172 FISHERIES OF THE NORTH SEA 



the herring. In normal times by far the 

 greater proportion of the catch is exported 

 as soon as caught, although the food is 

 as valuable as meat and is landed at a 

 cost of about one penny per pound. There 

 is a great demand for tinned herrings for 

 home consumption and for export, yet we 

 have hardly touched this branch of the 

 industry. Although we import millions of 

 tins of herrings, sardines, and anchovies, 

 we have these fish in abundance on our 

 own coasts. There is scientific investiga- 

 tion of our fisheries, but there is no alliance 

 between the science and the industry ; col- 

 laboration is essential if we wish to hold our 

 position. Applied science would bring great 

 improvements in marketing the produce. 



If Britain is going to maintain its 

 supremacy in this industry, the people 

 of this country must decide at once to 

 encourage by every means in their power 

 the use of fish. The destiny of the industry 

 is now in our hands. If we do not avail 

 ourselves of the opportunities, of which 

 we have at present more than continental 

 nations, we shall find others in the field 

 endeavouring to wrest our supremacy and 



