16 



one is naturally much disappointed that the Keport of the 

 International Conference for the Exploration of the Sea 

 held at Stockholm last June does not contain a definite 

 programme of biological investigation which would lead] 

 to the acquisition of the desired knowledge. 



Last summer, when the arrangements for that Confer- 

 ence were announced, hopes of detailed explorations on a 

 grand scale ran high, and it was very naturally and 

 confidently anticipated that the Eeport when issued would 

 contain strong representations to the governments con- 

 cerned involving the use of sufficient boats and men to 

 carry out a definite scheme of biological investigation 

 during a definite period. For surely what we need most 

 at the present time in the interests of more exact fisheries 

 knowledge is the nearest possible approximation to a 

 census of our seas — beginning with the territorial waters 

 and those off-shore grounds that supply them and are 

 definitely related to them. Most fisheries disputes and 

 differences of opinion are due to the absence of such exact 

 knowledge. 



If anything approaching a census or a record of trust- 

 worthy fisheries statistics had been taken fifty years ago, itj 

 would now be invaluable to fisheries committees, inspectors, 

 superintendents, and other local authorities, as well as to] 

 biologists. Our successors will justly reproach us if, with 

 increased knowledge and opportunity, we let the twentieth] 

 century commence without inaugurating a scheme ofj 

 practical work which will give us the desired statistics. 



As, unfortunately, the Stockholm Keport says nothing] 

 to the point in regard to all this, it remains for each nation 

 or district to carry out the plan that it considers best! 

 according to its convictions and means ; and I venture tol 

 hope that Lancashire will lead the way. I would submit 

 that our Joint Committee owes it -to its position, reputa- 



