_ 99 — APPENDIX J: ENGLAND 



Statistics 



The statistics of the fisheries in England and Wales, began to be collected systematic- 

 ally for the first time in 1885. The statistics have appeared in the "Statistical Tables 

 and Memorandum etc." sent out by the Board of Trade, the first of these annual reports 

 appearing in 1887. In this report of 1887, it is stated, that the statistics then published 

 are "believed to be the first tolerably complete statement as to the value of English 

 Fisheries". This statment shows: firstly, the total quantity and value of the fish returned 

 as landed on the English and Welsh coasts; secondly, the total quantity and value returned 

 for the east, south and west coasts respectively ; thirdly, the quantities and values from 

 these coasts during each month of the year; and fourthly, the total quantities landed at 

 each port or district in England and Wales. 



In the reports for 1887 and 1888, the following species are distinguished: 



Turbot Haddock 



Soles Mackerel 



Prime Fish, not separately distinguished Herrings 



Salmon Pilchards 



Cod Sprat 



Ling All other, except shell fish. 



In a note appended to the 1887 Tables (p. 12), it is stated, that "Prime Fish, not 

 separately distinguished, includes turbot, sole, plaice, whiting and haddock." 



In the Tables for 1888, plaice are distinguished for the first time. In the Tables for 

 1890, brill is added to the prime fish, and halibut to the others. In those for 1891, the 

 salmon is omitted and the hake added. 



From that time on to the report for 190] , these tables remained the same. In the 

 Tables for 1902, the number of species was increased from 13 to 19, conger eels, dabs, 

 gurnards, lemon soles, skates and rays, and whiting, being added. Further changes have 

 been introduced in the Tables for 1903, but these will be discussed later. 



The method of collecting the fishery statistics in England and Wales, is stated in the 

 Keport of the "Committee on Fishery Statistics" 1902 (p. VI). Coastguard Officers were 

 employed mostly, also officers of the Board of Trade, officers of Customs and in some 

 cases private individuals. From the statements made before this Committee it appears, that 

 the record of fish landed could only be regarded as approximate, and this more parti- 

 cularly at the important ports of Hull and Grimsby. In 1902, however, additional collec- 

 tors were appointed to these ports, and improvements made at the other chief centres on 

 the east coast. The results of these changes will be discussed later. 



The responsibility for the fisheries data rests, therefore, on the officials mentioned, who 

 have now to send in their returns each month to the Board of Agriculture and Fisheries. 



In addition to the data with regard to the quantities and value of fish landed , the 

 "Statistical Tables", as the years went on, began to publish information on the number of 

 boats and men employed in England and Wales. This information, however, made no 

 distinction between steamers and sailing boats, or between the different modes of fishing. 

 For that, we must turn to the Annual Reports of the Inspectors. Since 1899, each of the 

 latter has contained a summary of the boats fishing, with their tonnage, and distinguishing 

 between steamers and sailing boats, trawlers and other boats. It is thus possible to follow 



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