of the Fishery Board /or Scotland. 



71 



under that of 1919, and all the curers sustained loss on the season's 

 work. At this port there were 107 buyers of fresh herrings, and the fleet 

 engaged at the height of the season numbered 282. Prices of 45s. to 

 80s. or an average of 55s. 6d. per cran were paid for herrings, and steam 

 drifters earned from £1000 to £2400 for the season. A fleet of 120 craft 

 (115 steamers and 5 motor boats) proceeded to the East Anglian ports 

 to prosecute the herring fishing, at which the steamers had average 

 earnings of £1400 and motors of £830. Sixty-seven pickling firms from 

 the district did business at Yarmouth and Lowestoft. 



Fraserburgh District. 



In this important district the Summer Herring Fishing did not come 

 up to expectations. Well nigh three-fourths of the catch was secured 

 by the 24th July, and during the latter part of the season the results 

 were very discouraging. Owing to the high working expenses the net 

 earnings were not great, and it is doubtful if fishermen had an ordinary 

 wage for their labour during the weeks they were employed. For steam 

 drifters the season's average earnings were £1100, for motor boats £700, 

 and for sail boats £400. The prices paid for herrings varied from 45s. 

 to 55s. per cran. Of the catch 58 per cent, was cured, 25 per cent, 

 kippered and tinned, and 17 per cent, freshed. On the West Coast a 

 number of district crews prosecuted the great-line fishing with fair 

 success, but at home this method of fishing proved less satisfactory 

 owing to difficulties in securing bait. An increased number of crews 

 were employed at small-lining, and the quantity of small-line fish landed 

 was greater than in the previous year, but the value was less. A fleet of 

 135 vessels belonging to the district took part in the herring fishing at 

 Yarmouth and Lowestoft and secured gross earnings of £166,335. 



Banff District. 



The Summer Herring Fishing was prosecuted with success by a fleet 

 of 20 motor craft, while steam drifters belonging to the district landed 

 takes at the week ends. One sail boat also was employed. The average 

 price for the season was 51s. per cran, and business undertaken by the 

 curers did not produce a profit. From the district a fleet of 84 steamers 

 and 12 motor boats proceeded to the East Anglian ports to pursue the 

 herring fishing. Steamers had earnings of £880 to £1980 and motor 

 boats of £600 to £1100. At some periods of the year small and hand 

 line fishing was extensively engaged in. 



Buckie District. 



For herring catching power this district, despite the losses suffered 

 during the war, still holds the premier position in Scotland. There was 

 a good increase in the landings during the winter herring fishing, when 

 drifters earned from £400 to £2300 or an average of £1100. Cod-net 

 fishing was prosecuted with similar results to those of 1919 as regards 

 quantity, but there was a large decrease in the value realised. The 

 catch of summer herrings was less than that of the previous year, and 

 quality was varied and inferior. At the East Anglian fishing 270 steamers 

 and 90 motor boats were engaged. Earnings of steamers were £500 to 

 £2800 or an average of £1350, while motor boats averaged £910. Little 

 attention was bestowed on small-line ttshing. 



