36 



NATURE 



[November 9, 1899 



lines provisionally drawn on the annexed chart, where R denotes 

 the Russian, F the Finnish, S the Swedish, G the German, Da 

 the Danish, Du the Dutch, iV the Norwegian, and B the British 

 lines. 



The special points are to be decided by the respective nations, 

 and when once chosen the subsequent observations are to be 

 repeated at the same points. 



The particular instructions for the stations will be given by 

 the respective nations, and the communications as to the extent 

 and the nature of the observations shall take place through the 

 central bureau (see C, a and e). 



X. It is desirable, in carrying out these investigations, to 

 make use of regular liners, light-ships, &c., and coast stations 

 for the purpose of taking temperature-observations and collect- 

 ing samples of sea-water and plankton. 



These observations are to be taken not only in the typical 

 months, but also during the intervening periods. 



abundance, and average size of economic fishes, and the causes 

 of the same. 



II. (a) Experimental fishings on the known fishing grounds 

 during the time of the fishery, as well as outside these areas and 

 seasons. 



{h) Preparation of uniform statistics of the experimental 

 catches, with particulars of the number, species, size, weight 

 and condition of the fish ; for example, as done on board the 

 Garland by the Scottish Fishery Board. 



(i;) The uniform use of appropriate apparatus for the ex- 

 perimental capture of the different species and sizes of fish. 



(«/) The experimental marking and liberation of fish, for 

 instance, of plaice, on as large a scale as possible and over 

 extensive areas ; for example, as carried out by Dr. C. G. Joh. 

 Petersen and Dr. T. W. Fulton (Reports of the Danish 

 Biological Station and the Fishery Board for Scotland) and 

 others (see Appendix IV.). 



Division of Areas for Investigations in connection with Fisheries. 



B.— The Biological Work. 



I. (a) Determination of the topographical and bathymetrical 

 distribution of eggs and larvae of marine economic fishes ; for 

 example, by quantitative methods, such as those of Hensen, and 

 with special reference to the most important species, such as 

 plaice, cod and haddock, herring, &c. (see Appendix I.). 



(b) Coritinued investigation of the life-history and conditions 

 of life of young fishes of economic species in their post-larva 

 stages and till they reach maturity, with special reference to their 

 local distribution. 



(c) Systematic observation of mature marketable fishes with 

 reference to their local varieties and migrations, their conditions 

 of life, nourishment (as, for instance, by investigation of the 

 contents of the stomach), and natural enemies ; also observations 

 on the occurrence and nature of fish food at the bottom, the 

 surface and intermediate waters down to depths of at least 600 

 metres (see Appendix I. ). 



(d) Determination of periodic variations in the occurrence, 



NO. 1567, VOL. 61] 



III. {a) It is desirable to collect uniform statistics of the 

 number, weight and value of the fish landed, of the means of 

 capture, and of the persons engaged in the industry ; for 

 example, as in the General Reports of the Scottish Fishery 

 Board. 



(b) It is desirable to collect material for the preparation Oi 

 maps, showing the fishing grounds and the kinds of fishing 

 here practised {cf. A. VIII.). 



C— Organisation of a Central Bureau. 



I. The Conference recommends that there should be for the 

 international hydrographical and biological researches of the 

 seas an international Council with a central bureau, furnished 

 with a laboratory (see Appendix II.). The central bureau 

 will be : — 



{a) To give uniform directions for the hydrographical and 

 biological researches in accordance with the resolutions drawn 

 up in the programme of the present Conference, or in 



