232 



Appendices to Thirtieth Annual Report 



426 in 1910. Fully 100 barrels were sent to the Continent via Leith, while 

 the remainder -were disposed of in the home markets at prices varying from 

 22s. to 32s. per barrel. 



The total quantity of mackerel landed was 1453 cwts., valued at .£276, a 

 decrease of 1877 cwts. and .£564 respectively when compared with the 

 previous year's figures. This class of fish appeared to be fairly plentiful in 

 local waters during July and August, but, like the herrings, they did not 

 frequent the waters near the shores as in former years, and this accounts 

 chiefly for the shortage in the landings. No boats were specially fitted out 

 for this fishing, and practically the whole catch was taken with seine nets. 

 The quality was inferior to that of last year, and this had an adverse effect 

 on prices, which ranged from 2s. to 6s. per cwt. The average price was 

 3s. lOd. per cwt., compared with 5s. in 1910. All were disposed of in a 

 fresh state. 



Line fishing was carried on chiefly from Ardrishaig, where the daily 

 landings showed a slight improvement on those of last year. The catch 

 consisted almost entirely of codlings, there being an apparent scarcity of 

 haddocks and whitings in local waters. 



There was no marked change in the catch by cod-nets, and only six crews 

 used this method of capture. 



The output of oysters from West Loch Tarbert was less than in the 

 previous year, but a greater number was taken from the Loch Sween beds. 

 Very little attention is given to oyster cultivation at either of those places, 

 and the total output is unimportant. 



Lobsters appear to be less plentiful in the neighbouring waters. In spite 

 of the fact that average weather conditions were experienced, and a slightly 

 increased number of boats were at work, the catch showed a falling off, the 

 creeks of Luing and Lochkylesport being responsible for the shortage. 



The boatbuilding trade was never in a worse condition. Only one boat 

 was launched, a motor craft for owners outside the district. Prospects for 

 1912 are much brighter, as orders have already been placed for tw r o boats 

 which will be larger than any yet built in this district. 



There was no loss of life in connection with the district fisheries, w T hile the 

 loss of and damage to fishing gear, although greater than in 1910, was 

 insignificant. 



The barometer at Tarbert, which is in good order and being regularly 

 attended to, is much appreciated by the fishermen. 



Fishery Office, Eobert Spink, 



Tarbert, 6th January 1912. Fishery Officer. 



Rothesay District. 



The fisheries of this district in 1911 were not so productive as they were 

 during either of the two preceding years. Compared with the returns for 

 the year 1910, the quantity and value of fish (excluding shell-fish) credited 

 to the district reveal shortages of 23,068 cwts. and £9501. The comparative 

 non-success of the herring fishing is mainly accountable for these deficiencies. 



There was no improvement or change in the means of capture employed 

 worthy of remark. Four boats were fitted up with auxiliary motor power 

 during the year. There are now eleven of this type of fishing boats on the 

 district registry. The Kelvin motor still appears to be retaining its 

 popularity among Firth of Clyde fishermen. The proprietors of this engine, 

 whose fitting-out base is at Hunter's Quay, installed 36 Clyde skiffs with 

 their motors in 1911. Since the Kelvin engine was introduced on the 

 market, seven years ago, no less than 130 Scottish fishing craft have been 

 fitted out with these motors. Of this number, 102 boats belonged to Clyde 



