Date post: | 28-Nov-2014 |
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Business |
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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.