180 



Appendices to TJiirty-second Annual Report 



year. There was a further decrease in the number of large sail boats, 

 these being now reduced to a total of 462. Fishermen generally on the 

 stretch of coast under review took full advantage of the navigation classes 

 held for their convenience, and many qualified for the necessary certificate 

 of competency. 



In the eiistrict of Loch Carron and Skye there was a further increase in 

 the number of small-sized motor boats suitable for net fishing in the 

 Minch. These proved more serviceable and profitable than sail craft of a 

 similar size. In Wick district motors were installed in several large sail 

 boats. In the other West and Northern districts the increase in motors 

 was insignificant, and all over there was a marked decrease in the number 

 of small sail boats formerly used in net and line fishing. 



In Barra district the early summer herring fishing was prosecuted with 

 good success. Operations were commenced early in May, and practically 

 closed in the second week in July, by which time the East Coast steam 

 and sail craft had left the district. The local fleet of small sail boats 

 landed light takes throughout the year, and their contribution to the 

 catch did not exceed 10 per cent. The catch for the year was 32,000 

 crans, or double the quantity landed in 1912. About 16,000 crans were 

 landed in June at an average price of 55s. per cran. For the year the 

 average price was 49s., as against 40s. 6d. in 1912. The earnings of the 

 steam vessels ranged from £500 to £1500 ; of motor boats from £240 to 

 £720 ; and of large sail boats from £240 to £715. The small sail boats 

 belonging to the district — a number of which were irregularly employed — 

 grossed from £32 to £375. The small motor boat belonging to the district 

 grossed £543. The comparatively poor success of the district crews is 

 accounted for by a scarcity of fish on the inshore grounds. The large 

 East Coast craft having a wider range of operations fished all over the 

 Minch. A number of fair takes were brought in from the Atlantic side of 

 the Island, which, as usual, were of excellent quality, and realised from 

 85s. to 91s. per cran. A feature of the season was the success obtained on 

 new grounds, cliiefly in Gunna Sound, and off the west side of Mull in the 

 neighbourhood of the Dutchman's Cap. These herrings, however, after 

 being cured, did not realise the high prices invariably obtained for Minch 

 caught fish. Over 21,000 barrels were exported to St. Petersburg alone, 

 and on these curers lost heavily. The white fisheries of the district were 

 less productive by 11,000 cwts. than in 1912. The usual numbers of hired 

 men and gutters and packers engaged in the various herring fishings 

 and their earnings for the year were higher than usual. 



As in the preceding year, good results were obtained at herring fishing 

 in Fort-WilUam district, but in the quantity of white fish landed there 

 was a marked decrease, which is accounted for by unfavourable weather 

 conditions, and the increased attention given to herring fishing. Conse- 

 quent upon the failure of the herring fishing in the lochs and sheltered parts 

 the crofter fishermen have practically ceased to take any part in the 

 fisheries of the district, and the small craft owned by these men are rapidly 

 going to waste. For a number of years in succession the bulk of the 

 herring and white fish accounted for has been caught in the Minch by East 

 Coast fishermen and landed at Mallaig, although Oban is now getting a 

 larger share than formerly. At a number of the many creeks in the 

 district the local men engage in lobster fishing. On an average the value 

 of the shell-fish landed annually amounts to £2600, of which £2000 is 

 referable to lobsters, and the remainder chiefly to whelks. Their share of 

 the net and line caught fish amounts to only about £1500 annually. Of the 

 herrings landed in the district 9000 barrels were cured, 25,000 crans 

 freshed, and 1300 crans kippered. For the year the average price was 

 26s. per cran, as compared with 23s in 1912. There was a good demand 



