—| } 125 || — 157 = | 28 | 185 | | 4B 87 | 37 a SPH Hf Hf Hf HJ 4 2 =] 3 = 93158] 50 181 || — — —| 448 |) —| —}| —| —| — —}—]| —} —| 84 ]163} 247 || 1678 || Do. ee
=i i 1 | I 39 68 | 32 } 139 | 90 |} — | 28] 118 }} | $9 1276 | 52 | | t —| 2) 25 27 — | 87 [129 [641 857 || — — 1479 || —)| 1 _— 57 [221 | 278| 3315 || Do. (small saleable)
= eS SS SS SS SS = }—}=|—j} 6/-! — j= 6 2 | 2 —{—l—) 8 1 | lhe 18 || — 4} 3 | 11 = 18 8 || — = — I I Dab (large)
| 8 =} 8) —[177} 80 — |110 | 367 58 | — — Tog | 162 187 60 |121 | | — 157 200 1233 [411 |150 _ 794 984 i { I —| 39 |182 | 221 | 3104 Oo.
i | 30 | ir | — 4 45 16;—}— | — | — | 27 43 7 | 50 | 12 4) 12|)— 47 || —| — | —| 10} 22} 13 45 || — = 45 |i = = To | 15 2 319 Lemon-Dab
= —|-| — | 18 | 18 |} — 1 ; | — I — = = = = = || 20 | Sole
SE) pe a a = — || I 1 2 a n | a alt —|=— 7 —|—| 2] 2 4 - —}—|/—-J-!}-}|-| -— =|-} —/— 11 |) Flounder (large)
SS | eS et eS ee ee = | — 3 malay —|— 1} — 8 —|— at 2 si — — — 18 Do. (small saleable)
= — 14 12 }— 3 28 —|-—| 8 36 31 { 14 | 16 —|-— 2) 16 18 |} — 14 | 24 | 29 = 67 — 16} 9}/—]| 6 Ri = = tr] 6 7 251 Gurnard (large)
— i221 45 4 = 314 77 = 56} 133 7 |= 69 | 30 = 1} 53 223 16 | 69 | 28 — 113 = 87 | 18 I 106 || — — = — 7 7 |) tor2 Do.
= = 1 I = 2||— = = (= h= = =|=} = = =i = =|= = = ===) = 2 || Catfish (large)
— —}— =) = |— —j— | — 1 ry — | { =—}— = => — = = => T Do.
Reet ae eT ees pt I ee | aul
== )=) =) = (27 27 1108} — }390 | — | — [285 | — | — | — | — | 1783 | — | — |546 | — | —| —| —] —] — | — 353 | 809 |] — | — | — |g62 ] — | — | — 649 |347 | — | —| 1458 |600 | —] — | —] —] = | 33 399 1032 = 581 [875 |1043 2499, — |1883]1490] — |503 | — | 3876 |} — | — | — | — == SS = [299 |is7 1056 || 12630
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——— 2 ees ra Sy
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SEPTEM)VEMBER

1896

Ped wte le bee | Latest ted

Sale|

Totals

1897| Totals

12 108

[S@ i So lal ded |e!

wl luwadk! lwanal |
= (es sex | Westies | [|

————

478 | 535 || 7233

of each |
Species |

SPECIES

SS

Grey Skate
Thornback
Starry Ray
€

Witch
Long-Rough Dab
Turbot ,
Plaice

| Dab

T.emon-Dab
Sole
Flounder
Gurnard
Poor Cod
Solenette
Butterfish
Pipefish
Wrasse
Angler
Dragonet
Pogge
Fatherlasher
2

| Four-bearded Rockling

ee ee

‘
{ TABLE XVIII.

“GARLAND’S” TRAWLING. MORAY FRITH.

STATIONS I. TO VI. UNSALEABLE FISHES.

1887—1897.

