INVESTIGATIONS IN MORAY FRITH, 1887 — 1889. 189 



Moray Frith were examined was May, and though the number 

 of hauls was the same as in 1887, a considerable diminution 

 was to be expected. The total number was 1,158, or 193 per 

 haul, and the proportions of saleable and unsaleable were widely 

 different from last year, being for the former 1,108, or 184 per 

 haul, and for the latter 50, or 8 per haul. 



The gurnard headed the list with a total of 235, a somewhat 

 unusual position for this species, which is generally a subordinate 

 one. In May, however, their numbers are as a rule noteworthy. 

 The average per haul is 39, or 9 over that of the previous year. 

 Dabs follow with a total of 201, or 33 per haul, only a little 

 more than half the number captured last year. Haddocks are 

 in the same category, with 23 per haul instead of 53. The 

 important plaice was represented only by a sixth of the number 

 of 1887. Whitings, on the other hand, were six times as 

 numerous, and witches nearly seven times as plentiful. Long- 

 rough dabs had increased even more largely. The numbers of 

 each species were, however, small, and the changes were due not 

 only to season but to the variations inseparable from such 

 operations, especially in a ship like the " Garland." 



A great increase on the previous year occurred at Station I. 

 and a less increase at Station Y. All the rest showed a con- 

 siderable decrease. On the whole the captures were small. 



The six stations were examined once in June in 1889, the 

 result being the small total of 634 fishes, or 105 per haul, not 

 half the number with which the experiments commenced in 

 1887. Of this number 546, or 91 per haul, were saleable, and 

 88, or 14 per haul, unsaleable. The closure certainly did not 

 seem to improve the captures of the " Garland," and in the 

 Report of the Fishery Board it is said that the results " show a 

 decrease both in round fish and in flat fish." 



Though plaice were three times as numerous as in 1888, 

 the total gave only 47 per haul, a moderate number. The 

 figures in almost all the other fishes were reduced. Altogether 

 the year was an unproductive one in the Moray Frith. 



The year 1890 was characterised by an increase in the 

 number of hauls in the Frith to three times the former number, 

 and in three separate months, viz.. May, July, and September. 



