Up to 1882 the control of the Scottish Fisheries was vested in the Commissioners of British White Herring Fishery. This body, which was instituted in 1808, had for its functions the general superintendence of the herring fishery, the branding of herring barrels, the collection of trade statistics, and the administration of an annual grant from the Government for th construction and repair of fishery harbours. Later on, the cod and ling fisheries were also brought under its care. But the duties of the Commissioners were strictly limited to the fish cured, no cognisance being taken of the fish landed and used in a fresh state.