MEETING — MAY 1918 — 20 — 



2. The war has now entailed a so sudden, strong and continued restriction 

 of the North Sea fishery that it is to be supposed that the stock of many of our 

 food fishes has been remarkably influenced thereby, and that consequently this 

 will be perceptible in the catches during the war as well as during the time imme- 

 diately after. It is even within the bounds of possibility that the previous indica- 

 tions of "overfishing" may be replaced by indications of "overpopulation" of fish, 

 apparent, for instance, from a relatively small growth of the individuals. 



3. It therefore appears of the highest importance to undertake, by the inter- 

 national investigations, an analysis on a large scale of the catches of the most im- 

 portant food fishes in the North Sea — particularly of plaice and haddock — for 

 comparison with the analysis to hand before the war. Investigations carried out 

 in Holland during 1916 — 1917 seem to indicate that the stock of plaice on the Dutch 

 coast is undergoing considerable changes. Moreover, quite recent observations have 

 shown that the number of large plaice is increasing, whereas haddocks again have 

 made their appearance on the southern shores of the North Sea. Further investiga- 

 tions, carried out according to the methods formerly used and tested by experience 

 would most likely enable the Council to ascertain whether the "war close time" 

 in the North Sea really has entailed a completion of the stock of fish, and this will 

 again enable us to estimate the effect of an intensive restriction as well as the con- 

 dition for the production of fish in the North Sea. New points of view even, as to 

 restrictive laws, may be expected as a result of such investigations. 



4. It is to be expected that after the conclusion of peace, the North Sea fishery 

 will be carried on as intensely as in any way possible, and quite inconsiderately, 

 in order to satisfy the demand for fish. The stock of fish may therefore be reduced 

 to its former size before the war. Consequently it is of vital importance to ascertain, 

 immediately peace is concluded, the composition of the stock of fish in the 

 North Sea, by scientific investigations embracing statistics of catches, measurement 

 as to sizes, and observations of age of the most important food fishes — in particular 

 plaice and haddock — such investigations being carried out in accordance with 

 programmes and methods formerly used. 



5. As a matter of fact, the time during and after the war can for the North 

 Sea fishery be considered as a critical period of particular nature. During this period 

 the guidance of scientific research towards the foundation of a rational economy 

 of the sea should not be missed. Investigations of this kind should be carried out 

 to as full extent as possible by the neutral powers, and anyhow immediately 

 after the conclusion of peace at once and without hesitation by all powers bordering 



