oj the Fishery Board for Scotland. 



235 



and only a small proportion of the catch is annually dealt with in this 

 manner. 



Prices for pickled herrings varied from 30s. to 40s. per barrel, and for 

 kippers, 3s. to 3s. 6d. per box. All were cured for the home markets. 

 Dense shoals of mackerel appeared in the district waters during the months 

 of June, July, and August, and the quantity landed was fully 70 per cent, 

 better than in 1912. Owing to the varied quality of, and the meagre 

 demand for, the fish, the value increased by only 8 per cent. 



The entire catch was dispatched to the markets in a fresh state. 



Within recent years there has been a marked change in connection 

 with the white-fish fisheries of the district. 



For some unknown reason, haddocks and whitings appear to have 

 entirely deserted their usual haunts, while other kinds have also become 

 less plentiful, although not to such an appreciable extent. 



The total catch was 3856 cwts. of the value of £2187, contrasting un- 

 favourably with the comparatively poor landings of 4782 cwts. valued at 

 £2617 during the preceding year. 



As a result of this retrogressive movement, the number of fishermen 

 employed in this branch of the industry is gradually decreasing. 



The total value of shell-fish amounted to only £546, to which mussels 

 and unclassified kinds contributed fully 86 per cent. The annual value 

 has for years shown little change, and the fishery is altogether unimpor- 

 tant. 



Employment at boat-building was quite up to the average of the past 

 few years. Three second-class boats were built for owners residing outside 

 the limits of the district. 



No lives were lost in connection with the district fisheries, and the 

 damage to and loss of fishing gear was insignificant. 



The barometers at Lamlash and Loch Ranza were well attended to by 

 their custodians, who kept a daily record of the state of the weather. 



Robert Spink, 

 Fishery Officer. 

 {Acting jar local officer on sick leave.) 



Fishery Office, 

 Tarbert, Qth January 1914. 



Greenock District. 



The returns of fish (exclusive of shell-fish) landed in this district during 

 1913 show an improvement of 5404 cwts. in quantity, and a drop of £548 

 in value, as compared with the figures for 1912. Net caught fish exhibit 

 increases of 7551 cwts. and £769, while hne-caught fish decreased by 1416 

 cwts. and £1085. 



Motor engines of 7-10 horse -power were fitted into four of the district 

 boats during the year. Two of those previously registered were withdrawn 

 from the fishing fleet, thus making a total of eleven motor boats now 

 belonging to the district as against nine in the preceding year. 



A considerable number of the sailing boats were struck off the fishing 

 register. A few of these were sold to owners residing in other districts, 

 some were broken up or left on the beach as unfit for further use, while 

 others are not now being used for fishing purposes. 



There are four steam fishing vessels (other than trawlers) registered at 

 Glasgow and Greenock, but as these were employed as herring carriers, 



