of the Fishery Board for Scotland. 



261 



To meet the necessities of the growing fishing industry at Stronsay, an Extension of 

 extension of 150 feet was made to the Whitehall pier last year. With Whitehall Pier, 

 the increased number of boats fishing, however, and consequent additional 

 traffic during the progress of the herring fishing, the pier was as much 

 congested last season as ever. 



The line fishing is carried on principally by small and hand lines, and Lino Fishing, 

 is engaged in to a greater or less extent all the year round. Two 

 hundred boats were employed at the fishing throughout the year, and 

 during the spring and summer months good success was obtained. The 

 autumn was very stormy and boisterous, and the boats could only get to 

 sea now and again, with the result that it was one of the poorest autumns 

 the fishermen have experienced for a number of years. The year's work 

 was fully up to the average of the past five and considerably in excess of 

 the results in 1905. 



The lobster fishing was successfully prosecuted during the year, the Lobster 

 returns, compared with those of the preceding year, showing an increase Fishing, 

 of £300 in value. During the months of June and July two cargoes of 

 lobsters were shipped abroad, one to Ostend and the other to JNTienport. 

 This is a new departure in the lobster trade in this district, and it is to be 

 hoped it may continue, as both the dealers and the fishermen would 

 benefit from such a trade. Lobsters are plentiful during June and July, 

 and a new market for them would be welcomed. The vessels used were 

 well smacks, and the fish were thus kept alive during transit. 



Meantime, a good deal of interest is being manifested in the oyster beds Bay of Firth 

 in the Bay of Firth. Over 30 years ago a considerable industry in Oyster Fishing, 

 oysters was carried on at Firth, but, owing to the method of fishing- 

 adopted — dredging — the oysters were soon fished up and the beds destroyed, 

 and very little was heard of the Firth oyster beds till quite lately, when 

 a company was being formed with the object of cultivation and of trying 

 again to resuscitate the industry. There seems little doubt that the 

 industry could be revived by cultivation ; as it is, oysters are again 

 appearing, although the beds are not receiving any attention, a circumstance 

 which would indicate that the bay is naturally adapted for oyster growth. 



Two lobster fishermen, unfortunately, lost their lives in the prosecution Casualties, 

 of their calling, and two small boats were lost. The loss in gear was 

 comparatively small. 



Table. 



