COUNCIL — SEPT. 1912 — APPENDIX M — 150 — 



younger portion of the stock means an increase in the number of older and larg- 

 er plaice, and thus an increase in the market value by higher prices being obtai- 

 ned. This increase in the numbers of older and larger plaice would naturally take 

 place in those parts of the North Sea which lie beyond the young fish grounds 

 and farther out to sea. 



The gain accrueing from protection of the young plaice can be theoretically 

 calculated with some amount of accuracy, and is in proportion to the degree of 

 protection afforded. 



The General Report arrives finally at the conclusion, that the introduction 

 of a legal size-limit for the Plaice of the North Sea is both valuable and necessary. 



The introduction of such size-limit, however, must yet be regarded as a 

 first attempt, an experiment. It would therefore seem advisable rather to com- 

 mence with a lower limit (under 25 cm.) than with one too high, and to fix a 

 lower limit for plaice brought to market alive than for those landed dead. 



The results of any such first attempt with size-limits must be carefully stu- 

 died for some years; if they prove favourable, then the height of the limit can be 

 raised. 



