12 Part III. — Tiventy-second Annual Report 



Investigations on the Herring in the Firth of Clyde. 



In connection with the winter herring fishing at Ballantrae Bank, 

 oflf the coast of Ayr, arrangements were made for an investigation of 

 the conditions of the fishing in relation to the operation of the 

 Bye-law No. 18, by which the use of the seine for the capture of 

 herrings within a defined area off the coast is prohibited. Owing, 

 however, to the stormy weather that prevailed on these exposed 

 grounds the fishing was almost a complete failure, only thirty -five 

 crans of herrings being obtained within the area specified, although 

 232 crans were caught in the more sheltered waters of Lochryan, 

 where fishing operations could be carried on. Under the circum- 

 stances it was not found possible to make the investigations 

 desired ; but it may be noted that the weather conditions made an 

 effective close-time in protecting the herrings frequenting the 

 grounds, and if, as there is every reason to believe was the case, 

 the herrings spawned there in February and March, the result 

 ought to tend to increase the number of herrings in some future 

 season. 



Investigations have also been undertaken with regard to the 

 herrings in the Firth of Clyde generally, more particularl)i in con- 

 nection with their migratory movements and spawning, about which 

 comparatively little is known, and which will require some con- 

 siderable time to complete. In reference to this enquiry a research 

 is being made by Professor Milroy, Queen's College, Belfast, on 

 behalf of the Board, as to the chemical composition of the herring 

 in relation more especially to the reproduction of the fish. 



We have the honour to be, 



Right Hon. Sir, 



Your most obedient Servants, 



ANGUS SUTHERLAND, Chairman. 



D. CRAWFORD, Deputi/-Chairman. 



D'ARCY W. THOMPSON. 



W. R. DUGUID. 



L. MILLOY. 



D. MEARNS. 



H. WATSON. 



WM. C. ROBERTSON, Secretary. 



