Herring fisheries on the South and South West coasts 1974-75

Abstract

The important herring fishery which takes place during the winter months off the South Coast is reviewed. The fishery, which exploits the Celtic Sea Stock of herring, yielded over 68,000 cran in 1974/75 compared with 62,000 cran in the previous season. However, because of poor prices, the value of the fishery declined, from £1.4 million in 1973/74 to £1.3 million. The increased landing, despite abnormally severe weather in January, were attributed to a corresponding increase in effort, as herring were generally considered to be much less abundant. Scientific examination showed that for the second year in succession the recruitment of three year old herring was very low, and this, coupled with the continued high fishing rate means that the total stock is now at its lowest strength since the middle fifties. The autumn fishery off the South West coast was a disappointing one because of decreased catches.