South Coast (Waterford and Cork) Herring Fishery 1968-1969

Abstract

The 1968/69 herring season proper commenced on November 27, 1968 and terminated on February 17, 1969. Prior to November 27, however, some small quantities of herrings had been taken by boats over a large area extending from Hook Head to the Daunt Rock. Fifty nine Irish boats made catches throughout the season and a total of 70,781 crans of herrings were landed which was an increase of 7,438 crans (11%o)n the figure for the previous season. Landings were made on 60 days out of a possible 70. The season, which began later than usual, was very disappointing before Christmas, due mainly to adverse weather conditions and the absence of shoals in inshore waters, After Christmas, however, landings of herrings increased substantially and fishing during January and February was exceptionally heavy, with the result that the total landings for the 1968/69 season were the greatest on record. As in the 1967/68 season, fishing was restricted after Christmas at times due to marketing problems which caused the closure of the ports on a number of occasions. The overall catch would otherwise have been considerably higher. Almost all landings of herrings were made at Dunmore East and Cobh.