APRIL MAY | JUNE | JULY AUGUST SEPTEMBER OCTOBER NOVEMBER
ee i Ser | | al | | Nesdhes eo sh 1898,
18B9/1890)1891) 1892 1893|1894) 1897] Totals|/1887|1888) 1890 1891 1892/1893 1894) 1807) Totals] 1887 1888] 1889|1890|1891] 1892] 1893) 1894]1895|1896)1897| Totals) 1887]1888|1889 1890}1891' 1892| 1893 1801893)806 1897 Totals|)1887/1888 1889) 1892) 189311804) 1897) Totals 887] 1889] 1899} 1891|1892)1893]1894|1895)1896 1897; Totals 88 1888 1889 1890) 1891) 1892 1893 |1894!1895 1899|1891) 1892|1893}1894 1895)1896) 1897 ‘Totals|
; 3 3 a = | SI aS = iPGiee a Ss eg ea| 6 sil fala, || 6] | 3 (6 6 | ee = 6) 6 |= = =| (el | 1
| | | | — | ; = a pax
—I2 | | ve] | aa ss | | a = = air coed Coe
saiS) =} - joan I ll | | SSeS 2 5 ) 1 2 3 — =| <= —|—| 1] 3 4
i is! = | Je Pet | eal he le et ed heeded zs | ee eles
8 | = 3 = | | = =| =n 1 \— 1 | 2||— = = Sp eel enlie)
= =I =e | | =a | = 7 =| 17 |309 | = 309 Heals tas = } = 8 = = eed fear feel ele a
aul = = 19 i | —| 12 12) 3|— 3 i 3 = i = @ = = SSS SSeS
| = = { | 3 = | = = = = =
i | a femal |e | = 7 7 t = | = I = = = — Sail Cassi ant Reatleettis 3 i
= = (i | = 9 | | | te eS 16| 16) —| 2 =13 3 34) 4 2 6 1 = =| 29 = = Sh = por cea eae ise MA = tr Pay
Si a . as 23 ee, —|-|—}—-| =}. 3 nice
= || 18 66 | iS 12! 20 22 S| 19 | =| 99 ||202 292 | 3 | 24 335 362 310 | 5 =a, | ;
6 6 24 88 = Shien ot falas 508 435 les¢ |) =| 21) 997 II309 | — 456 1388 [42 |350 1170 = = |1089 |275 | — = =| 39 j354] 384 Cae :
= = 28 |=|= = Pestle 4 |u 1 | \— r= |= We ee epee =e] Oe = | ies) S Sole
a SSiz 6 = 6 = = oF 5 | eae = cae —|—J]—J—-/-—/-—} - He
= = = | | — ee | =|) SS 6 u
2 2 67 | 20 | = 57) 7 W ) 53 | 16 | =} 80)}) 13 34 | 5 4 26 = | Tae | Pay 3 Se g Poor Cod
= | | = { = rat | es | : a Eileen nm —}|—|—}—}—} 1 1 Subte
as = aS = | = — — = = = 3 a = futterlis
= — | | | = eS | = = = & = = § ai ras Elise BE | st = [aa at ES Pipelish
=| |2\4 les S25. === 1|=|=|= i SESS) sl sl= SSS elle Xngter
= 4 3 Paull 4| f Bs 3| 9}—| ea 6 7 5 Wa 10 ay 8 a= uy SS \\o = B55 Pad | = = = 6 6 obs:
= ae = Hess ae = } ex = | pea | a3 = = 0
= a = = | | | | =) 1 {= n | = a = a |S es Pm | ee pees = =a y Patherlasher
— i — = — — — — = = a = } t— —I|— *
| =i =| |=\4 (=| | | = = |=\= = Sal hecellles {ss eee B == Sil all || Four-bearded Rocklin
| fame! | ras | ell EE | | =o east = sa om eases ‘a= i—| — a] leeitradl
=je |= 8 | —| 50 =|i70 = |=|=|8 {asl S |is2)| 2701) || — lss7 | =| — | — [sre 53s | | ieee 067 |= | — 1150 \yt2 |520 720 1652 = = |1y9r 309 | — —|—| =| s7 jas) 3s
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1887
1888
1889
1890
1801

1887—1891

Five years

1892
1893
1894
1895
1896
1897

1892—1897
Six years

Kets A
O37 Ol
re 38
47 18
30 72
a7 | \ tae
| 40 68
174 85
BZ 231
94 | 113
22 62
30 31
45 61

Bees vé

io>) [oat ‘-
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August

May

June

May, July, Sept.
September

September
April, May, Oct.
July, October
July, August
Aug., Oct., Nov.
June, November

TABI Ow

“GARLAND’S” TRAWLING. MORAY FRITH. 1887—1897.

STATIONS I. TO VI.

TOTALS AVERAGE PER HAuL i
No. or : : : SG fee |p cel os} a ||
Baye PAR Ng | | dea eoeal ey OSE | Boal: le ela ee ical 2 Wie ence aren aa ead
st s sie |Es'3| 6 as} = sists Ah cep ey = Bg) S 2) = s co
Bo ge ee) Oca | eee ee ieee jellies aaa
a emlercs «|S el x | ||
| ere
6 1887 559 | 370] 42 14 5 | 318 20 182 — | 2 2) 22 |} 1/1} — 7 93 61 | 53 | 30 |) August
6 1888 88 | 201 30 | 132 7 || swag} |) ica 23 Ai = |) = |p ee I 5 4 14 33 | 23 | 39 || May
6 1889 282 110 16 — 5 61 I 125 I | — 3 4 47 18 to | 20 || June
18 1890 542 | 1337 | 20 68 38 75 | 118 155 |—] 1 |—1] 33 5\/— 9 9 30 72 | 4]! 8 || May, July, Sept.
6 1891 222 | 846} 27 51 23 18 18 110 8|—]—I| 49 5 | — 6 4 || 37 | 141 3 | 18 || September
| | |
42 ee 1693 | 2864 | 144 | 265 78 | 615 | 292 807 | 12] 4 D2 As | 22 | we || By} As) ao 68 | 14 | 19
| f
6 1892 1049 | 511 14 4 19 59 5 61 | —| 2 2 I 4|/— 14 3 || 174 85 9 | 10 |] September
12 1893 1413 | 1577 | 33 53 29 | 379 34 272 |—|—|]| 2 19 |—|—|]| 13 8 || 117 131 31 | 22 || April, May, Oct.
12 1894 1133 | 1361 74 42 33 123 4 167 | —|—] 7 ri 2a ese lee ssi ter) 94 113 10 | 13 || July, October
6 1895 136 | 375 18 23 5 52 10 65 | — it 4|/—| 18 7 22 62 8 | 10 || July, August
18 1896 548 | 574] 26 54 72 70 6 99 3/—|] 18) 23 I Zao Oha\elOn|| ae 31 2) 5 || Aug., Oct., Nov.
12 1897 549 | 733 | 42 78 45 45 8 140 | —| 2 3) 72 |—|—] 14 | 21 || 45 61 3 | 11 || June, November
= ras
66 meee wanes 4828 | 5131 | 207 | 254 | 203 | 728 67 804. BH 2b Se |) tere |) vac | | auepe i aa 78 Wh \p 38] 33

