The Fisheries and Scientific Research

Abstract

THERE has been quite unexpected confusion of counsel with regard to post-war reorganisation of the fishing industry. The collapse of the German submarine campaign about the middle of last year left everyone grateful to the fishermen and wondering what ought to be done for them in the future. That feeling “created an atmosphere,” and a number of inquiries began. First of all, the English trawler owners anticipated the end of hostilities, and had a scheme of reconstruction ready by the time the Armistice had been granted. This attracted the attention of Lord Ernie, but did not succeed in impressing the War Cabinet (who had by then “other fish to fry”). The Scottish Steam Drifters' Association was equally ready with its scheme, and about the same time appeared the report of the Haldane Committee on the Machinery of Government, with its proposals for the creation of a State Department of Research, which was to take account of fisheries. Next came an inquiry by a committee of the British Science Guild, and then the deliberations of the National Sea Fisheries Protection Association (which are still going on). The subcommittees of the association began to prepare proposals for scientific research, education, and codification of the law. Following that, the Dteveloprnent Commissioners appointed a committee to advise them as to the best way in which research could be promoted. As if all this were not enough, the International Research Council has now arranged to meet in Brussels on July 18, and it is expected that interesting matters with relation to the exploration and fisheries of northern seas will be discussed.