of the Fishery Board for Scotland. 



73 



For about a month from the middle of May the early herring fishing 

 was successfully pursued from Scrabster by over 50 vessels. During the 

 last week of June the summer fishing was commenced at Wick by a 

 fleet of 244 vessels, which increased to 275. The results obtained at 

 Wick were possibly more satisfactory than at any other East Coast port. 

 Local steamers had earnings of .£915 to £2132, motor boats of £650 to 

 £2091, and sail boats of £375 to £500. At the East Anglian fishing 15 

 steamers and 14 motor boats were engaged, and earned from £500 to 

 £1535 or an average of £913. 



Orkney District- 



Herring fishing is the most important branch of the industry 

 prosecuted in this district. It may be said to have been revived during 

 the year, as it was suspended during the war, and only a little was done 

 in 1919. Stronsay was the only fishing centre, and here fourteen firms 

 were engaged at curing, employing altogether 146 crews of female 

 workers, being about two-fifths of number employed in 1914. The 

 fishing opened well, but unfortunately the success was not maintained, 

 and the season ended with a short catch, fish not being located on the 

 usual grounds. Prices of 45s. to 57s. 3d. per cran were paid. The 

 season's earnings of steamers were £500 to £1100, of motor boats £400 

 to £1050, and of sail boats £280 to £605. Line fishing was not 

 pursued to any great extent, and the results show a decline, but an 

 increased catch of lobsters was secured. 



Shetland District. 



While the winter herring fishing was being prosecuted off Flugga 

 stormy weather was experienced, and although fish were abundant the 

 venture did not prove a remunerative one. At Lerwick the summer 

 herring fishing was opened with a fleet of 350 vessels. Fish were not 

 met with on the usual grounds, and the best takes were secured off 

 Baltasound. Generally steamers did little more than clear expenses, 

 while many steam, motor and sail craft had a debit balance. To curers 

 it was not a profitable season, and female workers had pooi* earnings. 

 Steamers earned £750 to £2500, motor boats £400 to £1100, and sail 

 boats £150 to £700. Great-lining was not conducted so extensively as 

 usual, but haddocks were fairly plentiful, and small - lining was 

 extensively engaged in, although the prices received for the fish when 

 consigned to Aberdeen were frequently disappointing. 



Stonioway District. 



As a herring fishing port Stornoway is not maintaining its former 

 position. The mainland ports at the railway termini are now more 

 popular with business firms, especially those who fresh extensively, since 

 fishing craft with steam or motor power can proceed to these ports 

 where their catches can be marketed to the best advantage. There was 

 not an abundant winter herring fishing, and the fish caught were 

 generally of indifferent quality. All the catch was kippered and 

 freshed. Loss of netting was of frequent occurrence. No great pre- 

 parations were made for conducting the summer herring fishing, and 

 consequently some trouble was experienced owing to a shortage of 

 labour. The season's catch was 30,208 crans, valued at .£"75,209. Local 

 steam drifters earned from £1700 to £2800, motor boats from £700 to 



