190 



Appendices to Thirty-second Annual Report 



the preceding year. A portion of the catch was forwarded to continental 

 markets in a fresh state, only a small quantity being cured. 



The summer herring fishing in this district is subject to considerable 

 fluctuations, and the catch is usually largely made up of landings by crews 

 returning home for week-ends. During the early part of last season, 

 however, a few crews fished regularly from the district, and their efforts 

 were attended by a considerable measure of success. The herrings were 

 obtained chiefly about 50 miles S.E. of the May Island. About the end 

 of July the fishing fell off. Small quantities were landed weekly till the 

 middle of September, when the season closed with a total of 7784 crans, an 

 increase of 2508 crans on the figures for 1912. Most of the catch was cured 

 for exportation. 



The majority of the district fishermen fished from northern stations 

 during the summer season. For them the season proved highly successful, 

 their earnings being even greater than in the season of 1912, which was 

 considered most remunerative. The earnings of the crews of steam 

 drifters varied from £580 to £1700, while the more fortunate crews of 

 saiUng boats grossed from £700 to over £1100. 



The local steam fishing vessels were employed at great-hne fishing for 

 a few weeks in spring, but the results were not encouraging. Fewer takes 

 than usual were landed in the district, preference being given to Aberdeen, 

 Newhaven, and English ports. Small-line fishing was regularly prose- 

 cuted, a number of small motor boats being employed. The catch was 

 less than that of 1912, but the value was greater. As showing the general 

 rise in the price of fish it may be mentioned that the average price reahsed 

 for cod and codhngs was 12s. per cwt., and for haddocks 21s 2d. per cwt., 

 as compared with 9s. 6d. and 17s. 4d. respectively in 1912. 



The codUng and plaice net fishing which is carried on in St. Andrews 

 Bay was unsuccessful. Plaice showed a faUing off of almost 22 per cent. 



The sparling and sprat fishing which is carried on principally from 

 Newburgh was of little importance. Most of the sprats landed were sold 

 for manure. 



Lobster fishing received more attention than in 1912, and the catch was 

 greater. Crabs were less abundant, but higher prices were reahsed. 

 During the year there was an improvement in the demand for mussels, and 

 the output exceeded that of 1912 by 2442 cwts. 



One hundred and three crews — 61 steamers, 7 motor boats, and 35 

 saihng boats — belonging to this district prosecuted the autumn herring 

 fishing on the EngHsh coast. The crews of steam drifters and motor boats 

 experienced a most successful season. Unfortunately, the earnings of 

 the crews of sailing boats were less satisfactory. The gross earnings of the 

 steamers varied from £416 to £1421. Motor boats earned from £305 to 

 £460, and saiUng boats from £60 to £350. The loss of fishing gear on the 

 English coast was greater than usual, it being estimated that the fishermen 

 from this district suffered to the extent of about £3000. One of the district 

 saihng boats was lost of? Yarmouth, and a Cellardyke fisherman lost his 

 life through falling overboard while his vessel was returning home. 



Barrelmakers were fully employed throughout the year, all kinds of 

 barrels finding a ready sale. The boat-building trade continued inactive, 

 only 3 small boats being built in local yards. 



The fishery barometers placed at St. Monans, Cellardyke, Crail, and 

 St. Andrews are kept in good order. 



William Keir, 

 Fishery Officer. 



Fishery Office, 

 Anstruther, 8^^ January 1914. 



