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It is interesting to note that, as conventional
fishing decreases, there has been an increased interest in mussel
dredging around the coast of Ireland. The mussel business in
Ireland has expanded partly because of problems in Holland, partly
through official support and partly through individual enterprise.
The fleet consists of more than 50 boats although not
all are active and some have been withdrawn as casualties or having
failed to obtain their Certificate of Compliance. Given Holland's
experience in the business it is not surprising that ex-Dutch boats
feature prominently often retaining their original names.
Many of the boats are old often dating from the
1920's or earlier. They were designed for use in the sheltered
inshore waters of Holland and are not, therefore, entirely suitable
for the exposed rocky coast of Ireland. Two boats taken at random
are the "Janna" (SO962) of 1909 and the "Goede Verwachting" (B931)
of 1910 - both are Dutch built.
The "Janna" was extensively rebuilt
in 1981 and 1991 and structurally strengthened to operate in open
waters as was the
"Goede Verwachting". All vessels comply with the
Torremolinos International Convention for The Safety of Fishing
Vessels.
Boats of more recent construction include the
"Harvest Seeker" (W224) of 1959 and the "Eendracht" (B935) of 1962 -
once again both were built in Holland.
There has been considerable investment in new boats
during the last few years. Typically, one of the older boats would
have been around 30-35 metres in length with a distinctive
appearance - mainly being fairly narrow and with a relatively
shallow draught of around 1 - 1.5 metres.
The new boats are much longer at over 40 metres and,
in appearance, are more akin to today's pelagic trawlers. The
latest addition is the "Emerald Gratia" (WT231) delivered in 2006.
She is 49 metres in length with a gross tonnage of 561. Other new
boats include the "Wings of the Morning" (WD210) at 44 metres and
the "Creadan Lady" (W243) at 43 metres.
If you are interested in seeing mussel dredgers at
work remember that the port of registry is not necessarily a guide
to where the boat might be found. Under an agreement made in 1964
boats registered in the Republic of Ireland have access to Northern
Ireland waters and vice-versa.
Greencastle and Moville, Co Donegal, Bangor and
Warrenpoint, Co Down, Carlingford, Co Louth, Arklow, Co Wicklow and
Wexford town are all worth a visit both for working boats and those
laid up.
The illustrations accompanying this article
illustrate only a small part of the fleet. The year of build is
given after the registration number.
For further reading I recommend the following
publications:
"Fishing Industry Handbook for Britain and Ireland"
edited by Peter Brady - an invaluable guide to all fishing boats
The "Irish Skipper" and "Marine Times" (monthly
newspapers).
Guide to selected registration letters:
B - Belfast
D - Dublin
N - Newry
SO - Sligo
W - Waterford
WD - Wexford
WT - Westport |