Sin

TABLE XM

TAAL, “On aA.

i, Cea ee.

Ib + sah dae oA eee oer sighs py tea ce DLO Lao eon ke

ee ee rr cer i haar abet
: 5 a eh
‘i ;

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e

seats PRA
Oh etey ce dee

SPECIES

ee eo a

Thornback (large)
Do.
SCPC a he
Fuller’s Ray
Sandy Ray .
Cod (large)
Le oe ON ee
Haddock (large)
[oA
Do. (small saleable) ...
Whiting (large)
D

Ce ee

er ea
ee i ry

i i i ea

ee ee i

i ee ea

LS eee

Witch

Ce re i iy

eee

(250 (es
. i Se
Cle 62
Flounder (large)
ol) SRS Be eis ae
Gurnard (large)
Do

a)

i ay

i |

ee

ee

eo

NOVEMBER

1896|1897| Totals |/1893]1894|1895|1896|1897| Totals
ON bee DOr st ret Deca 13
1 | — 2\;/—}|—}|—}|—]} 2 2
—— — 2 ——*, ae acs ——a — ———
I | — 3//—}—]}]—] 1] 2 a
I | — 2//—}—}]—]| 1] 2 3
I | — Ir |} —{/—|]—|]—]| 2 2
— | — —}i}—}—};—!—] 1 I
— | — 4]/—]—}]—h r}— I
rm ios Peeler We alc ae, Mew eS
ON aaar mmm sel seit ete BERS 55
2|— 19 |} —|—|—]| 2] 13 15
512 | — |} 2898 || — | — | — |188 |105 | 293
SF era eS Name one (eee heey Fe eS 12
a ace 15 3 3
24 |— | 235 ||—|—|—]| 21| 14 16
eat ae 1S el Saracen al rage A fier ial aes) 3
8 | — 13 /|/—}|—|—]| 1 I 2
— | — 7\/)/—}—]—|] 2]— 2
2|— 9||/—|—|—] 1|{ 2 3
BON eet Coes! ha hse a A ea ae
I | — rj}—}—}|—|—
69 | — |} 183 || —|—]— 11 ac a
1 | — ri}/—}|—}|—] rf] —
— | — rj}/—}—j|—}]—]| 1 I
3) eg 2A Wee beery perme it Uae 5
ea Nori 9S) ad |e | Mira oc a a 34
1 | — 5 —}—il—}—]— _
— | — 2\);—|—}|—|—]| 1 I
BOT | ee SO2: a Wo BOW aS le ao
Way | eee ae i aa eae hy Ey Om! 79
BAU Pa woo oe re ror hace iro lt oe 36
ZS TAD comme ep eel eo! laa) leary RON PLOO, | re 79
2|— 2} —|—}]—]—|— —
1641| — | 7630 || — | — | — |455 |1204| 1659

Totals
of each
Species

87

12

WAVE, ORM,

“GARLAND’S” TRAWLING. 1893—1897. MORAY FRITH.

STATIONS VII. TO XVI. SALEABLE FISHES.

