Citation: Scharff, R.F. 1910 The Irish whale fishery. Irish Naturalist 19: 229-233
Number of Pages: 5
Keywords: Cetacean, Fauna, Fishing, History, Mammal, Marine, Open Coast, Whale
Abstract: Paper discusses the development of the first two Irish whale fisheries. Both fisheries were based in Co. Mayo, one on the Inishkea Islands, and the other at Elly Point on the Mullet Peninsula. The potential to increase scientific knowledge of these mammals due to the presence of whaling stations is discussed. The uses of whale products, the commercial value of the Right Whale in particular, and species captured at the stations is discussed. As the fishery did not catch any new species to Irish waters it was not considered to have aided scientific knowledge. This is an interesting historical account of whaling in Ireland, and provides an insight into the perception of whaling at that time. Reference is made to the number of species captured, including an 88 foot Blue Whale. It was noted that although every part of the whale was used by the industry, it remained heavy in expenses, while low in profits.