224 



Appendices to Twenty-ninth Annual Beport 



were replaced by smaller craft, second and third class chiefly. Over all 

 there is an increase of 26 as compared with 1909. No steam or motor 

 boats are owned in the district. 



One hundred and ten steam and 15 sailing vessels were employed in the 

 winter and spring herring fishing. The principal fishing grounds were in 

 the Minch and ofi" the Butt. Several good takes were, however, brought in 

 from Lochewe, Lochbroom district; from off Lochmaddy, Barra district; and 

 from Loch Dunvegan. Skye district. Unfavourable weather which prevailed 

 during the principal fishing week of the season was the cause of the partial 

 failure of the fishing, for it was proved by some takes that were brought in 

 that herrings were in abundance off the Butt, 10 to 15 miles X.W. Steam 

 vessels earned an average of £220, while several had from £400 to £450. 

 Fifteen sailers averaged £95. The average price per cran was 25s. 6d. 



The early summer fishing, which formerly was the most important, has 

 been on the down grade for several years. One of the causes is said to be 

 the regular depletion of the usual fishing grounds in the Minch during the 

 winter fishing season. One hundred and thirty- six steam and 150 sailing 

 boats were employed for a short period only from the 14th May till towards 

 the end of the month, by which time nearly all had left for Shetland and 

 other ports. Light catches were the rule. The quality, which was poor, 

 improved later on when there was only a small fleet, composed chiefly of 

 local craft, employed. These continued fishing until towards the end of 

 September with fair success. The average price per cran realised was 20s. 3d. 



Four carrying steamers and three sailing vessels brought over from Skye 

 district, from October to December, 10,371 crans of herrings roused in 

 barrels, and 476 crans from Lochbroom district. These were cured gutted 

 for export. 



Although none of the herring fleet was fitted out with mackerel nets, con- 

 siderable quantities of mackerel of fair quality were landed in the early part 

 of the year, as well as in May and August They were readily disposed of 

 in January and February at 25s. per cran for despatch to the fresh markets. 

 Thereafter prices receded to 4s. and 5s. per cran for curing purposes. 

 Altogether 926 barrels were cured for export. 



Several steam liners landed occasionally some excellent takes of cod and 

 ling during the early part of the year. They were readily disposed of for 

 curing and freshing purposes at from 8d. to 2s. 6d. each, according to the 

 demand. The catch by local craft at different sections in the district was 

 also much better than has been the case for several seasons past. The 

 quantity cured dried, as compared with the preceding year's returns, shows 

 an increase of 44 tons. Prices ruled at £21 10s. per ton for cod, £24 for 

 ling, and from £12 to £15 for saith. 



Broadbay was the chief centre for haddock fishing, small-line fishing being 

 the method employed. The quantity sent to the Southern markets was, 

 however, small, the demand for smoked fish being limited. Sending them 

 to market in a fresh state did not prove remunerative, the cost of freight 

 and carriage being prohibitive. 



The catch of lobsters shows an increase of 15,462, valued at £763, as 

 compared with the returns for 1909. The best, as regards both size and 

 quality, Avere taken in the Sound of Harris. L^nclassified shell-fish, of 

 which whelks formed the major part, also show an increase of 605 cwts., 

 valued at £86. Small quantities of cockles and mussels were occasionally 

 collected — the former for local use and the latter for bait. 



Alex. Sutherland, 



Fishery Officer. 



Fishery Office, 

 Stornoway, \Oth January 1911. 



