of the Fishery Board for Scotland. 



62 



production from the Locli Ryan beds was slightly less, while mussels, 

 lobsters, crabs, and other kinds show an improvement, the value over 

 all being some £2000 in excess of 1918. 



Trawhng operations at Annan were less successful, a considerable 

 reduction having taken place in the quantity of flounders landed. Shrimps 

 show an increase, but the aggregate value was less than in the preceding 

 year. 



During the last two months of the year some three small shots from 

 steam trawlers were landed at Stranraer. These are expected to be the 

 forerunner of many others — a considerable development of the trawhng 

 industry being projected at this port. 



The average value of all kinds, excluding shell-fish, works out at 

 31s. 5d., against 43s. 9d. per cwt. in 1918. 



A considerable expansion in kippering took place during the year, 

 the quantity treated in this way being 432 crans, against 145 during the 

 previous year. 



Only 16 barrels were cured gutted, this branch of the industry being 

 almost entirely in abeyance. 



Considerabfe enterprise is being displayed ni developing the fishing 

 industry in this district, as is shown by the followmg instances. Two 

 of the local fish merchants at Girvan added to their accommodation 

 for kippering, while an East Coast merchant bought a property and erected 

 thereon a kippering house and yard capable of smoking about 10 crans. 

 The cost of this acquisition and alteration was about £300. 



At Stranraer a local firm acquired a site and property which they 

 reconstructed into a kippering estabfishment to hang over 30 crans 

 kippers. This latter scheme involved an expenditure of some £1200, and 

 the plant was in operation during the last months of the year. 



Late in the year a company was formed to develop Stranraer as a 

 trawhng port. This company has already acquired business premises 

 in the town, and is negotiating the purchase of steam trawlers to form 

 the nucleus of a fleet which they intend to operate from the port. The 

 landings from this source recorded in the returns indicate the beginning 

 of this Company's activities. Included in their scheme is the construction 

 of a dock with the landing, coahng, and transport f acihties necessary to the 

 successful conduct of this branch of the industry. Should the enterprise 

 prosper as it deserves, the near future should witness important develop- 

 ments at Stranraer. 



John Glen, 



Fishery Officer. 



Fishery Office, 

 Girvan, 16^^ t/anwary 1920. 



