158 TRANSACTIONS LIVERPOOL BIOLOGICAL SOCIETY. 



sent material advantages to what may be considered some- 

 what problematical benefits in the future. We must be 

 prepared to give full and accurate information as to the 

 economic effects of any suggested restrictions — the effects, 

 that is, upon the fishermen and others engaged in the 

 industry, and upon the markets and supply to the public, 

 as well as upon the shrimp and fish populations in the sea. 

 We desire to know, amongst other things : — 



(1) The number of boats and men employed in 

 shrimping on each of the grounds. 



(2) The produce of the fishery throughout the year, 

 and especially during certain periods — March to Tune, 

 •July to September and October to February. 



(3) The approximate amount of destruction of young 

 fishes under various circumstances. 



(4) The subsidiary interests involved, e.g., potting and 

 selling the shrimps. 



(5) The probable effect upon employment which 

 would be produced by the imposition of a close season. 



(6) The extent to which foreign preserved shrimps 

 are imported, and the probable effect of any change in 

 restrictions upon such importation. 



In regard to some of these matters we already have 

 a good deal of information, and can readily obtain more. 

 For example: — 



Under (1). — There are now 70 boats fishing on our 

 coasts hailing from Southport and Marshside alone, all 

 engaged in shrimping at some time of the year. These 

 are all half-decked boats, and most of them have been 

 built during the last six years. The catching power of 

 this fleet is said to be now ten times as great as was the 

 case 25 years ago. Each boat is worked by two men, and 

 the takings are divided into 5 shares, of which each 

 man takes two and the boat the fifth share. Each 



