of the Fishery Board for Scotland. 



123 



stated above, slightly better than in the previous year, though the total 

 value was less by £1236. Generally unsettled weather hampered opera- 

 tions, and markets at the time of the fishing were in such a condition 

 that prices of fish were very low. Cod ranged from 6d. to Is. 6d., and 

 saithe from 6d. to 8d. each. The season was an unprofitable one for all 

 concerned. 



The landings of cod and saithe taken by net amounted to 4992 cwts. 

 which realised £2668, compared with 2759 cwts. and £3804 in 1919. 

 Thirty- nine boats, including 18 motor boats, operated, and earnings 

 ranged from £40 to £220. A few motor craft carried their catches to 

 Kyle and Mallaig, but the higher prices realised hardly compensated for 

 the increased expenses. 



No great-line fishing of any consequence was carried on. 



During the months of June and July fish — mainly haddocks — were 

 fairly plentiful in most of the lochs, and good small-line catches were 

 secured, but towards the fall of the year fish became very scarce. A 

 few consignments were made to southern markets but did not prove 

 profitable, and the bulk of the landings was retailed locally. For the 

 year 4567 cwts. valued at £4369 were landed, compared with 4262 cwts. 

 and £5598 in 1919. 



A most gratifying improvement took place in the lobster fishery. 

 More craft are prosecuting this class of fishing, which proved the most 

 important of the year. During the record year of 1919 52,433 lobsters 

 valued at £5130 were caught, while during the year under review the 

 catch numbered 62,827, of the value of £5393. The average earnings of 

 the 98 boats which operated were £56, and the highest £160. In view 

 of the seasonal nature of this fishery, and of the fact that it is carried 

 on chiefly by the older class of fishermen, the increased landings are 

 highly satisfactory. 



A disastrous gale on 14-15th November caused great havoc in the 

 district. Fourteen fishing boats, including a second-class motor boat, 

 were totally wrecked while at their moorings or on the beach, and 

 20 others sustained damage. 



No boats were built, and no herring barrels or basket measures were 

 manufactured in the district. 



Two district fishermen were unfortunately drowned owing to the 

 foundering of their craft while fishing for lobsters near Isle Tanera. 



Douglas Cruden, 



Fishery Officer. 



Fishery Office, 

 Ullapool, llih January 1921. 



Loch Carron and Skye. 



In reviewing the fishing operations of this district for the year, one is 

 immediately arrested by the considerable decrease in the quantity and 

 value of fish landed. Herrings form the bulk of the catch, and the 

 year's figures compare very unfavourably with those of 1919. Saithe 

 and cod fishing also show a falling off, and only in mackerel is an 

 increase of any note to be recorded. 



Means of capture show an addition of 7 boats to the fleet since 1914, 

 but a decrease of 80 in tonnage, or a decrease of 7 boats from 1919, and 

 an increase of 39 tons. Three motor boats and 4 sailers were added to 

 the fleet during the year, but the registry of 8 motor boats and several 

 small sailers was cancelled, leaving the catching power slightly reduced. 



