LANCASHIRE AND WESTERN SEA FISHERIES COMMITTEE. 



79 



in these days of ever-increasing- catching power, steam fishing- vessels and otter trawls, had it 

 not been for the bye-laws, the nurseries and grounds lying near the coast would have been 

 swept clean ag-ain and again, until they were practically fished out, not only to the detriment 

 of these grounds themselves, but also, as we have shown, of the grounds lying further sea- 

 wards. The shrimper also would not have escaped, as it is known that were it not for the 

 bye-laws we should have steam shrimpers, as well as steam trawlers, working- the inshore 

 waters. Our object Jn mentioning these matters is to put before those who are opposed to all 



FlG 13. .-i Stt'ciin Trawler. 



regulations or fishery protection, the view that, if the bye-laws were abolished, however much 

 it mig-ht benefit a few for the moment, it would directly bring disaster to the inshore fisherman, 

 and eventually to the off-shore fisherman also. 



In conclusion, we may add that the Lancashire Committee have always strongly 

 supported the view that, over and above the protection given to the fisheries by the present 

 bye-laws, legislation which will prohibit the landing and sale of undersized sea-fish is absolutely 

 essential for the further preservation and development of our Sea Fisheries. 



The following- are the minimum sizes, in inches in extreme length, of certain sea fish 

 as recommended to be sold by the fish salesmen of Liverpool, Manchester, Blackburn : 



Inches. 



Plaice ... ... ... 10 



Soles ... ... ... 9 



Lemon Soles ... ... 10 



Whiting ... ... ... 12 



Cod ... ... ... 15 



Dabs ... ... ... 8 



Flounders ... ... ... 8 



Haddock ... ... ... 13 



Ray ... ... ... 20 



Turbot ... ... ... 14 



Brill ... ... ... 14 



Witch Soles 10 



