The Royal Navy and Fishery Protection - From the Fourteenth Century to the Present

The sub-title “from the 14th century to the present” is a good indication that this is not just a story of Ton-class minesweepers chasing French trawlers and Cod Wars. In the foreword by RAdm John Lippiett, himself a one time CO of a Fish boat, he talks of the “mutual understanding and respect” of both naval personnel and fishermen for the hardships of life at sea in all weathers. The author refers to the role as being a “nursery for seaman” – from sweep deck hand to Commanding Officers. Command of the seas around Britain is nothing new, and with the fishing fleet being an intrinsic part of the nation’s “health and prosperity”, fishery protection can be traced back to 1379. Fishermen have a reputation for pushing the boundaries of international law, and when faced with increasingly restrictive rules on fishing limits in the post-war years it was inevitable that clashes would occur. The author argues that the fishing disputes of the 20th century can be traced back to the arrival of the more efficient British steam trawlers in the waters of the North Atlantic, and the natural desire of countries to protect their traditional fishing industries. Iceland extended its territorial limits to 12 miles in the late 1950s, and out to 50 miles in the 1970s. The first Cod War of the late 1950s between Iceland and UK was described as “chivalrous” with good seamanship on both sides. The Cod Wars of the 1970s were more acrimonious with sturdy Icelandic gunboats acting aggressively, cutting trawl wires and clashing with thin skinned warships. In 1976 the “nasty little war” ended with Britain accepting a phased withdrawal of fishing rights. Iceland may have “won” but the RN had fulfilled its role of protecting the fishing fleet allowing it to fish. Ironically at the end of the Cod War, Britain implemented its own 200 mile limit and the fishery protection role was extended to cover the growing, and economically important, offshore industry. The Fish Squadron of Type 14s and Ton Class of the 1950s were succeeded by decreasing numbers of ships, the Island and Castle Class and now River Class. Recent years have only seen minor fishing disputes such as the scallop wars. The book is not just about the work of the RN protecting and policing the fishing fleet. Trawlers have played a significant role, whether it be mine sweeping and ASW roles in both World Wars or intelligence gathering in the Cold War years. The author in his acknowledgements points out that he needed a “large amount of primary source research”, an understatement given the comprehensive notes and bibliography, but he has more than succeeded in producing a masterly, good solid read on a vital part of the nation’s seafaring history. He is to be congratulated on writing what must be the definitive story of RN fishery protection.