Fishing Industry Today

A range of different fishing techniques are used by modern fishermen, including hand gathering, spearing, netting, angling and trapping. Fishing is not only an industrial activity but also a recreational pastime. In Ireland, recreational fishing activities include shore fishing, small boat fishing and deep sea fishing. Game fishing is also a popular activity which began with the invention of the motor boat in 1898 by Charles Fredrick Holder.

The fishing industry today is divided into three principal sectors:

Commercial fishing is the largest fishing sector and refers to wild catch, aquaculture resources, fish farming and fish products. This sector also includes the harvesting of aquatic plants and non-food products such as pearls. China and Peru produce the highest fish catches in the world, contributing to an increase of 144.6 million tonnes of fish, molluscs and crustaceans produced globally in 2009.

The traditional sector refers to more artisan fishing practices and small scale commercial fishing. The fishing techniques in the traditional sector derive from Aboriginal practices of using rod and tackle, arrows and harpoons, throw nets and drag nets.

The recreational sector is quite broad as it encompasses activities ranging from the design and construction of recreational boats and tackle, the production of fishing publications and the provision of fishing activities and facilities for tourists. This sector also encompasses inland and sea fishing for sustenance as well as sporting events.