Haaf fishing: curing on beaches 1750s-1900s Most beaches in Shetland were used in the haaf fishing, particularly in the north, such as Stenness pictured, and there…
Herring boom: key factors 1880s-1820s 1886 The Crofters’Act was introduced. Lairds were less controlling and crofters became owner occupiers, which meant fishermen could choose to…
Severe economic depression in Shetland 1919-1939 Coal prices went up which meant that steam drifters could no longer operate economically. Fishermen started looking into paraffin…
WW1 1914-1918 War breaks out. The German and Russian fishing markets are closed, curers go bankrupt, and life is thrown into chaos. Fishermen are drafted out to…
Recovery after WW2 1945-1950s Fishing became a year-round industry The effects of war meant the seafood industry had to change. With a shortage in manpower…
Technological innovation 1950s-1960s Radar and echo-location was introduced to the fleet, improving safety at sea and the fish catching process. There were many advancements in…
The salmon years - 1975 onwards 1974 Zetland County Council Act (ZCC) – this gave the new Shetland Islands Council full control over the seas…
Purse seiners and policy 1970s-1980s Scandinavian purse seiners arrived in Shetland and, soon after, local crews start investing in this new net technology. This rapidly…
Pelagic processing expands - 1989 Pelagic fish processing plant, Shetland Catch, opened with investment from Shetland Islands Council, Shetland Fishermen’s Organisation and Lerwick Harbour Trust (now Lerwick…
Lobster fishery expanding - 1960s Did you know? Lobsters were kept alive in tanks until they could fetch a good price. Once, there were so…