HC Deb 17 March 1925 vol 181 c2052
34. Commander WILLIAMS

asked the Secretary for Scotland what results have been obtained from the investigations of the salp in northern waters, and as to its effect on the herring industry?

Sir J. GILMOUR

In the summers of 1920 and 1921 salps were found in enormous numbers in the north-western part of the North Sea, where they had not been observed since 1905. The presence of these Atlantic organisms was evidence of an extensive invasion of the area in question by warm Atlantic water. The precise effect of these abnormal conditions upon the herring fishing has not been established, but it is the fact that in 1920 and 1921 they coincided with poor results in the great herring fishery off the coast of Scotland. Research into these questions is being continued. The abnormal conditions have not recurred since 1921. The circumstances were reviewed by the Fishery Board in their Annual Report for 1921, of which I am sending a copy to my hon. and gallant Friend.

Commander WILLIAMS

Has my hon. Friend any information from American sources on the subject?

Sir J. GILMOUR

Not that I am aware of.

Major COHEN

What is salp?

Sir J. GILMOUR

Salp, I understand, is a peculiar organism of a trumpet shape.