BETWEEN A ROCK AND HARD PLAICE - THE MAKING OF THE

FISHERMANS APPRENTICE

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.

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.

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.