50 



elucidation of our pressing fislieries problems, sucli as 

 those of tlie flat fisli, and it may well be doubted Avhether 

 the quarterly cruises and other periodic surveys will yield 

 results upon which legislation can be based. 



The Ichthyological Committee, in the constructive part 

 of their report, recommended a ISational Scheme of 

 fisheries research and organisation, into the constituent 

 elements and functions of which they enter in considerable 

 detail. This scheme provides what has long been felt 

 and often expressed as a great need in England, viz., a 

 Central Fisheries Board, having at its command labora- 

 tories, vessels and scientific men, and it also endeavours 

 to ensure the sympathy and help of the District Com- 

 mittees by giving them some representation on the 

 Central body. 



The points dealt with in the report are (1) Statistics, 

 (2j Expert Staff, (3) Laboratories, (4) Vessels, (5) Central 

 Authority, and (6) Co-operation with Scotland and 

 Ireland ; and the recommendations under these heads 

 may be briefly summarised, with comments, as follows: — 

 (1) Statistics. — The Committee insist upon the neces- 

 sity for much fuller and more accurate statistics as to the 

 results of the commercial fisheries than are now supplied. 

 Returns must be obtained from the masters of fishing 

 vessels, and it is very desirable that full returns of all 

 fish caught, giving the localities and other particulars, 

 should be made compulsoiy. 



(2) Expert Staff. — In the first place a staff of trained 

 assistants is required at the principal hsliing ports to 

 deal with the returns obtained from the boats, to inspect 

 the catches landed and to select samples for further ex- 



