Country code |
GB |
Repository code |
234 |
Repository |
National Records of Scotland |
Reference |
AF82 |
Title |
Annual fishery reports |
Dates |
1809-1980 |
Access status |
Open |
Location |
Off site |
Description |
This series consists of an almost complete run of Annual Reports on the fisheries of Scotland issued by the Department of Agriculture and Fisheries and its predecessor bodies, from 1809 to 1980. In 1809 seven Commissioners were appointed under the terms of the 1808 Herring Fishery (Scotland) Act, "specially for overseeing, directing and better improving the White Herring Fishery". They were to report annually to the parliament in Westminster and also to the Board of Trustees for Fisheries, Manufactures and Improvements in Scotland, of which they were members. Initially they were responsible for overseeing the herring industry for the whole of the UK and the Isle of Man. However, in 1849 their officers were withdrawn from England and Wales, and from the Isle of Man in 1868. From then on their functions were confined to Scotland. The Commissioners' role expanded from the 1820's onwards, when they became responsible for the promotion of the white fisheries (cod and ling) and also were involved in the construction of fishing piers and harbours. Their role was completely reconstituted in 1882 by the Fishery Board (Scotland) Act, and its functions extended to meet the growing demands of the fishing industry. The Commission was renamed the Fishery Board for Scotland and given general oversight of sea fisheries and fishery harbours, and also salmon fisheries. The annual reports after this date are much expanded and as well as the general report, include separate sections on scientific researches and the salmon fisheries. The Fishery Board for Scotland ceased to exist in 1939, when its functions were transferred to the Secretary of State for Scotland under the Reorganisation of Offices (Scotland) Act. Responsibility for Scottish fisheries remained in the Scottish Home Department until 1960, when it was transferred to the Department of Agriculture for Scotland (subsequently the Department of Agriculture and Fisheries for Scotland). Responsibility for shipping services and transport pier services was transferred to the Scottish Development Department in 1968 and 1970 respectively. The annual reports on fisheries were discontinued after 1980. However, the Fisheries Statistical Report was amended from 1981 to include fisheries reports. Related series include AF1-7, AF37-38 (Fishery Board for Scotland records), AF56, AF62 (Fishery and Fisheries Files), AF52 (Fishery Letter Books), DD17 (Transport Files - including harbours and piers from 1968) and NG1 (Board of Trustees for Fisheries, Manufactures and Improvements). This series also includes a one off report by Buckland, Walpole and Young from 1878 on the herring fisheries of Scotland, "to ascertain whether any legislative regulations would tend to promote the welfare of the fishermen...and to increase the supply of herrings for the benefit of the public". |
Level |
Series |
Extent |
2.05 Linear Metres |
Finding aids |
Paper catalogue |
Format |
Text |
Language |
English |
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