b, Small 
Flat-fish 
ADMINISTRATION-REPORT 1903—04 = XN 
Db. 
dations will be framed on the basis of this examination, with regard to the 
future arrangement of the statistics in the various countries. 
The Bureau has further begun the preparation of the statistical material which 
is being sent in by the various countries, relative to the quantities of small flat- 
fish caught by the trawl and landed at the chief fishing ports. 
In: order to make the material as uniform as possible, the Bureau drew 
up the following circular with regard to the collection of the statistics, special 
reference being made to the measurements of the plaice. It was sent to the 
members of the Council in April 1904: 
1. The total quantity of the plaice landed at the port is to be determined 
monthly. So far as this cannot be carried out by direct weighing, measure- 
ment of volume, enumeration or other manner, a subsidiary estimate has 
to be made. 
9. It has to be ascertained what proportions of the total quantity are formed 
by the various trade-divisions (e.g. large, medium, small). 
3. Measurements of the fish in the smallest category are especially to be under- 
taken. Such measurements are to be made as often as possible and for 
as many specimens as possible, and should indicate the total length, from 
the snout to the tip of the tail, to the nearest 0.5 cm. 
It is of the utmost importance that the ground where the measured fish 
came from should be ascertamed with the greatest possible exactness. 
5. The collection of the statistics is to begin as soon as possible; in order to 
procure immediately an explanatory model for pomt 1, the monthly total 
quantities for 1903 should be ascertained as far as possible from existing 
statistics. This may be done according to the chief trade-divisions already 
in use. 
6. It would be of the highest value for a number of the purposes of the inter- 
national investigations if these statistical enquiries were not restricted to 
the plaice, but were extended to include other flat-fish as well. 
7. Whilst the procuring of the necessary material is the work of the separate 
states, the Bureau undertakes the further elaboration of the monthly data 
sent to it. 
The most of the countries concerned began the collection of the material 
in May; measurements and other data concerning many thousands of flat-fish 
have since then been forwarded to the Bureau and are being prepared for 
publication. 
