SUMMARY x\ND GENEKAL REPORT. 
The following report, which I have the honour of submitting, 
deals Avith the scientific investigations for the year ending 17th 
October, 1901. 
As the trawling excursions, instituted by Aid. Dent in 1892, 
have now been conducted for ten years, I have prepared tables 
shoAving the results for the Avhole period, and also the average 
catches obtained during the first five years as compared AAoth the 
second five years. These shoAV that in all the bays, Avith the 
exception of Skate Eoads, there has been a fairly steady improve- 
ment. Plaice haA’e been increased in numbers to a slight extent. 
Dabs have conspicuously improved in numbers. Turbot seem to 
be just about as numerous to-day as Avhen the experiments Avere 
started. Brill appear to be becoming more numerous. Soles, 
hoAvever, are diminishing in numbers. 
This year plaice reach the average of 130, the highest yet 
recorded. Dabs, with an average of 73, show a decrease compared 
Avith the three previous years, but an increase over all the years, 
1892-97. Turbot give an average of G as compared with 4 in 
1900. Soles present an average of 7, as compared Avith 14 in 1900. 
The total catches of flat flshes average 211, which is below the 
average recorded for the preceding five years. 
Tables are given shoAA'ing the condition of the Avhite fishing at 
North Shields, and for the rest of the district not including North 
Shields. These shoAv that AAdiile the quantity of fish landed at North 
Shields is steadily increasing, that of the fishing villages presents a 
startling decrease. 
A complete statement is given with measurements of all the fishes 
captured in the first haul at the trawling excursions. 
Details are giA-en likcAvise as to maturity and the nature of the 
food of the fishes captured at the excursions. 
The general results of the investigations made this season on tin; 
floating life and the animals which live at the bottom in the places 
visited by the “ Stanley” and the coble are presented in tabular 
form (table 8). 
