228 



Appendices to Thirty-second Annual Report 



the fish usually lie for several hours iu hot weather before the first process 

 of cure is comnieiiced, and the fish are not therefore in a condition for 

 making a good cure. It is only when the price of mackerel is unremunera- 

 tive in the fresh markets, or when boats arrive too late to catch the dailv 

 steamer or trains, that any attempt is made to cure this class of fish. 



The district motor boats had another successful season, their earnings 

 for the year ranging from £200 to £500, with an average of about £300, 

 while those of sail boats of a similar class may be set down at from £50 

 to £180, with an average of about £90. 



The shell-fish branch of the fisheries was actively engaged in. Lobster 

 fishing, the most valuable branch, resulted in an increase of £1717. The 

 crab fishing is of little account, the crabs being of indifferent quality. 

 Whelks show an increase of £159. This class of shell-fish appears plentiful 

 at many creeks, and no doubt the output might be increased. 



During the year 5135 baskets were branded, a decrease of 967 as 

 compared with the previous year. 



There are no classes for the technical instruction of fishermen, or other 

 persons connected with the fishing industry, conducted in the district. 



Unfortunately the year did not pass without loss of hfe. One lobster 

 boat from Waternish was swamped while engaged in lobster fishing, and 

 the crew of three men drowned. 



James Young, 

 Fishery Officer. 



Fishery Office, 

 Kyle, 7th January 1914. 



Fort- W illiam District. 



The principal feature of the fisheries of this district during the year 

 1913 was the phenomenal success of the winter herring fishing during the 

 early part of the year. Commencing in December 1912, this fishing con- 

 tinued with wonderful productivity right on to February, and the fact that 

 it was confined to Loch Bracadale indicates the density of the shoal 

 located there. 



Compared with 1912 a first glance at the year's results seems to indicate 

 that the steady expansion recorded during the past few years in this district 

 as a whole has been arrested. Closer examination, however, reveals the fact 

 that, at the two principal creeks, Mallaig and Oban, in spite of adverse 

 weather conditions during the first quarter of the year, and the absolute 

 failure of the autumn loch fishing, results are well maintained. At Mallaig 

 the increase is only 753 cwts. in quantity, but nearly £8000 in value, while 

 Oban has a small decrease in quantity and an increase of £400 in value. 

 The district totals show a reduction of 2686 cwts. in quantity and an 

 increase of £7699 in value. 



During the year the motor-driven fleet belonging to the district was 

 increased by 3. These were fitted with engines ranging from 10 to 26 

 b.h.p., and from £90 to £270 in value. The engmes installed were 2 

 Kelvins and 1 Detroit, U.S.A., one of the former being a twin screw. The 

 returns, although showing a decrease in the number and tonnage of vessels, 

 exhibit an increase in value entirely attributable to the installation of 

 motor engines. 



The phenomenal herring fishing in Loch Bracadale noticed in last year's 

 report as being in progress at Mallaig toward the end of 1912 was success- 

 fully carried on into February. In January over 30 steamers were still 

 engaged and some remarkable earnings reported. One vessel was credited 

 with over £500 for 7 landings. Operations so extensive, with boisterous 



