184 



Appendices to Thirty-second Annual Report 



As in the preceding year, fair success was obtained at cod net fishing in 

 the districts referred to by a small fleet of steam and sail craft, the takes 

 obtained generally ranging from 5 to 10 score, the highest shots running 

 up to 20 or 30 score. For the three districts the total catch was 50,697 cwts., 

 valued at £23,815, or a decrease of 6924 cwts. in quantity and £2084 in 

 value, as compared with 1912. A total of about 5000 cwts. was also landed 

 at Wick and other places on the North shores of the Firth. Prices generally 

 ranged from lOd. to Is. 6d. per fish, and occasionally from 2s. to 3s. 6d., 

 the average being 9s. 5d. per cwt., as against 7s. 5d. in 1912. The best 

 results were obtained in February and March. A portion of the catch was 

 spUt and cured for exportation, but the bulk was, as usual, immediately 

 dispatched to the Southern market in a fresh state. 



The results obtained at small-line fishing on the inshore grounds of 

 the Firth from Wick to Gardenstown on the Aberdeenshire coast compare 

 unfavourably with those of 1912. In the quantity of haddock alone 

 there was a decrease of about 26,000 cwts., which is partly accounted 

 for by a decrease in the number of men employed and the most un- 

 favourable weather conditions which prevailed during the spring and 

 winter months. Takes, however, were much lighter than usual, and not 

 for many years has there been such a scarcity of small-sized haddocks 

 in the Firth. Towards the close of the year there was a considerable 

 improvement in the takes, and several large boats fishing from 18 to 20 

 miles oii landed good takes, chiefly of haddock. 



As in the preceding year, the herring and sprat fishing in the Inverness 

 and Beauly Firths was a failure. 



During the spring and winter months a large number of steam drifters 

 were laid up in the Caledonian Canal and neighbourhood. The patent 

 slip at Inverness, constructed for repairing fishing craft, continues to be 

 appreciated by fishermen. Four steam drifters were launched, and two 

 others were in course of construction at the close of the year. A number 

 of orders for steam craft for 1914 have had to be refused, chiefly owing 

 to the difficulty in getting experienced workmen. 



William Jeffrey, 

 Assistant- Inspector of Sea Fisheries. 



Fishery Office, 

 Inverness, bth January 1914. 



II.— EAST COAST. 

 Eyemouth District. 



The most noteworthy feature of the past year was the high prices 

 obtained for all kinds of fish — records being established for herrings, cod- 

 lings, and haddocks — otherwise there was no marked difference from the 

 previous season. As compared with 1912, the returns exhibit increases 

 of 12,6] 2 cwts. in quantity, and £3306 in value. The total value, including 

 that of shell-fish, is the highest since 1899. For curers the home herring 

 fishing was only moderately successful, but those who went to Yarmouth 

 and Lowestoft had again a most successful season. The fishermen, in 

 general, did well at the home, Irish, and EngHsh herring fishings. As 

 regards quantity, no improvement can be recorded in line fishing in either 

 section of the district. 



The slight decreases in netting and lines call for no special mention. 

 In the English section there was a considerable decrease in boats and 

 tonnage. The port of Blyth was expected to become a first-rate trawling 

 station, but, owing to financial difficulties, 19 steam trawlers were sold, and 



