17 



Appendices to Thirty-eighth Annual Report 



The number of quarter-cran baskets branded in 1919 was 18,662, 

 being almost double the number branded in the previous year. This part 

 of the industry in this district appears to be on the increase owing to the 

 keen demand, which at present exceeds the supply, for Leith manufactured 

 baskets. 



The building of fishing vessels was not brisk, but now that builders 

 are free to undertake private building they will be better able to cope with 

 new orders for all classes of fishing-boats. A number of orders have already 

 been received. 



Kippering of herrings is the principal branch of curing engaged in in this 

 district, and more firms intend to devote their attention to this method 

 of cure in 1920. The demand for kippers seems to be increasing, a circum- 

 stance which can in a great measure be ascribed to the increased marketing 

 of kippers during the war. 



The only casualty that occurred last year was the sinking by a trading 

 steamer of a large Cockenzie motor-fishing boat on its homeward passage 

 from Yarmouth. Happily all the crew of the boat were saved, but they 

 lost all their gear and effects. 



With regard to the future, the prospects are bright unless labour 

 troubles recur, and a general expansion of the industry is probable. Now 

 that proUfic grounds which have not been fished for five years are being 

 cleared of mines larger catches may naturally be looked for. 



Frederick S. Fraser, 



Fishery Officer. 



Fishery Office, 

 Leith, I6th January 1920. 



Anstruther District. 



With the gradual return during the year of vessels and men from 

 Admiralty service, some semblance of pre-war activity was restored to 

 the district. The additional catching power had little influence on the 

 local landings of fish, as the majority of the larger craft generally work * 

 from ports outside the district. The total catch for the year was 49,691 

 cwts., valued at £92,544, as against 39,593 cwts. and £124,281 in 1918. 



When due allowance is made for the fact that a large proportion of the 

 fishermen were employed at fishing for only a portion of the year, it is 

 gratifying to be able to state that earnings were fairly good on the whole. 

 The success obtained at great-line fishing contributed in no small measure 

 towards this result. No difficulty was experienced by local crews in fitting 

 out for this method of fishing as nearly all of them were already in possession 

 of the necessary gear. 



The number of steam drifters now belonging to the district is slightly 

 less than last year, but motor boats show an increase of 31, which is accom- 

 panied by a large decrease in the number of sail boats. Very few of the 

 latter type of craft suitable for the purpose now remain to be equipped with 

 motor engines. 



In February the usual winter herring fishing was begun by a fairly 

 large fleet, which carried on operations for a period of six weeks. For an 

 ordinary season the catch would not be counted anything great, but with 

 herrings selling all the time at the controlled figure of £6, 6s. per cran, the 

 value at the end amounted to £31,487. A feature of this fishing is the 

 fact that the fishermen dispense with the services of an auctioneer and 

 dispose of their catches privately. It would be ever so much more con- 

 venient for buyers if this antiquated system were abandoned altogether, 



