218 



NORTH SEA INVESTIGATIONS. 



busy men. I have therefore had forms printed, which require little 

 beyond the filling in of figures, with the best results. It takes time 

 to extend the operations to a sufficiently large scale, as it is only 

 the most intelligent amongst the community who readily intei'est 

 themselves in matters of this kind. I am able to collect a certain 

 amount of information myself at sea, as Mr. G. L. Alward has been 

 most kind in procuring me a berth whenever I want it on any of 

 the vessels belonging to the various companies with which he is 

 connected. So far I have only made two trips, as fishing has 

 hitherto been confined to grounds where small fish are not plentiful. 

 The season for the grounds on the eastern side of the North Sea is 

 only just opening. 



By inducing skippers to bring me in all the " rubbish " from the 

 last haul of a trip, with careful data as to position and soundings, 

 it has been possible to collect considerable information as to the 

 fauna of the different grounds. Objects of special interest are also 

 usually brought to me. 



For investigating the relation of size of mesh to size of fish 

 caught, I have caused a number of cod ends of different sized mesh, 

 braided in different ways, to be prepared. These can be easily 

 laced on to any trawl, and as the cod end is the part of the net in 

 which the opportunity of escape, if any, presents itself to the fish, 

 the object desired can be gained in this way at a great saving of 

 expense. Mr. Gr. L. Alward has most generously presented the 

 Association with a trawl, 24 feet beam, which can be used in connec- 

 tion with these cod ends. So far no opportunity of testing them has 

 occurred, for want of a boat, but I have now made arrangements 

 for making the first series of experiments at an early date.* 



The following are found convenient limits for dividing large and 

 small fish : 



Turbot . 

 Brill 

 Sole . 



Lemon Sole 

 Plaice . 

 Halibut . 

 Witch . 

 Megrim . 

 Sand dab. 

 Long Rough Dab 

 Flounder . 



The fish enumerated in the returns are selected on account of 

 their proximity to the size limits. 

 * Since this went to press I have made one trial of the nets, with results of some interest. 



