12 



Total 7,928 ... 1,017 ... 78 



Fishing Ground. — The local fishing ground extends from 

 Coquet Island to between Seaham and Hartlepool, at a distance 

 of 10 to 16 miles from the shore, the bottom being chiefly 

 of mud. The widest part of this area, which is about 200 

 square nautical miles in extent, is found N.E. by E. of the 

 Tyne, in 35 to 42 fathoms. No Norway Lobsters are caught 

 inside of 33 fathoms. They are few in number in the region 

 off Coquet Island, and are most abundant between Newbiggin 

 and Seaham. 



For the nature of the bottom and surface life obtaining on 

 this ground, " Biological Investigations " in this report should 

 be consulted. The material was taken when at sea in July and 

 August. The catches of edible fish made each time the trawl 

 was fishing are also given. It is interesting to note in this 

 connexion that during October and November crabs were 

 plentiful on the ground. Some of those caught were examined, 

 and it was found that the greater number consisted of females, 

 w^hich in October were recovering from being soft. In 

 November the males had increased in numbers, and were also 

 in a soft or white-footed condition. 



Material Examined. — Mr. Purdy, the well-known owner of 

 steam trawlers, three of which are constantly fishing on the 

 local prawn ground, has been interested in this matter, and 

 has kindly allowed me to make measurements on his vessels 

 when landing their catches at North Shields fish quay, and 