MAY JUNE JULY AUGUST OCTOBER NOVEMBER
SPECIES Sua
Inches 1893]1894|1895] Totals|/1897| Totals |/1893| 1894, 1895) 1896|1897] Totals ||1893|1894)1895|1896|1897] Totals 1893] 1894 |1895|1896|1897| Totals 1893|1894|1895|1896 1897| 1
TOnd i 10 i fo) UO) ji) == |] 0) L | — | — II es 9 aly 13 Io Io | — |} Io | — St | | 4 9
Srey ara (farce) eres. 16— 2|/—|— 2 I i Pf QA =| ep ae | 3 | eee ea 29 | el
Meee DO. clea cnsecey .| I2—15 2 2) || | nee a [ee
i Thomnback (large) . 19— 2)—|— 4 4}; — |] —} «| — |} — I I ey = Pe 4 el
ee D0} -< chase aes 13—18 i I | a | | 4 — I I 2] — | — |
Starry Beye ie SPW [tere oe 5 4 4 2 ye 3 5 Sy} Ta | | nee | ee es
Fuller’s Ray . II — == I
Sandy Ray . 11 = 2 2 — I 3/—|— We I Sh oe
pod (large). 23— 2 — 2 2 229) |e 3 I I I 6} —}|—}— W\|| = || =| =|} 2 ys
banoansdasmamecouod 8—22 || 62 — 62 3 Si) § |= | — | = 5 | Onl 19 || 41 28 | —} 6| — 75) || = |= ||| 2 53
Haddeck (large) I5— 58 | — | — 58 9 oH} | 3 = | — 3//—}—}—]-—!]=— = |i} wt 31 4 2 |= 19 |} —|—]|]—] 2] 13
WOre tore see fe apses eed 10—I4 ||180 —| 180 |/145 LCS fh ails || 7p |) = |} 172 || — | — 1344 | 43 | — | 387 ||182 |2204 | — |512 | — | 2808 || — | — | — 188 |105
Do. (small saleable) ...| 8—pg gi | — | — OI || 43 43 || — 1475 | 37 512 23 | 16 | — a) [Sort | S54 = |] B= | Gem H} — || — | 7
Whiting (large) ............... 14— 4/—|/— 4 I I 2 2 3); 1] — 4 5 8) 2) = 15 j/ —|—|—| =] 3 3 29
; WD Ospatecan cnet areas I1O—13 |] 24 — 24 || 4 AW) =H} | nis 26 63 | 16 | — AD NW EN Oy ee as I 14 16 384.
\ Do. (small saleable) ...|_ 7—9 3 — 3 i} — == j= 1) 45 | 2 17 20 Zo) |) wre | Ai We We Se) —= | =|— | = | 3 102
TBARS cece oer earner 12 2 2 |) ie |) in 2 2) 1] — 3 2 34) | ney tp ee el 2 22
* x z 3 Crile Nee Ne a 2 10
I I _ = I
I = alee 4 5 5 4 4 7 2 9 ||/—|—]—} r] 2 3 26
I = ri} 4 | OFA em | |) St leapt) TO | ae |e] et er |e ge || 49 | 49 196
1} —/]— I I I I | | es 3 6
NE et a My || U2 72 2 2 36 | 22 | — SM ih I oy a I go} tor 433
I I I I I I 3
I == | == I 2 2 if es I I 5
7 |}—= |= | 7 ll 6 6 |/— | 9/—/]—} — 9 5 SP LO ea a a I} 4 5 66
0. 9 = j =] 391 Be BE ago 46 SI a EE fey Ut te Se) | 348
Do. (small saleable) ......) 7—11 2};—|— 2 I I 2} 1|— 3 3 oe |e | | 5 — II
Dab (large)...... | T2— 2|—|— 2 2 2 2 — B I I 7
Gre ere of GS 1Oe Weare |] = |) 121 ||266 266 || — |125 | 27 152 174 |104 | — | 278 |l2q3 | 852 497 1592 201 |548 749 3158
j= gn | — | = 51 || 79 79) || — | 69) 2 71 71 | 14 | — 85 ||103 | 86 73 262 == |S Ot 79 627
7—8 —}|—}]— — = ae aes
II— 28 | — | — 28 7 TEM = | 2a 2 29 17 | 15 | — 32 || 74 | 120 | — |141 I 6 6
7—I0 ||165 | — | —} 165 ||108 108 || — j150 | 18 168 180 | 45 | — | 225 ||165 295 257 3% — re fap 179 we
33— 1 | — | — I 2 2 — = _ —
T= 32) |e = I || 4 4 — — SS SS SS 2
SS = = = = 2 2 — 2
879 | — | — | 879 ||802 | 8o2 || — PGE) | = 2 We — | — jboss || == |) canis} 1566/4423 | — |1641| — | 7630 |] — | — | — 455 1204) 1659 || 13560

* Number of Hauls.

ee casita hil

=

Piha sleet *

¥
“
ane ee ey eS) ee
» a
.

1893—1807.

HES.

OCTOBER

of each
Species
tals ||1893|1894/1895)1896|1897| Totals ||1893)1894|1895|1896| 1897 | Totals

10 | 10 | — | Io | — | 30 —|—|—| 4 9 13 87

—| 2}/—|—|]— 24—}—}—}—}] — — 2
—||—]| 1 I 21/—|—|—| 1 I 2 9
— 1/ 4|/—] 1 6}/};—}—|]—] rf — I II
— |} —}—}—] 1] — r}}—|—}|—y—-] — — 2
I r}/—}—/}—]|— rj}/—]}]—]—]366f} — I 14
84 |/393 eee Soro ee Se ae ae 6 6 974
eee “| Sage a 7 hl aR ne scan | amen a 5 3 7
ee ea | a oe Sil eee tes we ya 3 4 9
1 || — —}|—|— == |) — I
— || — —|—|— rf}—;—}|—!i—] — — I
58 |158 — {132 | — | 632 || — | — | — 1145 | 216 | 361 1907
02 mee ESA he | O43 TS | 1579 4719

‘i =F yi SNES al mas BAN seo aa lems cal ere i 56

73 aeeeaO! |, B32 evar een aor), 68 431

8 10 | — 18 ||} —|—|]—] 1 5 6 29

I — | — th hh |) hk — 2

— —|—}— — |} — |} — | — |] rl] — I I

14 — | 11 | — 56 |} — | — |] — 12] 15 a 148

7 eee Se ica aa Neue Oo 3 3 15

2 — | —|— S| ae a — 8

CT ee |

TURMIBUIE, OMT.

