of the Fishery Board for Scotland, 



68 



Rothesay District. ■ 



The aggregate results of the fisheries of Rothesay district for the year 

 under review show an increase of 78,669 cwts. in quantity, and of £33,898 

 in value on the returns for 1918. This notable increase was attributable to 

 the improvement in the herring fishing. 



The number of saihng boats belonging to the district showed an increase 

 of 1 first class, a decrease of 1 second class, and a decrease of 4: third 

 class boats, from the figures for the previous year. 



Eight boats were added to the motor fleet during the course of the 

 year ; 3 were withdrawn from the fishing, and 1 was transferred to 

 Tarbert. Three of the additional 8 boats were previously employed 

 in fishing ; 1 at Stranraer, and the other 2 as saihng boats in this 

 district. Of the remaining 5, 3 were formerly used for pleasure, 

 whilst 2 were new boats. 



The herring fishing was remarkably successful throughout the first and 

 last two months of the year. The landings were heaviest in the month of 

 January, when 12,708 crans were recorded. In the beginnmg of November, 

 as was the case in the preceding year, a large shoal of herrings was located 

 in the Kyles of Bute. Operation in these waters, owing to their sheltered 

 nature, were carried on under all conditions of weather, and some very 

 heavy hauls were secured . The quality, however, was far from satisfactory, 

 with the result that the prices realised were on the average very poor. 

 For the year the average price worked out at 41s. 6d. per cran, as against 

 56s. in 1918. 



The total quantity and value of herrings landed for the year were 

 31,297 crans and £64,981, as compared with 8968 crans and £25,154 in 1918. 



The quantity of mackerel landed showed an increase of 97 cwts. on the 

 previous year, and a decrease in value of £1128, the average price being 

 lis. lid. per cwt., as compared with 22s. 6d. per cwt. in 1918. As 

 in the case of herrings, England and Glasgow were the chief markets to 

 which mackerel were consigned. 



Apart from herrings and mackerel, cod, including codUng, and saithe 

 were the principal kinds of fish taken. The total landings of white fish 

 under the various headings amounted to 6338 cwts., of a value of £9674, 

 an increase of 411 cw^s., but a decrease of £4801 on the returns for the 

 previous year. 



Each creek contributed its quota to the landings, but the principal 

 places were Rothesay, Kyles of Bute, Dunoon, and Loch Long. The 

 greater part of the catch was consigned to the G-lasgow market, the re- 

 mainder being sold locally. 



Cod and codlings averaged 40s. 6d. per cwt., saithe 18s. 2d., eels 27s. Id., 

 flounders and plaice 80s. 4d., as compared with 67s. 9d., 34s., 59s., and 120s. 

 per cwt. respectively in 1918. 



The total value of shell-fish shows a decrease of £157 from the preceding 

 year. The lobster fishing was disappointing, there being a decrease in 

 number of 1494. There was also a general shrinkage in the quantity of 

 mussels and unclassified shell-fish landed. 



The year's operations were unfortunately marred by the loss of one 

 hfe. The unfortunate fisherman fell overboard, whilst his boat was 

 proceedmg, in heavy weather, to the fishing grounds. His body was not 

 recovered. 



The damage sustained by boats and gear was considerably less than in 

 1918. 



Four fishing boats were built within the Hmits of the district, one less 

 than in the previous year. 



John Lawson, 

 Fishery Office, Fishery Officer, 



GiiASGOW, 12^^ January 1920, 



