of the Fishery Board for JScotlajid. 



195 



exported to the Continent, the bulk went to German markets, and 

 almost all the season's cure was shipped in part cargoes. The quantity 

 of cod, ling, etc., exported via England t.o foreign ports shows an in- 

 crease of 22,954 cwts. 



An earlier commencement than usual was made at the English 

 herring fishing, and the 45 district steam drifters fishing there had a 

 very good season. The most successful vessel grossed £1400, and the 

 lowest £262, the average being £659. The loss of netting sustained 

 is estimated at £1100. All the district curers were well pleased with 

 their season's profit. 



Coopers were steadily employed during the year, and the output of 

 barrels exceeds that of 1911 by 80,596 barrels. A great demand for 

 barrels was created by the phenomenal success of the English herring 

 fishing. 



The number of fishing vessels built was 43, the same as in 1911, but 

 the shipbuilders have orders still in hand that will keep them employed 

 for the next 15 months. 



During the year 18,057 baskets were branded, which is by far the 

 highest number branded since the introduction of the regulations. 



In regard to harbour improvements, the building of the docks at 

 Torry is progressing favourably. An extension is now being made to 

 the fishmarket on the Albert Quay side of about 400 feet, at a cost of 

 £9000, and it is much required at the height of the Iceland season. 



Fishery Office, James Donaldson, 



Aberdeen, lOth January 1913. Fishery Officer. 



Peterhead District. 



During the year 1912 all those connected with the fishing industry 

 enjoyed an almost unprecedented prosperity. The home herring 

 fishing was a very successful one from the fishermen's point of view, 

 while curers and lish-workers in general are willing to admit that they 

 have all done very well. The chief factor in contributing to the year's 

 prosperity was the remarkable success of the English herring fishing. 

 The revenue brought by it to the district was a record one, with the 

 result that all classes directly and indirectly connected with the industry 

 have benefited considerably. Even the total quantity of fish landed in 

 the district exceeds that of 1911 by 15,042 cwts., as well as £49,359 

 in value. 



The means of capture returns compare unfavourably this 3''ear with 

 those of the past few years, which have shown a steady increase. In 

 this year's returns there is a decrease of 8 steam vessels and 12 first- 

 class sailing boats from those of the previous year. As far as steam 

 vessels are concerned, this is chiefly due to the transference of the 

 London and Peterhead Steam Fishing Company to Yarmouth, which 

 resulted in the vessels belonging to the Company being removed from 

 the district. The first-class sailing boats are fast passing away, the 

 number referred to above having been broken up and cancelled from 

 the register. 



The decrease in the steam vessels does not prove that the immense 

 progress which was made during the decade previous to 1912 with 

 regard to their construction has reached its limit. In fact, the decrease 

 is expected to be more than counterbalanced throughout the coming 

 year by new and second-hand vessels. This goes to show that the 

 development which has taken place within recent years is still going on. 

 n 



