of the Fishenj Board for Scotland. 



237 



There was an increase in the output of herring barrels, but still the supply 

 was not equal to the local requirements of the trade, and stocks had to 

 be augmented from other districts. 



There were no Hves lost in connection with the district fisheries, and the 

 loss of and damage to fishing material was of no importance. 



Technical classes for the instruction of fishermen were not conducted 

 in this district during the year. 



Wm. Nisbet, 



Fishery Officer. 



Fishery Office, 

 Glasgow, 9th January, 1914. 



Ballantrae District. 



Notwithstanding a decrease in the total quantity of white fish landed 

 of 12,762 cwts. from the figures for the preceding year, there is an increase 

 in value of £4021. Herrings account for the bulk of the shortage in 

 quantity, but show an advance in value of £2613. 



Besides the craft accounted for in Appendix G., No. 1., there were 4 

 second-class boats added to the register which were constructed in other 

 districts. Two of these were motor boats, and cost £250 each. The other 

 two were saiUrig craft, costing £60 and £20 respectively. There is little 

 change in the total number of boats, however, a few having been struck 

 off the register as unsea worthy. There is a growing tendency on the part 

 of the fishermen to use larger seine nets, and this accounts for the increased 

 area of this particular kind. This increase, however, is offset by a de- 

 crease in the extent of drift netting, and other kinds. 



The centre of the winter herring fishing was Loch Ryan, the stations 

 of Ayr, Dunure, Maidens, and Girvan contributing only moderate quanti- 

 ties. For this period the catch was 5585 cwts. less than in the preceding 

 year, while the value was greater by £3498, the average price per cran 

 being 29s. lid., as against 19s, in the year 1912. 



The early summer herring fishing in this district is of little account in 

 any year, and usually the quality of the fish is inferior, especially in April 

 and May. But it matters little in what condition herrings are caught, there 

 is always a certain demand for them. The quantity taken during this 

 period shows a deficiency when compared with the preceding year's figures, 

 and the price per cran is also less, the average paid in 1912 being 27s. 2d., 

 and in the season under review, 25s. lid. per cran. Poor quality in May 

 accounts for the fall in price. 



The great summer and autumn herring fishing also shows a falling off 

 in the quantity landed but a relative increase in value, the value per cran 

 being 43s. 9d., as against 35s, 3d. for the same period in 1912. In the 

 month of August this fishing entirely failed, and the bulk of the Girvan 

 fleet proceeded to Peel, Isle of Man, where, for a few weeks, fair wages were 

 earned. 



January was the most successful month in 1912, while February takes 

 first place by a long way this year. The herrings were all sent in a fresh 

 state to centres of distribution such as London and Glasgow. 



Seven steam liners and 1 steam vessel worldng cod nets made Stranraer 

 their headquarters during January, February, and March, Most of the 

 liners made fair earnings, averaging fully £20 per trip, while the cod-net 

 boat was a comparative failure, grossing only £195 for 32 voyages. The 

 liners made 30, 14, 20, 18, 23, 24, and 10 trips respectively, and their 



