FISHERY IMPROVEMENT IN JERSEY. 85 



a. To ascertain to what extent the free-swimming larvee of lobsters 

 are strictly surface swimmers. 



b. To ascertain by means of "drifters " the mean or usual drift of 

 our surface currents under definite conditions of wind. This with a view 

 to learn the probable drift of pelagic fry were they to be hatched in, and 

 liberated from, an incubating station on the coast. 



e. To ascertain the course of the migrations of our local food fishes 

 and the determining causes. Although this is difFLcult work, the 

 experience of Dr. Wemyss Fulton, upon the coast of Scotland, is that in 

 regard to certain fish, such as plaice, this knowledge can be gained by 

 the marking of the fish by means of metal discs each impressed with a 

 consecutive number and securely fastened to the fish, the fish being 

 subsequently liberated. Rewards are then offered for the capture of 

 such marked individuals. In this way Dr. Fulton has found that there 

 is a general northward movement of plaice upon the east coast of Scot- 

 land. More than 10 per cent, of the marked plaice — over 1,000 — have 

 been recovered, a very satisfactory percentage. 



d. To adopt or to discover a cheap means for the preservation of 

 bait for lengthy periods and to elaborate a scheme for its storage in 

 sufficient quantities. 



e The introduction and culture of a better class "red-cat" bait 

 worm, such as the giant "creeper" {Nereis virens) of the Irish Sea 

 fishermen. 



/. The introduction of the culture of the cockle, a highly lucrative 

 industry wherever pursued. In England and in France it gives employ- 

 ment to thousands of fishermen. 



g. The introduction of mussel culture. If this were successful it 

 would tend to lessen the disability under which our local fishermen so 

 frequently labour on account of scarcity of bait. On the Scottish coast 

 the mussel is the most important of the baits used by the liners. 



h. The re-introduction of the ormer {Saliotis) on an extensive scale. 



3. — Education and Information Bureau. 



Such practical work as is detailed above should, however, be supple- 

 mented by means of : — 



a. Free lectures to fishermen upon fishery problems, to enable them 

 to follow closely the development of fishery methods elsewhere. Demon- 

 strations upon methods of fishing and of shell-fish cultivation in other 

 lands should also be included, together with some instruction in the 

 elementary facts in the life -histories and habits of our common fishes. 



b. Prizes to fishermen for the encouragement of suitable objects. 



c. The establishment of a Fisheries Collection, to illustrate by actual 

 specimens and by models, drawings and the like, the varied methods of 

 fishing pursued abroad and at home, preserved specimens of the animals 



