SALT-WATER FISHERIES OF NORWAY. 667 



chauges in the current of the sea which certainly must have some influ- 

 ence on the distribution of the herrings (compare my last report and the 

 new theory there advanced by mo concerning the places of sojourn and 

 the migrations of the herring). So far, however, the data which I have 

 gathered are not sufficient to base on them any positive opinion regard- 

 ing the great herring. I consider these data, however, as significant 

 hints, and have no doubt that continued investigations will bring to light 

 more facts of a similar character which will finally solve the dark prob- 

 lem of the migrations of the herring and some of our other fish. 



II. 

 EEPORT FOR 1875. 



It was my intention during this journey — 



a, to investigate the mackerel-JisJieries, in order to ascertain the con- 

 ditions under which these fish come near our coasts ; 



6, to investigate the lobster- fisheries, chiefly with a view of obtaining 

 a firm scientific basis for settling the vexed question as to the best way 

 of protecting the lobster ; finally, 



c, to ascertain in how far the government would be justified in taking 

 steps with regard to the memorial from the governor of Sarlsberg and 

 Laurvig, advocating certain limitations in the use of the drag-net for that 

 portion of the coast extending from Nevlunghavn to the Tonsbergfiord. 



I started on the lOtli of June, and was absent from home till the 19th 

 of August, therefore altogether two months. During this time I visited 

 the following places : Lurhavn, Tananger, Hvitingso, Skudesnaes, Akre- 

 havn, Flekkero, Langesund, Nevlunghavn, Fredriksvaern, Kjaerringvig, 

 Sandefiord, Bogen. I made observations at all the places, in the six 

 first-mentioned chiefly regarding the mackerel and lobster fisheries, and 

 in the six last- mentioned ones likewise regarding the cod-fisheries. 



I have the honor herewith to submit the results of these investiga- 

 tions to the department. 



I shall divide my report into three chapters : 



a. On the mackerel-fisheries. 



b. On the lobster-fisheries. 



e. On dragnet-fishing on the coast from Nevlunghavn to Tonsberg- 

 fiord. 



1. — MACKEREL FISHERIES ON OUR SOUTHERN AND WESTERN COAST. 



These fisheries have only become important of late years, since people 

 have commenced to pack mackerel in ice and export them to England. 

 At present these fisheries are, next to the herring and cod fisheries, the 

 most important of our salt-water fisheries. They are carried on not 



