In this little book I have tried to describe concisely, yet clearly and comprehensively, the great work of our sea fisheries. It is notoriously difficult to write a small book on a large subject, and I expect there are many who will detect sins of omission.

The book is chiefly concerned with fisheries for edible fish. I have included a chapter on whale fisheries, since whale oil is now used largely in the manufacture of such food substances as lard substitute and margarine. No account of seal “fishing” is included, as seals are not fished but are generally hunted on shore. I have not included fisheries for pearls, sponges or seaweed. To its cost the nation knows little of the methods and organization and achievements of the Fishing Industry. I sincerely hope that this little book may do something to stimulate a wider and deeper interest in this vitally important British industry.

My cordial thanks are due to Mr. J. A. Robertson, O.B.E., of Fleetwood, and to Mr. W. T. Sinderson, of Grimsby, who have very kindly read through the manuscript and given me the benefit of their valuable experience and advice.

I am indebted to Prof. James Johnstone, of Liverpool University, for much of the information contained in Chapters I and II, and also for permission to use the illustrations on pages 17 and 29.

For other illustrations I make grateful acknowledgement as follows: for Nos. 7, 8, 9, 10, 15, 16, 17 and 19, from The Sea Fisheries, to the author, Dr. J. Travis Jenkins, and the publishers, Messrs. Constable; for the frontispiece and No 18, to the Grimsby Coal, Salt and Tanning Co; for Nos. 11, 14 and 20 to Mr. Walter Wood, of the Mission to Deep Sea Fishermen.

Mr. R. A. Fleming, of Liverpool University, very kindly copied Nos. 2, 3, 4 and 5 for me from Day’s British Fishes.

Chapter V is based upon Bitting’s monograph on “the preparation of the cod and other salt fish for the market.” (U.S. Dept. Agric. Bur. of Chem. Bull. No. 133).

W. E. G.

Runcorn, 1922.