Herdla is a fantastic option if you wish to see the fishing communities in western Norway. Herdla’s fishing business, history, birdlife, and natural surroundings cannot be disregarded.
Where is Herdla?
Hordaland County, a municipality in Norway’s Vestland County, contains the island of Herdla. It is a section of Askøy and is located close to Bergen’s shore.
Herdla is surrounded by water, including Herdlefjorden and Bjrnafjorden, making it ideal for fishing. Long considered a good fishing place, Herdlefjorden. Fish of many kinds, including cod, ling, whiting, herring, and mackerel, among others, are readily catchable here.
Herdla was conquered by Germany during World War II and played a vital role because of its strategic position. Herdla is a significant migratory bird region as well as home to a nature reserve that draws a variety of bird species. In this location, you can see rare and protected birds, particularly while they are migrating.
Let’s give a thorough overview of Herdla’s fishing business now. Later, we will also discuss Herdla’s history, natural surroundings, and wildlife.
Fishing
From prehistoric times to the present, fishing has played a significant role in the economy of Herdla. The island’s economy has benefited from it, and it has given the locals job possibilities. Long regarded as a good fishing location, Herdlefjord is close to Herdla. Fish such as cod, ling, whiting, herring, and mackerel are abundant in the fjord.
The Bronze and Iron Age residents of the Herdla region were already engaged in fishing, according to archeological evidence from prehistoric periods. Tools including fishing nets, fish hooks, and fish bones have been found in the area, demonstrating how early Herdla residents exploited and utilized maritime resources. They relied on marine resources as a vital source of additional income, catching fish using hand-made fishing nets and hooks.
Connection between Herdla and Hanseatic commerce throughout the Middle Ages
The Hanseatic League created commercial ties throughout the Norwegian coast beginning in the 12th century, with Herdla acting as a significant node. Due to the sale of stockfish and herring to the Hanseatic League, fishing became a significant component of Herdla’s trade.
An industrial alliance made up of cities in Northern Europe and the Baltic area, the Hanseatic League was founded in the 12th century and at its height from the 13th to the 17th centuries. It intended to advance commerce, safeguard business owners’ rights, and widen trade networks. One of the primary trading goods of the Hanseatic League was fish. This alliance promoted cultural and information interaction across areas and had a considerable influence on the economic and commercial growth of Norway’s coastal districts.
19th Century and Early 20th Century: Fishing as a Livelihood
In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, fishing in Herdla became a significant source of income. Traditional fishing techniques and small powered boats were both used by local fishermen to fish in the nearby waterways.
Local fisherman caught fish using fishing nets (Garnfiske), carefully positioning the nets (Garn) in the water to catch schools of fish. For instance, to ascertain the precise water locations local fish would pass through during particular seasons, fishermen studied the migration routes of the fish in the area. The fish’s behavior and aggregation was impacted by the local marine environment, which included elements like the morphology of the seafloor, reefs, and shipwrecks, as well as tide patterns, water currents, temperature, and depth. These elements were taken into consideration by seasoned fisherman when deciding where to set their fishing nets.
Line fishing (Linefiske) was the second traditional form of fishing. Fishing hooks and lines were used by fishermen, who baited the hooks and dipped the lines in the water while they waited for fish to bite. This approach is comparable to contemporary recreational fishing.
Fishing using a net (Teinefiske) was another technique. To catch fish, fishermen install traps (Teine), which are often nets or baskets made of materials like ropes, canvas, or metal wire. While basket traps were formed of woven materials, net traps contained tiny mesh grids. Due to the fact that fish frequently congregated towards the bottom of the water, fishermen commonly set these traps there. Fish could enter the inside of the traps through entrances, although those openings were only intended to be one-way. It could have a funnel-shaped entrance that gradually gets smaller to make it simpler for fish to swim into the trap but harder for them to escape since the exit channel is smaller than the entrance. Fishermen might also create one-way channels by strategically placing and organizing their traps. For instance, positioning the traps such that they faced the current made it simpler for fish to enter but more challenging for them to swim upstream. Once fish entered one of these specific one-way tunnel designs, they were unable to swim out again, which led to their capture.
