LANCASHIRE AND WESTERN SEA FISHERIES COMMITTEE. 79 
in these days of ever-increasing catching power, steam fishing vessels and otter trawls, had it 
not been for the bye-laws, the nurseries and grounds lying near the coast would have been 
swept clean again and again, until they were practically fished out, not only to the detriment 
of these grounds themselves, but also, as we have shown, of the grounds lying further sea- 
wards. The shrimper also would not have escaped, as it is known that were it not for the 
bye-laws we should have steam shrimpers, as well as steam trawlers, working the inshore 
waters. Our object in mentioning these matters is to put before those who are opposed to all 
Fic 13.—A Steam Trawler. 
regulations or fishery protection, the view that, if the bye-laws were abolished, however much 
it might benefit a few for the moment, it would directly bring disaster to the inshore fisherman, 
and eventually to the off-shore fisherman also. 
In conclusion, we may add that the Lancashire Committee have always strongly 
supported the view that, over and above the protection given to the fisheries by the present 
bye-laws, legislation which will prohibit the landing and sale of undersized sea-fish is absolutely 
essential for the further preservation and development of our Sea Fisheries. 
The following are the minimum sizes, in inches in extreme length, of certain sea fish 
as recommended to be sold by the fish salesmen of Liverpool, Manchester, Blackburn :—- 
Inches, Inches. Inches. 
Plaice Bon OE aE 10 12 12 
Soles Ate ir aa 9 12 12 
Lemon Soles ee Pre 10 12 12 
Whiting Boe v8 ce 12 12 12 
Cod Boe ee ahs 15 15 15 
Dabs 8 8 8 
Flounders ... as BAG 8 10 10 
Haddock 5 206 es 13 13 13 
Ray ane ae at 20 20 25 
Turbot isc oe an 14 19 19 
Brill a. ok one 14 15 15 
Witch Soles an ; 10 12 I 
