of the Fishery Board for Scotland. 



45 



Aberdeen District. 



As far as the fishing industry of the Aberdeen district is concerned, 

 the year 1918 has been a busy and a prosperous one. This is remarkable 

 in view of the fact that the ranks of the fishermen were depleted by two- 

 thirds who patriotically volunteered to serve their country. The re- 

 maining third, however, carried on their vocation so energetically and 

 with such good results that, in spite of the very inferior vessels at their 

 command and the restrictions imposed upon them, they managed to make 

 of the fishing a signal success. 



Although a considerable decrease is observed in the quantity of fish 

 landed compared with that of the previous year, the value shows a large 

 increase. In fact, the difference in the value compared with pre-war 

 times is very slight. The catching power was only about a fourth of what 

 it was previous to the outbreak of war, only from 50 to 60 trawlers 

 being available, and when the total value of the landings of these vessels 

 is divided among them their average high earnings can be realised. The 

 two most successful trawlers, working principally off the Shetlands, with 

 four and two trips respectively from Faroe, grossed £37,000 and £36,000. 

 Trawlers over 25 tons, fishing exclusively in the North Sea, earned from 

 £9000 to £15,000. The price of the material required and the working 

 expenses were of course exceedingly high, but were trifling in proportion 

 to the value of the catches. 



The restriction of the areas available for carrying on the industry 

 told greatly on the quantity landed. There was no Icelandic fishing, 

 and the trips to the Faroe grounds were very few. Many of the trawl 

 fishermen who were left to man the vessels were of the Sunday-observing 

 class, who stipulated that they should be ashore during the week-end. All 

 these things considered, the results of the past year are exceptionally 

 good. 



Motor and sail line fishing was also carried on with exceptional success, 

 and all the fishermen concerned did exceedingly well. All the small line 

 boats, except a few manned by old men and boys, who fished during the 

 summer months on the inshore grounds, were fitted with motors and 

 proved of great value to the fishing. 



A considerable decrease is observed in the number of steam vessels 

 belonging to the port of Aberdeen. Apart from those trawlers, liners, 

 and drifters lost through mines and enemy action, many have been sold 

 by local owners at the enchanced war values, and when released from 

 service will go to their new ports. It is calculated, now that the war is 

 over, that vessels will be built at an appreciably smaller cost, but the refit 

 of the returned vessels will occupy a considerable time. 



Owners of motor boats have also been taking advantage of the high 

 war values, with the result that 18 of these craft were sold out of the 

 district during the year. 



Although a decrease is noticeable in the number of boats and fishing 

 vessels on the register, the shipbuilding firms have been exceptionally 

 busy in the construction of fishing vessels on behalf of the Admiralty. 

 Altogether, 22 trawlers, 42 steam drifters, and 2 motor boats (the latter 

 on behalf of fishermen) have been launched from the various yards. Trade 

 in this connection continues brisk, and all the yards have plenty of work 

 in hand. 



The position of the fish buyers is somewhat similar to that of the 

 trawl and line fishermen. They all acknowledge that they have had an 

 exceptionally good year, with much less trouble and risk than in normal 

 times. The demand for all kinds of fish was keen, and consigners had 

 merely to forward at the controlled prices. 



