77 



THE DRIFT OF LOBSTER LARYM AND THE 

 PROTECTION OF THE LOBSTER. 



By ALEXANDER MEEK. 



In previous reports I have drawn attention to the gratifying 

 increase in the catches of lobsters in the Northumberland district, 

 and I suggested that the increase was due to the protection of the 

 berried lobster. This conclusion was arrived at from a com- 

 parison of Northumberland with the neighbouring districts to the 

 north and south where the berried lobster is not protected. The 

 Northumberland by-law was passed in 1899, and five years there- 

 after Northumberland advanced into the position of being the 

 district landing most lobsters on the east coast of England. The 

 statistics in proof of this statement have been given in former 

 papers, and in so far as the figures refer to the comparison which 

 is now to be made with the North-Eastern 'district the folio whig 

 may be added : — 



Northumberland. Xorth-Eastem. 



1912 ... 58,301 ... 44,396 



1913 ... 86,765 ... 75,406 



There was a general mcrease all along the east coast during 

 the past two years, which does not fall to be considered in the local 

 problem now before us. 



If it be the fact then that Northumberland has gained in 

 productiveness of lobsters, and the only reason which can be 

 specified is the protection of the berried lobster, a more detailed 

 consideration of the contrast between the Northumberland and 

 the North-Eastern districts may be expected to throw Hght upon the 

 important problem of the drift of larvae. 



I have to thank Mr. Maurice, Under Secretary, and the 

 Statistical Branch of the Board of Agriculture and Fisheries for a 

 table showing the catches of lobsters from 1899 to 1913 at all the 

 fishing stations from Berwick to Grimsby, and for arranging these 

 with averages mto five-year periods, 1899-1903, 1904-1908, 1909- 

 1913. The by-law was passed as has been said in 1899, and thus 

 the first period of five years may be considered as a basis in relation 