“GARLAND’S” TRAWLING. MORAY FRITH. 1893—1897.

STATIONS VII. TO XVI. UNSALEABLE FISHES.

MAY JUNE JULY AUGUST OCTOBER NOVEMBER Hotale

ree of each

SPECIES sie fa ; Species

Inches |/1893|1894|1895|1896|1897| Totals||1897| Totals||1893|1894) 1895|1896|1897| Totals||1893|1894|1895) 1896) 1897) Totals ||1893)1894|1895|1896|1897| Totals ||1893/1894|1895|1896| 1897 | Totals

1o* | — | — | — | — ie) 10 10 —]|10} 1 |—|—y] 11 —|/—|!9/]4)]— 13 10 | 10 | —]| 10 | —} 30 el 9 13 87

GreyzSkatenGiiss.csticecce: 12 —|— —il—} 2;—}]—]— 2{//—|—}—}]—] — — 2
Thornback ... 2 —I3 1}/—|—]—|]— I 2 2 || =) 2) 2 = = i Pe | MN —= |= | ik I 2 9
Starry Ray... —Il 2{|—|—|— 2 2 2 => = = I 4)—] 1] — 6)}—}—]—]}] rt] — i II
Sandy Ray —Il — I I — = I ry—}—f;]—}—]|] — — 2
(Cialdl ccposascaens —§ II —|/—]— II — = |= |=] 2] =|] = I vi =|] = | = |] = ui |] Sf on I 14
Haddock —8 i469 | — | —|—]—] 469 || 3 3i/—}] 4] i12}—]— 16" ||) — |) — | 845) — | 84 |/393 | —| — | 3}—]| 396] —) —}] —}] — 6 6 974
Whiting ... = 2)—=) =| =] — 2) —— = 2 2 = = =] =| =| = 3 3 7
Hake .... 12 — — 2 2 || = | | =F 3) = 3 = |] = | Ss 3 4 9
Halibut . —13 — —_ I 1 {| — | =| — | =] = —}—}—}—]—-—]}] — _— I
Sail-Pluke ....c-..... 7 I ry—}—}]—]—] — a I
Long-Rough Dab... . ...) —8 46 | — | — | —}] — 46 |Ir24 | 124 || — 1318 | 68 | — | — | 386 || — | — |2g0 |128 | —] 358 ||158 |342 | — |x32 ] —| 632 |] — | — | — |r45 | 216] 361 1907

Plaice 7 a _— — | —

Dao neers as | —7 326 | — | — | — | — |] 326 |\312 312 || — |484 | 77 | — | — | 56x || — | — ]300 |117 | — | 417 |\702 |298 | — |524 | — | 1524 || — | — | — |264 |1315 | 1579 4719
Lemon-Dab —7 6};—}|—jJ—}]— 6 5 5siy/—] 4} 2;—]— 6 || — 14 1}|— 15 71 7/—}] 3/—-— 17 |}/—}—}]—}]— v 7 56
Gumard —7 69} —|—}|—]— 69 || 25 25 || —}]57|/—|]—|/— 57 || — 48 | 31 | — 79 || 73 | 19 | —| 40} — | 132 |] —| —]|—| 21] 48 69 431
Poor Cod = s5s)—-f]—-l|—-|— 5 —}]—}—/—}—-]— =} 85) = |) | 10) |) — 188 ar 5 6 29
Solenette _— 1} —/—]—} = I _— _— I iS | = | S| = _ 2
Butterfish — || — —|— — _— —|—|— =, =] =] — | = I I
Angler — 9}/—|J—J—-—-|]— 9 || 20 20) |) 149) |) a yeh Wp te BP 2271 \\ a0) | ess Ca eee 56. || = |) 2) a5 27 148
Dragonet — 1}/—/—}]—]— I I i 2 2 — —}) 7/—}]—] 1] — 8) —}—|—|— 3 3 15
Pogge — 3 3y,/—] r}—}|—|— I =| fi | I Ai ve i == | = |] — a= FH | HS FS = 8
Wolf-fish _ — — I re |] = |S | = SS = |= | = | = | = | = = I
Three-bearded Rockling.| — I I =|=—)/—|=— = = = I
948 | — | — | — |] —] 948 ||498 | 498 || — |890 |159 | — | — | 1049 || — | — |698 |282 | — | 980 |\1367}706 | — |730 | — | 2803 || — | — | — |4q48 |1622 | 2070 8348

* Number of Hauls.

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4H NTN Hea Wie

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nye SY genes me

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t ‘
f 7 y | f
HEH [ac ‘ i [ation nae be WOW ema ieee
j } ‘ :
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Pas ; ; LP Ie Sa Pe
f " a , 9 oes Vf ; wk i ‘ Srp ler i 4
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2| —| 20]! 4 | 57 8 33 52 | 10 | 26 || July, August
sae ike | on.) 5 28 43 2 | 31 || Aug., Oct., Nov.
3 Eo eaarie4. (128 8 26 17 I; 20 || June, November
b| 9 |148 259.190 7 26 vi) GO 528
me | Seieon | 14) , 50 — | 604 7 \116 | April
bj 1 | 14 Sei i: (ayer 6 | 695 19 | 47 || April
ont

TABLE, XXXVI.

