of the Fishery Board for Scotland. 



Ixv 



Experiments on the Relation between the Size of the Mesh of Trawl 

 Nets and the Fishes Captured. 



As mentioned in the last Report, investigations were begun to 

 determine with precision the relation between the size of the mesh of 

 trawl nets and the number and sizes of the various species of fishes 

 taken, the method adopted being to use cod-ends of different mesh, 

 with a loose bag of fine-meshed netting outside, in which the fishes 

 which escape through the apertures of the trawl are retained. These 

 experiments are being continued on various grounds and at different 

 seasons, as they are of considerable importance with reference to the 

 question of the protection of undersized and immature fish. 



Observations on the Eggs and Larvce of Food Fishes. 



In addition to the information acquired by ascertaining the con- 

 dition of the reproductive organs of a large proportion of the fishes 

 taken in the trawl-net, numerous collections were made by special 

 nets of the floating eggs and the young of the food fishes at different 

 seasons and at various localities. By this means information is 

 obtained as to the spawning season and spawning regions of the 

 fishes, and as to the distribution of the eggs. Observations of this 

 kind were made all along the East Coast and eastwards at intervals 

 as far as the Great Fisher Bank, as well as in the Moray Firth and 

 the Firth of Forth. One area in which it was specially desired to 

 make a series of such observations during the early part of the year, 

 when most of the food fishes spawn, was that lying between the 

 Moray Firth and the south-east of the Shetlands. It is in this region 

 that the great volume of Atlantic water enters the North Sea, carrying 

 with it supplies of the eggs and young of food fishes. The conditions 

 of the weather, however, did not allow of a complete series of 

 observations being made. 



Reports on various branches of the investigations referred to are in 

 course of preparation. The records on board the " Goldseeker " were 

 very efficiently kept by Mr. George H. Smith, and Captain Murray 

 has spared no effort to have the work promptly carried out. 



We have the honour to be, 



Sir, your most obedient Servants, 



ANGUS SUTHERLAND, Chairman. 

 T. B. MORISON, Deputy-Chairman. 

 D'ARCY W. THOMPSON. 

 BREAD ALBANE. 

 JAMES ARCHIBALD. 

 JOHN H. IRVIN. 

 MALCOLM SMITH. 



DAVID T, JONES, Secretary. 



