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projectfishistory.bsky.social
Project FisHistory
@projectfishistory.bsky.social
100 followers 79 following 29 posts
Combining historical, local & scientific knowledge on herring:
• Spawning grounds
• Long-term change
• Importance

Cyfuno gwybodaeth hanesyddol, lleol a gwyddonol am benwaig:
• Silfeydd
• Newidiadau tymor hir
• Pwysigrwydd

@BangorUniversity
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projectfishistory.bsky.social
Back from a very successful trip to the IOM speaking with locals and visiting archives to piece together historical accounts of the herring fishery. We stumbled across these beautiful title page illustrations of marine biological station reports based on Puffin island in the late 1800s
November 26, 2025 at 3:43 PM
projectfishistory.bsky.social
We're currently visiting the Isle of Man and and hoping to speak with any active or retired herring fishers on the island 🐟Tomorrow we're diving into the @manxheritage.bsky.social archives! @georginahunt.bsky.social @emilyphilly.bsky.social
November 18, 2025 at 4:53 PM
projectfishistory.bsky.social
This time last week our team were midway through an interdisciplinary research visit at the National library of Wales 📖 The marine scientists came away with a newfound appreciation for the art of deciphering handwriting! @ystadaucymru.bsky.social @leafyhistory.bsky.social @emilyphilly.bsky.social
November 6, 2025 at 1:41 PM
projectfishistory.bsky.social
Guess where we’ve been this week! Hint: you might see a dolphin or two here 🐬 #destinationx #huntforherring #fishfriday
September 5, 2025 at 10:52 AM
projectfishistory.bsky.social
Where are we today?📍Hint: it’s chucking it down! #herring #destinationx 🐟
September 3, 2025 at 1:46 PM
projectfishistory.bsky.social
We'll be visiting ports in Mid-South Wales e.g., Fishguard and Aberystwyth next week (2nd-4th September). If you're from the area and know anything about the Irish Sea herring fishery (past or present), or know someone who does, please get in touch here or at [email protected]🐟
August 29, 2025 at 2:52 PM
projectfishistory.bsky.social
HERRING & POTATOES 🐟🥔