“GARLAND’S” TRAWLING. MORAY FRITH. 1893—1897.
STATIONS VII. TO XVI.
TOTALS AVERAGE PER HAUL
No. oF : 7) 4 a ae | | Bm ne
. T1AULSs as 8 2 So limo] x 6 a g a | bp ae Ss Sla/s |e 3 PE ee ORs om | eee (eorerel mee El g

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20 1893 156 | 1396 | 167 237 | 118 | 1948] 63 BS || 21) 3 I 22 |—|1|— 3 ae) | 23 7 |) Gs) 8 It 97 3 | 28 || May, October
20 1894. 113 | 1759 | 166 761 | 42 | 3172 | 2790 668 | 4 | 4] 13 8 |—}] 3 ]/— 6 ey OP Gag i & | ey 8 38 | 158 | 13 | 33 || July, October
10 1895 46 578 89 334 | 10 527 | 106 265 | 3/—|] — 7 |—|—|]— I DS 2h one 57. 8 33 52 | 10 | 26 || July, August
18 1896 35 | 1707 | 106 508 | 22 776 | 46 565 | 16 | 2 7 20 3)/—|— 3 Ov @ | ayy 2 i ext 5 28 43 2 | 31 || Aug., Oct., Nov.
19 1897 75 | 2444 | 155 506 | 61 329 | 28 388 | 6] 1 6 53 | —}r1f— B | Si] oe as a es 8 26 17 1 | 20 || June, November
87 1893—1897 || 425 | 7884 | 683 | 2346] 253 | 6752 | 522 | 2460 | 31 | 10 | 27 | 196 3 i) & I — | uo 32 | 36] 9 |148 || 3:9] 90 7 26 17 6 | 28
33 1884 193 42 152 — 102 1812 | 21 349} — | 4) — 3 I 2 I — 1|—] 8 || 64] 14] 50 — | 604 7 \116 || April
+6 1898 18 87 127 40 89 | 4173 | 119 287 | 1 | 10| 62 70 1 |—|—| 35 — |145] 1 | 14 Bll wl |) Pai 6 | 695 | 19 | 47 || April

* On Smith Bank, &c., inside Moray Frith.
+ Outside Moray Frith.

a ee ee ee

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4 : Species
1896 _||1895|1896 Totals
LE 97
xe 4
— II
2 oy a | Io |) 53
14 foro) pf fe ag 102
To ee | 7 || 2
I ey en aed 2
oe ae SES Pea I
— —|—|_-| 8
ia Bae oe = I
= | =e Le roy 5
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2 fle aE reer cea 5 || 39
7 I FOO k OG ae > Sas bes eae
18 Rees Se inl ee oc 74
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- ee lea i Meee | 102
28 26] 2) 28 || 404
I | ae eae pw 12
— ,— |e — || 8
— j —— — — | 62
9 | 8 8 || 92
338 ||309 B-/* 316 |) 4285
+a | 2 | 2 || 74
32 | FO Ve Ei Pee eee
2 | 3|—| 3 1) 10
4 | 2\;—) 2 II 20
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16 ese) — |" BS it eee
da | oe oo eee
I |/—| 1| I |i IO
48 wp [ez 1 fea ie. aes
46 ae | 36 | 68 509
pa ae ee 9 58
=a | te Te a | 6
a | ee eh 25
2g 2 *|) 89.4 — |) 0.89 490
| 122 187 | 6 | 193 | 985
3 ea oa el 32
| — 8} —| 8 8
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| I 2|—| 2 || 8
[957 95 | 1052 | 8428

ANSE Oval Ie

“GARLAND’S” TRAWLING. FRITH OF CLYDE.

SALEABLE FISHES. TOTALS FOR FIVE YEARS.

