PREFACE 



IN this little book I have tried to describe concisely, 

 yet clearly and comprehensively, the great work of 

 our sea fisheries. It is notoriously difficult to write a 

 small book on a large subject, and I expect there are 

 many who will detect sins of omission. 



The book is chiefly concerned with fisheries for edible 

 fish. I have included a chapter on whale fisheries, 

 since whale oil is now used largely in the manufacture 

 of such food substances as lard substitute and margarine. 

 No account of seal " fishing " is included, as seals are 

 not fished but are generally hunted on shore. I have 

 not included fisheries for pearls, sponges or seaweed. 

 To its cost the nation knows little of the methods and 

 organization and achievements of the Fishing Industry. 

 I sincerely hope that this little book may do something 

 to stimulate a wider and deeper interest in this vitally 

 important British industry. 



My cordial thanks are due to Mr. J. A. Robertson, 

 O.B.E., of Fleetwood, and to Mr. W. T. Sinderson, of 

 Grimsby, who have very kindly read through the 

 manuscript and given me the benefit of their valuable 

 experience and advice. 



I am indebted to Prof. James Johnstone, of Liverpool 

 University, for much of the information contained in 

 Chapters I and II, and also for permission to use the 

 illustrations on pages 17 and 29. 



For other illustrations I make grateful acknowledge- 

 ment as follows : for Nos. 7, 8, 9, 10, 15, 16, 17 and 19, 

 from The Sea Fisheries, to the author, Dr. J. Travis 