Herrings and potatoes played a vital role in the annual prosperity of coastal communities such as the Isle of Man. In the 1800's unproductive fishing seasons and harvests left the poorest with no source of food and income.
Screenshot of newspaper article from 14/02/1828 in the Manks advertiser. "The failure of the herring fishery, and the great reduction in the value of agricultural produce, has affected every class in such a degree as to have reduced the island to almost a state of bankruptcy." Screenshot of newspaper article from 24/04/1827 in the Manks sun. "There was never perhaps, a more trying season for the poor, than that which the last winter presented, the severity of which yet exists and will continue till Divine Providence supplies the herring and the potatoe" Screenshot of newspaper article from 28/10/1826 in the Manks rising sun. "Distress in the isle of man- (Extract of a letter to a friend in Bath)- Douglas Sept 24- Our poor are in the most wretched state from the failure of the potatoe crops, and the utter unproductiveness of the herring fishery. Your friend Hughes is exerting himself, and, I trust will succeed in the laudable attempt he is making to rouse the gentry to ameliorate the miserable condition of the poor creatures who are at this moment suffering from disease and starvation. One poor woman nearly 80, he found yesterday on a bed of chips, without any covering but au old cloak, and the tiles actually commencing their work of destruction, for she was too feeble even to defend herself against so simple an enemy. .Another lie saw in a corner, with 4 naked children, without food. In short, be brings such accounts, as would open the hand of a miser, and draw the tear of compassion from the most harden'd heart. Soup is daily supplied to the poor ; but, alas ! these who have it in their power lo give are so few in this island compared with the vast numbers who are suffering the most absolute want, and the most abject misery, that without some pecuniary aid to assist us, our scanty supplies must soon cease."
July 29, 2025 at 9:05 AM
projectfishistory.bsky.social
Thanks to NWIFCA, we've gotten our hands on some fascinating early 1900s reports from the Lancashire and Western Sea Fisheries Committee 📚These reports include notes on the timing and success of the herring fishery, the condition of herring, and a district map revealing historic herring grounds!
Passage from a book reads Herring- At Moelfre, the fishery was not good until December, when very good catches were made. At Benllach, large catches were also made in December. In Holyhead, the results were not up to those of last year. Herring have been plentiful at Nevin and Porthdinllaen, and in Tremadoc Bay. The value in this part of the District was £380, an increase of £211 over the corresponding period of the previous year. The herring were nearly all "shotten", but a good price was obtained for them. On the south side of Cardigan Bay, the herring season has last year been a failure. Passage from a book reads Herring - In Cardigan and Tremadoc Bays the herring season has been a total failure. When the Committee has more funds at its disposal an investigation should be conducted into the causes of the fluctuation of the herring fisheries. In Tremadoc Bay the fishermen are of opinion that large shoals of herring were in the Bay when the weather was too wild to allow of fishing. On the North Wales coast some very good catches were made at Holyhead, and at Moelfre larger catches were made than in 1909. Bookshelf containing Lancashire and Western Sea Fisheries Committee annual reports from early 1900s. Map of Lancashire and Western Sea Fisheries Committee zoomed in on the Llyn peninsula.
July 7, 2025 at 8:29 AM
projectfishistory.bsky.social
Had a great trip to NW England last week! One highlight was our visit to Fleetwood Maritime Museum ⚓⛵ where staff and volunteers picked out a few hidden gems for us — including Close’s 1904 fishing chart of the Irish Sea, marking historic herring fishing grounds! 🗺️
July 4, 2025 at 10:53 AM
projectfishistory.bsky.social
We’re visiting NW England next week (23–27 June) to talk to locals from historic herring ports 🐟 If you’re from the area and know anything about the Irish Sea herring fishery (past or present), or know someone who does, please get in touch here or at [email protected]
June 19, 2025 at 12:43 PM
projectfishistory.bsky.social
Last week, we visited the Amgueddfa Forwrol Llyn Maritime Museum, which has an excellent exhibition on Nefyn herring 🐟, women of the sea 🙋‍♀️, and artefacts from other local fisheries 🦞. It’s a must-see if you’re in the area!
June 18, 2025 at 8:54 AM
projectfishistory.bsky.social
The earliest printed map specifically of Wales was Humphrey Llwyd’s 1573 Cambriae typus 🗺️

It contains an intriguing reference to fisheries in Cardigan Bay

“Hic halecum captura” – Here is the catch 🐟
Historical map of Welsh fisheries
June 13, 2025 at 8:19 AM
projectfishistory.bsky.social
Wren hunting – on St Stephen’s day (26/27 December) – with sticks & stones – believed to result in good herring season 🐟🪶
Text from a page in a book. St. Stephen's Day is distinguished here by a very strange custom: the hunting of the wren. Numbers assemble, by day break in the morning, with long sticks, with which they beat the hedges and bushes, till they start one of those smart, little birds from its evening re-treat. They they pursue it, with great shoutings, from bush to bush, till the little creature is so tired as to be taken by the hand, or knocked down by the stick, of one of its barbarous pursuers. It is then fixed upon the top of a long pole, to which is suspended a red handkerchief, by wat of a banner; and in that manner it is carried round about the town, in triumph,- which serves as a pretext for begging money, or liquor , from the inhabitants. If they can catch, or kill the poor wren, before sun-rising, they firmly believe that it ensures a good herring fishery the next season. What gave rise to such a strange, barbarous custom (which exists in every fishing town in the isle) I have not yet been able to learn: or why the tit-wren should be selected as the victim of that day; unless, from being the smallest bird upon the island, it is intended or meant as a proper sacrifice to the fairies Image of a wren chirping Historical image depicting the hunting of a wren in Wales and Ireland.
June 6, 2025 at 9:00 AM
projectfishistory.bsky.social
📢 Calling all members of the fishing and seafood industry, historians, government and local experts!

