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Appendices to Thirty-ninth Annual Report 



Firth of Forth was prosecuted by about 100 craft, but without great 

 success. Steam drifters and motor boats to the number of 22 prose- 

 cuted the summer herring fishing on the Scottish Coast, although they 

 unfortunately did not meet with great success, but at the English ports 

 they did fairly well. Disappointing results were obtained at the sprat 

 fishing in the district, as the fish disappeared quickly from the grounds. 

 Line fishing was not prosecuted to any great extent, being in a measure 

 superseded by seine flounder netting. 



Anstruther District. 



There was a slight increase in the quantity of fish landed in the district, 

 but a considerable decline in value. Heavy landings of sprats and the 

 resumption of herring fishing accounted for the increased catch. In 

 the number of vessels there was a slight increase, although the decline 

 in the number of sailing craft is very apparent. The most important 

 fishing of the district was the winter herring fishing, at which 2 steamers 

 and 90 motor boats were employed. Compared with the previous year 

 the catch showed a decrease in quantity and value. Cod-net fishing 

 was disappointing owing to unfavourable weather and scarcity of fish . 

 Great-line fishing was prosecuted by steamers and 1st class motor boats, 

 whose takes were generally landed at Aberdeen and Shields. Earnings 

 varied from £1275 to £3000. At the East Anglian ports 40 steamers 

 and 45 motor boats prosecuted the herring fishing. Steamers' earnings 

 ranged from £804 to £3037, and motor boats' from £862 to £1500. 



Montrose District. 



Practically no herring fishing was conducted in the district, and 

 fishing generally was not too prosperous. Line fishing was not very 

 remunerative owing to the limited takes obtained, the high cost of bait 

 and of the labour required for baiting lines, and the high cost of working 

 motor craft; and these conditions led some fishermen to seek other 

 employment. Sprats were taken in the Tay estuary, but met with little 

 demand, and consequently were chiefly disposed of for manure. Fisher- 

 men employed at crab and lobster fishing were well remunerated. 



Stonehaven District. 



A trial was made at herring fishing by three motor yawls, but herrings 

 were found scarce and of poor quality. The average price was 64s. 3d. 

 per cran, and crews earned from £130 to £184. Fishing in the district 

 was largely confined to small lining in motor yawls, the results of which 

 were disappointing. In the winter and spring unfavourable weather 

 wis experienced. Motor yawls were not so remunerative as when war 

 time prices were realised, and earnings would only provide a very bare 

 living for fishermen. For the }'ear motor yawls earned £790 to £1600 

 or an average of £1100, while expenses averaged £400. Sail boats with 

 crews of three men earned £260. 



Peterhead District. 



Landings of fish in the district showed a decrease in quantity but an 

 increase in value, which is accounted for by the price paid for herrings. 

 As in most other districts, the results obtained were not what could have 

 been desired. The number of barrels of herrings cured was 20 per cent. 



