SAGB CONFERENCE May 2012

1. BETWEEN A ROCK AND HARD
PLAICE - THE MAKING OF THE
FISHERMANS APPRENTICE

30.  One of the most successful fisheries on earth
 Catches have remained stable or improved since
1947
 Control handed over to the fishermen in 1995
 Seven councils made up of elected fishermen
running seven districts
 Limit on pot numbers, tags for pots, limit on
times of fishing, maximum size limit.
 V-notching, return of berried hens, lower size
limit all standard.
 Two boats have to leave the business for one
new license to be issued.

33.  5368 men lost
 1,000 boats, 265 that went down with all hands
 1860 to 1906, 660 boats were lost and 3880 men
 In one storm alone in 1862, 15 schooners foundered
and 120 men were lost.

35.  Local people pay money up front to the fleet (or certain
boats)
 They pay a lump sum to get fresh fish once a week for a
set period - in the case of Port Clyde it was three months
 The fish are picked up from a central distribution point
 Price is fixed at the start of the three month period
 200 people signed up, paying $360 each = $72,000
divided between four boats
 Fish are provided gutted, with head still on, or filleted
 Filleting lessons, menus, fish throw-downs have all
developed from this initial concept.
 Shrimp went from 50c a pound, to $3 a pound using this
system.