FEBRUARY ||MARCII APRIL MAY || JULY|| SEPTEMBER|}OCTOBER|| NOVEMBER || Totals
: Saas of each
SPECIES Triches : x Species
1888 1888 1896|1897| Totals|| 1897 || 1890 1897 1896 1895|1896) Totals
2a II WW || aN ae 12 12 12 II WN a 13 97
Grey Skate (large)............ 16— — — —| 1 I i I I _— a = 4
IO YoY ep Seis sooo] LW z 9 I | — I = — I _ —|— == II
Thornback (large) 19— — — B 8 II 8 12 2 Io | — 10 |! 53
Do. 13—18 — a 6 | 15 21 15 12 18 14 ris) ff 19 102
SEbItahY IR hy! oo Sooecdsn i — 6 | — 6 I _- 10 fe |= V/ 2
Flapper-Skate I11i— || — I — I =| = = 2
Shagreen-Ray I1— || — — —| 1 it | — — — | I
Cuckoo-Skate ... te _— 4 4 = = ak 8
Raia maculata ... (ie = = || os I — — — == i) he I
Cod (large) ...... Ba _ — Le —— I 2 I I — —;j—-—|/; — 5
ID, “Ae Boosgses 8—22 I I 4] 3 7 || 6 6 2 5 6 | 6 34
Haddock (large) sooo! 1G — 2 5 | 10 15 3 12 —— 2 Se 5 39
[Bley = = 9 = se ansa009 10—14 -— 3 13 | 39 Be ae NY ey) 27 7 TO | On meee 170
Do. (small saleable)...| $—9 = So 19 | 12 Spe = SN -- 18 —jir} wm 74.
Whiting (large) — | I 31 5 8 WW os — — Io|/— |} 10 22
Do. — 80 24 | 23 47 || 15 || 31 16 6 22 | 2 | 24 219
Do. (small saleable | — IO | 11 21 13 || 53 12 3 —|— — 102
lakeienstrerssee oan cciestoer 12 15 || 44 j106 | 150}; 73 ]) 54 56 28 FAG |) 28 || 404
Ling i= = I I 2 | 2 2 2 I 2 3 12
Lythe = — |—]| 6 6 —| 2 — — —|— — 8
ISEENAI ANS 55 c08 $— — —|I rj) — 2 59 a =r |e c= 62
Sail-Fluke [= — 30) ||) 12 3 14 25 I 5 9 8 | — 8 92
Vint cei Steet dete amen eae 7— 2 176 =: ||522 |713 | 1235 650 || 237 337 338 309 ieee 3285
Long-Rough Dab (large)...) 10o— = Be) i Bal 3 5 2 || — 6 — 2|— 2 74
Do. seal] =O) aa 4 37 | 67 | 104 55 || 74 25 32 Rs 79 373
Turbot —_ I I I 2 Tele ed — 2 3/— 3 10
Deseo oon — 2 2 I 3 6 3 — 4 2|— 2 20
Plaice (large) I 5 Ne 4 — I 7 2 4|/— 4 24
o. 13 48 2TS E32 53 5 37 25 16 TO (Pies 15 212
Do. (small saleable) — — Bulee7 10 9 3 4 5 @) |} a 10 41
Dab (large) I 6 —|=— _ _— I — I — I 10
Do. nen 7—II1 14 125 65 | 56 121 53 66 97 48 Oe Moeore 104 628
Lemon-Dab 7— 1 57 ~«|| 80 | 65 145 59 65 58 46 32 | 36 68 509
Solemn ey y= 3 Fea, 6) 10 12 5 7 4 yee 9 58
Flounder (large) 1o— = I ies, 5 — = _ — —|-, = 6
10 Xe}. | Reg =F Sacastugcouns 7—9 4 20 4 = = = = — — —|— _ 25
Gurnard (large) ..... I1— — — || 40 |119 | 159 25 33 57 127 89 | — 89 490
Do. 7—I10 = — 100 |250 | 350 157 93 7O 122 187 | 6} 193 985
Red Gurnard ........... 7— — — 8 9 17 2 I 3 —}|— — 32
Sapphirine Gurnard .. = = == = — — 8} — 8 8
TBR comnccios anoBeogdace 12— —_ _ —j|— — — I — _ —}— a I
(CL YHIE whedactannng sckeros=rn 33— = = —| 3 3 |} Boyt — I 2|— 2 8
50 655 1038]1585| 2623 || 1247 || 854 910 857 957 | 95 | 1052 || 8428

* Number of Hauls.

EF.

JULY

1890

12

SEPTEMBER

Per OF CEYMDE.

FOR FIVE VEARS.

OCTOBER
1897 1896
12 II
I =
41 49
— II
14 a=
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I aa
19 68
3 ae
106 129
96 92
2 4
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56 98
-_— I
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I
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14 19
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7 I
5 ae
= I
396 518

NOVEMBER

1895|1896| Totals

12nd 13
2a ico 2 25
DM ie I
2|— Z

92 132
2 2)
13 19
18 19
31 I 32
Nines 2
SAN Nestea 31

Totals
of each
Species

TABLE XXVIII.

“GARLAND’S” TRAWLING. FRITH OF CLYDE.

UNSALEABLE FISHES. TOTALS FOR FIVE YEARS.

