The Plymouth Mackerel Fishery of 1889—90. From Data collected by Mr. Wm. Roach, Associate Member M. B. A.

Extract

The returns kindly sent in by Mr. Roach have been tabulated in the following pages.

The period during which Mr. Roach made his observations extends from October 23rd, 1889, to September 29th, 1890.

Concerning the particular localities in which the fish have been caught, it may be useful, for those who are not familiar with the coast, to explain that the fish make their appearance on the coast at a considerable distance to the east of Plymouth (18—20 miles). The shoals then appear to travel in a westerly direction, some going off into deeper water, all moving about in a more or less uncertain manner. The head-quarters of the fishery eventually become fixed south of Plymouth and Eddystone Light. Gradually the fish seem t o approach the shore, swimming now in large shoals. Many enter Plymouth Sound and are taken in comparatively shallow water, while others travel west, also in shallow water. The “remarks” for August are instructive. We find that, besides the ordinary and large fish, there are also “small fish about the size of pilchards” in the Sound, that “numerous large shoals” are noticed, and that at a later date the fish “seem to be leaving Plymouth Sound.” On September 1st we find the note that “the mackerel are going off into open water and the shoals breaking up.” On the breaking up of the shoals the mackerel fishing is considered to be at an end.