The Plymouth Mackerel Fishery of 1889—90. From 

 Data collected by Mr. Wm. Roach, Associate 

 Member M. B. A. 



By 

 W. li. € alder wood. 



The returns kindly sent in by Mr. Roacli have been tabulated in 

 tlie following pages. 



The period during which Mr. Roach made his observations extends 

 from October 23rd, 1889, to September 29th, 1890. 



Concerning the particular localities in which the fish have been 

 caught, it may be useful, for those who are not familiar with the 

 coast, to explain that the fish make their appearance on the coast at a 

 considerable distance to the east of Plymouth (18 — 20 miles). The 

 shoals then appear to travel in a westerly direction, some going off 

 into deeper water, all moving about in a more or less uncertain 

 manner. The head-quarters of the fishery eventually become fixed 

 south of Plymouth and Eddystone Light. Gradually the fish seem 

 to approach the shore, swimming now in large shoals. Many enter 

 Plymouth Sound and are taken in comparatively shallow water, 

 while others travel west, also in shallow water. The " remarks '' 

 for August are instructive. We find that, besides the ordinary and 

 large fish, there are also " small fish about the size of pilchards " in 

 the Sound, that " numerous large shoals " are noticed, and that at 

 a later date the fish " seem to be leaving Plymouth Sound." On 

 September 1 st we find the note that " the mackerel are going off 

 into open water and the shoals breaking up." On the breaking up 

 of the shoals the mackerel fishing is considered to be at an end. 



Concerning the forming of the shoals Mr. Roach also makes some 

 remarks. I quote from his paper, " May 3rd : Mackerel are now 

 gradually drawing to land. Some years ago they used to shoal in 

 May, but of late years they have not shoaled so early. ... I 

 think it is owing to our April month being often so stormy. 

 Last year they did not shoal until July (1889)." 