FEBRUARY||MARCH|| APRIL | Mav|lyutyllsppremper|l ocr :
"a J EMBER || OCTOBER || NOVEMBER Totals
SPECIES een Se 5 of each
ecies
I 1888 1896)1897| Totals|| 1897 || 1890 1897 1896 1895|1896| Totals Pp
— 2* Il 12 | 12 24 12 12 12 ul ealae ia oF
MEY SOKA LGR nesacteres Petar: —I2 2 29 Tee I 2 r= z
Thornback .... eF = res I = Sis ae 35
Starry Ray .... ae a mS Lee 36 25 13 au 49 AZM Blk A 189
Sandy Ray....... —Il — — 6 6 3 — = 1 zeae : ;
Flapper-Skate =n ane 4 iia a oe oe = = 24 2 22
Cuckoo-Skate II = = = |= == = — I = ae aa ;
Raia maculata —Il — I — _— I — i a
» circularis —I1 = 3 = — = we MG | be = G
ved Sas ze = 12 I} — I I I — = — - A we
addock. — — 2 17 | — I — = 2 |
Whiting .. =7 = 5 7 7 : 23) 2 25 es
Hake yaa = =
Witch 7 eae if Aa cele ee aaa 2S 2 es 7 7 || 293
Long-Rough Dab : 3 3 3 7
; aa = I 157 |13 291 213
IDEIES cnccosnoesanonscsn 7 I I we he z 2 eee 8 a BSA ed) Ces ae
IDA) asecsncc 7 = 140 |] 84 | 63} 147 || 83 ]|| 99 6 2 :
pemen Dae —/ as 27 6| 1 7 7 3 * 7 5 i es i
urnard ....... —7 _— 265 16 | 18 I 2
Red Gurnard ...... —7 — 2 —| 3 * ae 2 x a ag ef ag ar
Labrus (?) maculatu = = = Toles I a= ae en :
Torr Corel sssonoanieaovos —_— — 29 14 | 16 30 i] 6 5 8
John Dory .... =e eas, 3 ay a i ‘ y 5° a I es 0) a
Trigla lineata. — — — —|2 2 — = ae = pees | Pere a 2
Smeltaee. neers S000 — — = I = oes Fetes ner I
Argentine ........... seve neenes = = 4 4
Ctenolabrus rupestris ...... = — —|— — I as = = ee Be I
Zeugopterus punctatus ...... = = I I 2 — _— I — —}— == 3
Liparis montagui ....... — — —|— _ — = I — = I
Cottus scorpius ...... = I —}-— = = = == I
INVA Re cegnngssiner — = I Il | 14 25 30 4 14 19 31 I 32 125
Dragonet — 2 9 5 2 il 8 13 — — 39
Nursehound ... = = 2 = I B |= 2 5
Picked Dogfish ... Ss = = See 5 3 32 7 I 2 hie 3! 79
Spotted Dogfish... eee — = 5 = 5
Lesser Dogfish ..............5 = — — —|— = = = I a ee aE 6
Black-mouthed Dogfish = = = = I = —_ I
5 657 {1336 1338 | 674 || 450]! 347 396 518 404 | 58} 462 || 3509

* Number of Hauls.

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July |

November
April, Oct., Nov.

April, May, Sept. .

TAN BIE IS. OOK

“GARLAND’S” TRAWLING. FRITH OF CLYDE.

STATIONS I. TO XII.

| 1{ AVERAGE PER HIAUL oF |
| Tomas | CERTAIN FISHES
No. OF | ] | » Os |
=the ; ~ : a, 5 | | 2
HauLs LP BAR 3 5) Bio | trea] og Se eee z 0 fy 3 SS = is =| | 2 @ || lan toes alee. eee!
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13 1888 || 69 286 | 95 64} 14 | 30 I | 265] 122 |—/ 30] 178) 1] 2} 26) 40} — | —| ir |} 22 5 | 20. 9 | 13 || February, March
12 {| 1890 || 41 | 166 68 212 8 50 | 96 129 73 2 238 I a I | 35 2 5 || 13 17 10 | 6 | 19 |} July ~
12 | 1895 || 28 | 169 34 240 | 6 44 321 289 33 2) 8.) 309) 3) 2 ar |p — 9 || 14 | 20 | 24) 2 | 25 || November
24 1896 || 50 | 358 | 172 362 | 12 | 100 | 48} 461 | 145 3 | 20) 86x | 31] 6) — | 2) 89) —) 8 || m4) 15. | x0} © | 35 \|| Aprill Oct, Noy.
36 =| 1897 || 91 448 | 192 61 | 15 | 127 97 | 761 | 324 5|33| 1706] 2) 7) 5| 7 \169 | 60) 25 || 12| 17 | 21] 9 | 47 || April, May, Sept. .
fase
97 ee 279 | 1427 | 561 | 1489 | 55 | 35% 354 | 1905 | 697 | 12 | 92 | 3292 | 10 | 20 | 31 | 50 [344 | 62 | 58 | t4| 35 | 19| 7 | 34
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TABLE: XXX.

al

“GARLAND’S” TRAWLING. FRITH OF CLYDE.

COMPARISON OF DAY AND NIGHT HAULS.

SEPTEMBER

NOVEMBER

VIL VIL” XU TOrALs

YEAR VII* VIII XII TOTALS VIL VITl XII Torats VIL VIII XII

Day | Night} Day | Night} Day | Night| Day | Night|} Day | Night} Day | Night} Day | Night| Day | Night|) Day | Night} Day | Night) Day | Night Day | Night} Day | Night} Day | Night] Day | Night|) Day Night
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1897 || 229 | 231 | 217 | 109 | 176 | 145 | 622 | 485 || 120 | 158 | go2 | 142 | 149 | 143 | 571 | 443 || 147 | 13 | 96 | 58 | 204 | 477 | 537 | 548 1 — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — |i ¥730} raz
Totals|} 268 | 418 | 474 | 339 | 200 | 278 | 942 | 1035 | 120 | 158 | 302 | 142 | 149 | 143 | 571 | 443 || 147 | 13 | 96 | 58 | 294 | 477 | 537 | 548 || 53 | t21 | 65 | 64 | 286 | 358 | qo4 |) 543 |} 2454 | 2569

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