🐟 Know where herring were caught, when they arrived, where they spawned, or how they were used?

🗣️ We want to hear from you!
📩 Contact [email protected]
HERRING KNOWLEDGE WANTED Project aims We aim to identify herring spawning grounds in the Irish Sea by incorporating historical sources (e.g., old newspapers and fisheries reports), local knowledge and modern data (e.g., seabed sediment maps). Information needed • Where were herring caught locally? • When in the year did herring arrive? • Where did herring spawn? • How were herring used locally? We need YOUR help! We are seeking anyone with local knowledge on herring, past & present. • Fishing industry- active & retired • Sea anglers • Fish trade/seafood industry • Historians- local & maritime • Government agencies & NGOs Area of interest: Irish Sea Can you offer any information? Or know someone that might? Contact email address: fishistory@bangor.ac.uk bluesky: projectfishistory CHWILIO AM WYBODAETH AM BENWAIG Amcanion y project Ein nod yw nodi mannau silio penwaig ym Môr Iwerddon drwy ymgorffori ffynonellau hanesyddol (e.e. hen bapurau newydd ac adroddiadau pysgodfeydd), gwybodaeth leol a data modern (e.e. mapiau’n nodi gwaddod gwely'r môr). Y wybodaeth sydd ei hangen • Ble yn lleol y daliwyd y penwaig? • Pryd yn ystod y flwyddyn y cyrhaeddodd y penwaig? • Ble wnaeth y penwaig silio? • Sut oedd y penwaig yn cael eu defnyddio'n lleol? Mae arnom angen eich help CHI! Rydym yn chwilio am unrhyw un sydd â gwybodaeth leol am benwaig, yn y gorffennol a’r presennol. • Y diwydiant pysgota - p’un a ydych yn rhan ohono ar hyn o bryd neu wedi ymddeol • Pysgotwyr môr • Y fasnach bysgod/diwydiant bwyd môr • Haneswyr - lleol a morwrol • Asiantaethau’r llywodraeth a chyrff anllywodraethol Maes diddordeb: Môr Iwerddon Allwch chi gynnig unrhyw wybodaeth? Neu'n adnabod rhywun a allai? Cyswllt fishistory@bangor.ac.uk projectfishistory
May 29, 2025 at 1:39 PM
projectfishistory.bsky.social
From "kings" and "queens" to "over-day tarts" and "wine-drinkers", herring has held more titles than a Tudor monarch! 🐟 #FishFridays #Herring #OceansPast
Red-finned herrings are known as wine-drinkers in Scotland, and as loaders in Norfolk and Lincolnshire, while in the western counties they are called kings and queens. Over-day tarts is applied by costermongers to such as have remained unsalted for twenty-four hours, and consequently are dark-red about their fins and gills, due top extravasated blood. A "blow herring" is termed, according to
April 11, 2025 at 8:44 AM
projectfishistory.bsky.social
Early 1800s, Isle of Man. The major herring fishery meant it was a good time to be a gull, but not a dog…. #Herring #FishFridays #OceansPast
The floats used in the herring-fishery are made of dog-skins, which are found much better adapted to the purpose than those of sheep; to this circumstance may be partly attributed the number of dogs kept in the Island. Tarred-nets are prohibited by on through the fleet. The killing a sea-gull during the fishing-season is punished with a fine of 3l., as the bird is useful in indicating the course of the fish. The fishery has been unprosperous during
April 4, 2025 at 8:19 AM
projectfishistory.bsky.social
Extract from a 1682 book 'SALT AND SEA'. Apparently Welsh herring boats were piddling! 😂 This is a quote from an earlier 'paper' for 'parliament men', and 'fishmongers' by Captain Lloyd, Welsh gent and fisher. Does anyone know who this is? #EdwardLhuyd? #WelshHistory #OceansPast #FishFridays
