44 



In the North. Eastern district the average catch for the five 

 years preceding the period of protection was 1,845,670 for the 

 five years preceding the repeal of the bye-law, 2,139,444 ; and 

 for the five years after the repeal of the bye-laws, 2,037,109. The 

 period of protection each year was too long, but tlie statistics 

 show that more crabs were landed in the North Eastern district 

 during the time the fishermen could fish only for seven months 

 each year, than during the years before and after the period of 

 protection when they could fish all the year. 



In Northumberland the statistics indicate a gradual decline 

 in the catches, and for the last three years the figures have sunk 

 below a million crabs each year, and this brings them into 

 striking contrast with those for the preceding years. 



This gives briefly the main arguments which have led the 

 Northumberland Committee to recommend a close time for crabs 

 from October 1st to December 31st each year. It is the season 

 which suits at all events the conditions in Northumberland, and 

 is plainly also the season which would yield the best results in 

 the North Eastern district. It is more than likely that it will 

 also be found to be the main casting season in the Eastern 

 district. 



The following figures will bring the information I have pre- 

 viously published with regard to the statistics U23 to the year 

 1911 :— 



Xortliumljerland. Xuitli Eastern. Eastern. Eyemoiith. 



1909 ... 828,377 ... 1,789,705 ... 1,253,000 ... 335,500 



1910 ... 743,306 ... 2,054,547 ... 1,285,000 ... 302,500 



1911 ... 969,397 ... 2,075,607 ... 1,087,000 ... 366,570 



