86 



Newbiggin. — The only local mussels used here are small 

 quantities obtained from Blyth during the summer. Arenicola 

 in fair quantity is obtained, and the number of limpets gathered 

 from the local rocks does not meet the demand. 



Blyth. — Omng to the quantities taken by Newbiggin and 

 Cullercoats fishermen, and the taking of mussels for other than 

 bait purposes, the mussel beds of the Blyth are now almost 

 exhausted. Arenicola is found in j)atches of muddy sand above 

 the harbour, and in a small area to the south of Cambois Bay. 

 The rocks to the north of the entrance of the harbour yield a good 

 supply of limpets and some anemones. 



Cullercoats. — Practically no mussels are now got from the 

 Black Middens at the mouth of the Tpie, and all come from 

 Morecambe Bay or the Wash. Arenicola is plentiful in Cullercoats 

 harbour, at the Black Middens, and in patches of sand to the north 

 of Whitley Bay. Limpets are very plentiful, but are rarely used 

 as a bait unless the mussel supply fails or in spring. Anemones 

 are common, but seldom used. Nereis virens is found in the muddy 

 sand near the Black Middens, and is used whenever obtained. 

 Nephthys is not used as a bait, but occurs in the locahty, and 

 the same applies to Nereis 2)dagica and N. cultrifera. 



It is evident that the chief bait used by the fishermen of North- 

 umberland consists of mussels, and that large quantities are brought 

 into the district from outside. It will be of interest therefore to 

 see what is the value of the imported mussels, and if it is possible 

 for the district to supply its own fishermen. 



During the year 1915 there were some ninety boats and 312 

 men engaged in inshore line fishing, and the average number of 

 boats for other years is approximately 100. Each man, on an 

 average, has twelve pieces of hne on which are 1,200 hooks, and 

 a bag of mussels will bait the lines for one man twice, or if limpets 

 are used in addition to the mussels four times. If four daj^s 

 fishing per week be taken as an average throughout the season, 

 October to March, to allow for bad weather stopping the fishing, 

 and the stations which have their own mussel supply, as Holy 

 Island and Amble, be neglected, and allowance be made for the 



