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The Shellfish Supplies: oyster-boats dredging off Prestonpans, 1862. Creator: Unknown
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The Shellfish Supplies: oyster-boats dredging off Prestonpans, 1862. Creator: Unknown
The Shellfish Supplies: oyster-boats dredging off Prestonpans, [Scotland], 1862. 'The Scottish oyster fisheries are not "cultivated." The Prestonpans or Newhaven fishermen trust entirely to the natural increase of the beds from the annual deposition of spawn. Now, nothing would be easier than for these Firth of Forth men to construct at suitable places a few artificial beds; in fact, the present excessive demand for oysters, which these men are remarkably fond of meeting, will in a short time so impoverish the breeding stock as to necessitate one or two new banks...As it requires a period of four years to grow an oyster up to marketable proportions, the beds could not be commenced too soon. They may be constructed of the simplest materials: a few boatloads of builders' debris...laid down in a part of the sea that is quite clear from mud, would form an excellent foundation...Millions of oysters could be grown on such a bed as this, and the spat of the celebrated "pandores" might he obtained in order to have a choice breed. The oyster is so enormously prolific that if only ten in every hundred were to arrive at maturity there would be no danger of a cessation in the supply although the demand were to become fourfold what it is at present. From "Illustrated London News", 1862
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Media ID 38074721
© The Print Collector/Heritage Images
Aquatic Life Fisherfolk Fisherman Fishermen Fishing Fishing Boat Fishing Boats Fishing Industry Fishing Net Fishing Nets Oyster Oyster Fishing Oysters Shellfish Oyster Boat Shellfish Industry
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EDITORS COMMENTS
This print captures the bustling activity of oyster-boats dredging off Prestonpans in 1862. The Scottish oyster fisheries depicted here were not cultivated, relying instead on the natural increase of beds from annual spawn deposition. The fishermen of Prestonpans and Newhaven took advantage of the rich breeding stock to meet the growing demand for oysters.
The image showcases a scene filled with hardworking fishermen navigating their boats through the waters, harvesting these prized shellfish. The need for new artificial beds is emphasized in this snapshot, as the excessive demand for oysters could deplete the existing breeding stock over time.
The detailed caption accompanying this historical photograph provides valuable insights into the process of cultivating oysters and highlights the potential for constructing new beds using simple materials like builders' debris. It emphasizes that with proper planning and care, millions of oysters could be grown to sustainably meet market demands.
Overall, this print serves as a fascinating glimpse into Scotland's thriving oyster industry in the 19th century and underscores the importance of responsible resource management for future generations.
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