Faded page from a book: ‘that there is like plenty [of herrings] on the coasts of north and south Wales, is asserted by Capt. Lloyd before mentioned in page 102, because those piddling boats which the poor and ignorant fishermen now use, being but of four tons burthen, open, and no ways capable to bear the least storm, yet take sometimes 60 mesh at a tide, which are three lasts of herrings, and if their boats would contain one hundred lasts, they might fill them. Upon these coasts there are from 60 to 80 of these boats, and though they catch a great quantity of herrings, yet ignorance, want of method and money, keep them in great poverty. Moreover he saith 'tis certain that 3 or 4 busses or doggers shall catch more fish than all those boats do now; yea and that the undertakers...’ @leafyhistory.bsky.social
March 28, 2025 at 10:10 AM
projectfishistory.bsky.social
And finally welcome to FisHistory @jangeerthiddink.bsky.social, a marine benthic ecologist who studies the effects of human disturbance on the benthos, and Dr Shaun Evans, the director of @ystadaucymru.bsky.social and Lecturer in Early modern and Welsh History @bangoruniversity.bsky.social
March 24, 2025 at 11:03 AM
projectfishistory.bsky.social
Ac yn olaf, croeso i FisHistory i @jangeerthiddink.bsky.social, ecolegydd dyfnforol sy'n astudio effeithiau aflonyddwch dynol ar y benthos, ac i Dr Shaun Evans, cyfarwyddwr @ystadaucymru.bsky.social a Darlithydd mewn Hanes Modern Cynnar a Hanes Cymru @prifysgolbangor.bsky.social
March 24, 2025 at 11:01 AM
projectfishistory.bsky.social
Croeso i FisHistory i @georginahunt.bsky.social, myfyriwr ôl-ddoethurol pysgodfeydd gyda PhD mewn ecoleg hanesyddol forol 🐟 ac i @emilyphilly.bsky.social cynorthwyydd ymchwil pysgodfeydd gyda phrofiad ym mhysgodfeydd Cymru 🦀🦞🐚
March 20, 2025 at 9:30 AM
projectfishistory.bsky.social
Welcome to FisHistory @georginahunt.bsky.social, a fisheries postdoc with a PhD in marine historical ecology 🐟 and @emilyphilly.bsky.social a fisheries research assistant with experience in Welsh fisheries 🦀🦞🐚
March 20, 2025 at 9:28 AM
projectfishistory.bsky.social
Welcome to FisHistory @alecbmmoore.bsky.social, a marine historical ecologist, and @leafyhistory.bsky.social, an associate lecturer @openuniversity.bsky.social and the author of The Atlas of Early Modern Wildlife 📘
March 17, 2025 at 9:06 AM
projectfishistory.bsky.social
Croeso i FisHistory i @alecbmmoore.bsky.social, ecolegydd hanesyddol morol, ac i @leafyhistory.bsky.social, darlithydd cyswllt @openuniversity.bsky.social ac awdur The Atlas of Early Modern Wildlife 📘
March 17, 2025 at 9:05 AM
projectfishistory.bsky.social
Cyflw Cyflwyno FisHistory🐟📖project rhyngddisgyblaethol sydd â’r nod o nodi silfeydd penwaig sydd heb eu mapio ar hyn o bryd ym Môr Iwerddon, ac agweddau eraill ar fioleg penwaig, trwy gyfuno gwybodaeth leol, data gwyddonol a chofnodion hanesyddol @bangoruniversity.bsky.social Wedi'i ariannu gan UKRI
March 13, 2025 at 2:24 PM
projectfishistory.bsky.social
Introducing FisHistory 🐟📖 an interdisciplinary project aiming to identify currently unmapped herring spawning grounds in the Irish Sea, and other aspects of herring biology, by combining local knowledge, scientific data and historical records 📖 @bangoruniversity.bsky.social funded by UKRI
March 13, 2025 at 2:21 PM