of ike Fishery Board for Scotland. 



lid. per cran, as compared with 19s. 5d. in 1911. The total catch 

 for the season was 129,546 crans, as against 180,350 crans for the 

 previous year. There were decreases at all the stations, ranging from 

 5124 to 16,155 crans at the principal ports. The principal fishing 

 grounds were from 10 to 20 miles off the Farne Islands. 



Besides the 6678 barrels of herrings exported direct, 20,809 were sent 

 coastwise, and 3844 by rail to Leith for exportation to the Continent : 

 also 206 by rail to Glasgow for exportation to America. 



The haddock fishing was practically a failure, being the lowest on 

 record, with the exception of 1902, when the catch was only 1266 cwts. 

 The highest take was 10 boxes. Prices generally ranged 

 between lis. and 25s. per box, with an average of 

 21s. 3d. per cwt., as compared with 18s. 5d. in 

 1911. For many years this was the principal fishing in the 

 district, and at one time haddocks alone represented 50 per cent, of the 

 total value of white fish. In connection with this fishing, it is of 

 interest to note the change in net and line fishing. Some 20 years ago 

 there was a fleet of over 40 large boats prosecuting this fishing, and in 

 1896 the quantity landed was 44,123 cwts., as compared with 2032 cwts. 

 last year. Of the total quantity and value of all kinds of white fish 

 landed in 1887, herrings represented 44 per cent, in quantity and 20 per 

 cent, in value. In 1897, the respective percentages were 58 and 42, 

 and in 1907, 93 and 81, while last year they were 95 and 88. 



The value of the shell fisheries was slightly below that for 1911. The 

 average earnings were about £30 per man. 



Owing to the short herring fishing, large stocks of barrels were left 

 on hand, but the abnormal success at the English autumn fishing 

 created a keen demand, and all available stocks were cleared out, em- 

 ployment for coopers for the present year being thereby ensured. 



Boat-builders have for the last few years been dependent on the 

 alterations in boats in which motor engines were installed, and mean- 

 time there is no prospect of boat-building. 



The few crews who prosecuted the Irish herring fishing did fairly 

 well, with the exception of one drifter, who did not clear expenses. 

 Good success attended those who went to the English autumn fishing. 

 The steam drifters had, on the average, £158, motor boats £141, and 

 sail boats £76 more than in 1911. The average for the fleet of 43 boats 

 was £572, as compared with £377 for the previous year. The loss in 

 netting was estimated at £30 per boat. 



There were no casualties during the year. 



[Table. 



