134 MADRAS FISHERIES BULLETIN VOL. XIII, 



CHAPTER IX. 

 Considerations special to Madras Canning. 



212. In discussing the prospects of a fish cannery in the 

 Madras Presidency, there are several considerations special to the 

 Presidency. 



213. Locution. — At present the West Coast is decidedly the area 

 most favourably known ; it is possible that in that part of the East 

 Coast northward of Masulipatam canneries may be possible, but 

 at present it is the West Coast which is recommended ; the water 

 within 100 fathoms is far more extensive, the shoals of sardines, 

 mackerel, and prawns are abundant, and larger fish are, at certain 

 seasons; frequently available especially at certain places. Ob- 

 viously the factory should be close to the sea-beach and landing 

 places, near a centre of labour, and carefully selected as 

 regards the abundance of fish and fishing population, and it 

 should be near the best and cheapest means of transport 

 whether road, rail, sea, or backwater ; it is not however generally 

 advisable to choose a city or large sea-port (e.g., Calicut) where the 

 fishermen are apt to leave fishing for port work and where there is 

 a keen market for fresh fish. The character of the nets and lines 

 used (see paragraphs 79 and 148 supra) is important, and it should 

 be ascertained whether large fish are fairly abundant ; the statistics 

 of the Government fish-curing yards will show this and other facts. 



214. South Kanara from Kasaragod northwards, and Malabar 

 from Tanur southwards, seem better for canning purposes than 

 the rest of the Coast, though Cannanore and neighbourhood are 

 convenient and well supplied with good fish. A neighbourhood 

 to which the Ratnagiri boats and the Colombo curers will come, 

 is usually a good canning locality. Mangalore and Malpe in the 

 north, Cannanore in the centre, PonnSni in the south, and the neigh- 

 bourhoods, are localities that would repay investigation by intending 

 canners. The presence of large and well supplied Government 

 fish-curing yards is a useful indication. The proximity of a 

 dispensary and medical service is highly advisable. 



Fish and Materials. 



215. F'or canning purposes, sardines, mackerel, and prawns are 

 pre-eminent. 



