of the Fishery Board for Scotland. 



67 



that period, whereas otherwise the fishing would have been completely 

 at a standstill. 



The weather throughout the year was exceptionally good, and the 

 number of arrivals made by fishing boats was unprecedented, totalling 

 6383 against 5201 for the preceding year, and had it not been for poor 

 catches combined with unremunerative prices fishermen would have 

 been oftener at sea. Boats never go to sea on Saturday, as buyers, who 

 are mostly of the hawker class, refuse to buy fish on that day. 



Motor boats costing over £900 have changed hands at £500, and 

 shore owners would be glad to get clear of their boats at a loss. 



Small-line fishing was carried on by 18 motor yawls with varying 

 success. The most notable feature was the large quantity of whitings 

 landed, which from July to October seldom realised more than from 6d. 

 to Is. 6d. per 6 stone box. Large haddocks were scarce and takes seldom 

 exceeded 2 cwts. Boats' earnings ranged from £520 to £1210, averag- 

 ing about £800. Expenses for oil averaged £184 and for mussel bait 

 £132, making in all £316 per boat, leaving about £490, less the boat 

 owner's share, to be divided amongst a crew of 4 men. 



Some six small sail boats occasionally prosecuted the small-line fish- 

 ing, and their earnings ran from £80 to £200, averaging £140 for two 

 men. Fishing with the ripper for codlings was carried on when mussel 

 bait was dear and difficult to get. 



Occasional fishermen engaged during summer in hand-line fishing 

 for mackerel and codlings did not do so well ; mackerel in particular 

 were scarce, and fishing was given up early. 



The flounder seine-net fishing was tried repeatedly by 14 motor 

 boats, but with little success, as the only suitable local grounds appear 

 to be certain small areas between the harbour and Garron Point. 



Two of the largest motor yawls made trials at the herring fishing for 

 a fortnight in June, but were obliged to discontinue owing to the scarcity 

 of herrings. 



Crab fishing from Catterline and Shieldhill was fairly successful. 

 Steady prices were received from the English markets, and the earnings 

 of the small boats engaged, generally carrying two men, averaged about 

 £280. Codling fishing with hand-lines was carried on in conjunction 

 with crab fishing, the fish heads being used for the purpose of baiting 

 creels. 



The net factory at Stonehaven was busily employed in the manu- 

 facture of herring nets up to November, but has since been closed, and 

 it is doubtful if it will be re-opened. 



Stonehaven harbour is getting into a very dilapidated condition. 

 The point of the breakwater is parted from the main structure, and 

 may at any time settle into the fairway. The inner jetty is also badly 

 in need of repair and liable to collapse, and should this happen it 

 would block the entrance to the South Basin, which is the principal 

 shelter for boats in rough weather. 



Aberdeen. — The weather throughout the year 1921 was remarkably 

 good, and the various branches of the fisheries were conducted with 

 exceptional regularity; yet operations were not financially successful, 

 chiefly because of the coal dispute, which continued during April, May 

 and June, the most profitable period of the year. The reduction of the 

 bunker supply to a 25 per cent, ration made long voyages impracticable, 

 and some 90 of the largest trawlers were laid up, as supplies were 

 inadequate to enable them to work profitably even on the nearer grounds. 

 Many vessels proceeded to Continental ports for coals, but these were so 

 bad that the vessels often failed to raise sufficient steam for fishing. 



