The Destruction of Immature Fish

Abstract

MR. ERNEST W. L. HOLT contributes to the new number of the Marine Biological Association's Journal another very interesting paper on the results of his North Sea Investigations. He has much to say as to the destruction of immature fish in the North Sea, and makes the following observations on proposed remedial measures:— It will be admitted that the continued destruction of large numbers of valuable fish before they have had a chance of reproducing their species can only result in increased deterioration of the in- dustry, and that some measures must be taken to put a stop to it. unless we are prepared, and able, by artificial propagation to restock the sea as fast as we deplete it. Briefly the various proposals that have been put forward fall under three headings, viz. closure of grounds frequented by small fish, restriction of sale of undersized fish, and enlargement or alteration ofmesh. We have seen that some of the smack-owners have adopted the eminently practical method of forbidding their boats to fish where they are likely to catch much small stuff; but the buyers, though as loud as any in their outcry, do not appear inclined to avail themselves of their undoubted power to check the evil. The proposals for legislative action have been so much discussed of late that I need only advert to such as affect the North Sea district. It is a matter of common knowledge that the bulk of the destruction by deep-sea trawlers takes place on the eastern grounds, to which I have alluded elsewhere; and since these lie wholly or in part outside the three-mile limit, it has been proposed that they shall be closed to trawling by international agreement. Whether such agreement could ever be arrived at is questionable and if it were, it is not likely that the ensuing legislation could he easily enforced. The great extent of the grounds would in- volve an enormous and costly Marine Police force, of mixed nationality; and even were such a body much more efficient than one has any reason to expect, there might be considerable difficulty in adequately watching grounds which extend in some cases over fifty miles from shore. Indeed, on our own coasts and elsewhere the success with which legislation limited to the territorial area has hitherto been enforced is hardly such as to encourage us to extend the principle to the open sea.