While waiting for fish to approach the capture range was a need for both trap fishing and fishing with nets, the latter allowed for the simultaneous capture of many more fish than the former did, with traps generally catching fish one at a time. Traps were more effective in capturing a small number of target fish or specific species of fish.
Small motorized boats played a vital role in facilitating fishing around the island in addition to conventional fishing techniques.
These little motorized boats were often built of steel or wood and had an engine. They dramatically increased fishing efficiency by enabling fishermen to travel farther than they could with conventional fishing vessels. When a school of fish was found, fishermen would utilize the aforementioned conventional fishing techniques while also using different fishing equipment such nets, fishing lines, or traps to catch the fish.
The fish that was caught at this time may be consumed by the fishermen themselves, sold nearby, or shipped to markets in Bergen and other cities.
Military Activities During World War II Affect the Fishing Industry in Herdla
German forces invaded Herdla and built an airstrip there during World War II. Because of the conflict, fishing was banned. The local fishing industry was under the supervision of the German occupying army. They implemented a number of limitations on the local fisherman, including licensing and rationing programs. To avoid overfishing, fishermen were not permitted to use huge fishing nets and were required to get licenses before they could even begin to fish. The Germans also placed patrol boats around the island to keep a close eye on military operations and enforced navigational limits that prevented fishing boats from entering vital military areas.
Consequently, some fisherman started to rebel. Bypassing the blockades and limitations imposed by the German army, they sent information through the links between fishing boats and ports. They supported individuals in escape from the German-occupied territories and assisted refugees in finding safe spots while avoiding German military pursuit. They supplied necessary items and supplies to resistance organizations and locals. They provided logistical assistance and took part in the Allied landing operations.
Following World War II, Modern Fisheries Underwent a Bold Development
Herdla resumed its status as a significant fishing community following the conflict. In order to boost the longevity of their boats, local fisherman upgraded the design and construction of their craft by employing materials like steel or fiberglass. They also outfitted their boats with increasingly sophisticated navigational aids and communication systems, such radar, GPS, and sonar, to increase safety and navigational accuracy. Additionally, automated equipment, fish finders, and underwater cameras were employed to discover fish schools and determine the best times to go fishing.
Fishermen have been enhancing their conventional fishing techniques over time. They began using more sophisticated fishing methods and equipment, such as gill nets, big fishing nets, and trawling nets. They were able to cover more ground and catch more fish thanks to these technologies. Additionally, sophisticated fishing equipment was introduced, including electric fishing machines, automated line winders, and automatic hooking devices. These tools improved fishing productivity and speed, which decreased labor and time expenses.
Today: Sustainable Fishing and Recreational Angling in Herdla
Today, Herdla and the neighboring surroundings prioritize the conservation of marine resources and sustainable fishing. To preserve fish supplies, stringent fishing laws have been put in place, including size restrictions, quotas, and seasons.
Fishermen are only permitted to keep fish that meet specified size requirements; smaller fish must be returned to the water. For instance, the minimum size for sea bass is 30 centimeters, the minimum size for cod is 40 centimeters, the minimum size for red snapper is 25 centimeters, and the minimum size for trout and salmon is 50 centimeters.
Quotas specify how many fish each fishing vessel or individual fisherman is allowed to capture within a given period of time. Individual catch quotas can be established based on a fisherman’s or vessel’s license to guarantee equitable fishing opportunities for all participants and prevent overfishing.
Fishermen are prohibited from fishing during particular periods throughout specific seasons. Breeding periods and non-breeding periods can be used to categorize seasons. To safeguard spawning fish and fish eggs, catch limits may apply to fishermen during breeding seasons. Some fish species migrate at particular seasons, such as the upstream migration of cod and herring or the oceanic migration of salmon, trout, and lamprey. Fishery management authorities may impose restrictions on fishing during specific times in order to safeguard fish that are migrating.
In addition, recreational fishing is well-liked in Herdla and draws a continuous stream of tourists interested in the activity. Several fish species, including sea bass, cod, red snapper, trout, and salmon, may be found in the waters around Herdla. To help guests learn regional fishing methods and the best fishing places, Herdla also offers guided excursions and educational services.
