of the Fisher if Board for Scotland. 



75 



Inveraray District. 

 The year's work produced very satisfactory results, and the landings 

 show an increase as compared with 1919. Herrings constituted the 

 bulk of the catch, which was the highest since 1901. The greatest 

 success was attained in January and during the last quarter of the 

 year. Some of the herrings were cured for the home markets. 



Rothesay District. 



Herring fishing in the Kyles of Bute was practically a failure, which 

 accounted for the very disappointing landings made in the district. 

 Fishermen now devote most of their attention to herring fishing, with the 

 result that line fishing is declining. All classes of fish decreased in value. 



Greenock District. 



The importance of the fisheries of this district has been declining 

 for some years. The fishermen of the district bestow their attention 

 chiefly upon herring fishing, and during the year the fleet conducted 

 operations in Lochfyne and Kilbrennan Sound. Line fishing was not 

 engaged in to any great extent. Most of the cured herrings that were 

 exported via Glasgow were sent to America, Canada and Ireland, while 

 Spain, Australia and the West Indies received most of the cod fish. 



Ballantrae District. 

 To the fishermen of the district the year was rather disappointing. 

 Working expenses were high, and the prices realised for fish were much 

 under war-time rates. Unfavourable weather in the early part of the 

 year hindered the herring fishing, and although for some time herring 

 fishing was pursued on the Ballantrae banks, no great success was 

 attained. At none of the fishings engaged in were satisfactory results 

 obtained. The kippering of herrings in the district was extended. 



James Ritchie, 

 Senior Assistant Inspector. 



Edinburgh, 23rd March 1921. 



FISHERY OFFICERS' REPORTS. 



'Eyemouth District. 



As is usual under normal conditions, the majority of the fishermen of 

 this district were steadily employed in the prosecution of their calling, 

 either at home or on other parts of the coast, during the greater part of 

 the year, and the results of their labours were, on the whole, considered 

 very satisfactory. 



The total landings of white fish in the district amounted to 72,204 

 cwts. valued at £61,554, and the value of shell fish was £8771 ; as com- 

 pared with 64,836 cwt., £63,007 and £4280 respectively in the preceding 

 year. 



There was no material change in so far as the number of registered 

 fishing boats and vessels was concerned. Steam drifters and liners 

 remained the same ; motor boats showed a decrease of 1, and sailing 

 boats a decrease of 6, as compared with the figures for 1919. Owing to 

 the demand for the different classes being less keen than was the case 

 for the past few years, and also allowing for depreciation, there was a 

 considerable drop in the value of vessels belonging to the district. 



