The Department of Agriculture and Fisheries (Fisheries Division) issued the Lobster Trap Census 1968 (Leaflet No. 11), documenting the operational structure of the Irish lobster fishery across 12 maritime counties. The census establishes a correlation between gear deployment, vessel classification, and catch yield, providing a comprehensive baseline for 1968.
Operational Scope and Gear Classification in the 1968 Lobster Fishery
The 1968 census identified six primary trap configurations utilized within the Irish maritime jurisdiction. While the French crawfish barrel remained the most prevalent gear type, specific adaptations were noted in County Galway to optimize lobster capture. The fishery transitioned away from traditional row boats toward motorized vessels, with a total of 626 boats engaged in the 1968 season, reflecting a 4% increase from the 1967 reporting period.
Statutory Definitions and Gear Thresholds
- Total Active Vessels
- 626 boats were engaged in the 1968 lobster fishery, representing a 4% increase over the 1967 census figure of 603.
- Total Trap Deployment
- A national total of 33,490 traps were utilized, averaging approximately 50 traps per vessel across all maritime counties.
- Primary Gear Distribution
- French crawfish barrels accounted for 52.8% of all traps, while Scottish-designed traps comprised 24.5% of the total gear inventory.
Operational Compliance and Catch Performance Matrix
| Metric | Reported Value |
|---|---|
| Total Lobster Catch | 508,766 units |
| National Average Yield per Trap | 19 lbs |
| Maximum Yield per Trap (Co. Clare) | 37 lbs |
| Total Active Boats | 626 |
- Vessel Class Efficiency: Motor boats under 30 feet in length demonstrated the highest economic efficiency for lobster-specific operations, while vessels exceeding 45 feet were identified as better suited for crawfish-targeted fishing.
- Catch Correlation: Data indicates that counties utilizing traps specifically designed for lobster fishing achieved higher yields per trap compared to regions where crawfish-adapted barrels were the primary gear.
- Regional Variance: The highest trap density was recorded in County Galway, while the lowest trap usage was observed in County Wicklow.
- Environmental Factors: The 1968 catch volume was positively influenced by extended periods of favorable weather, though it remained below the 1959 peak of 623,097 units.
Table of Contents
Lobster Trap Census 1968
Operational Scope and Gear Classification
Catch Performance and Regional Distribution
Summary of Findings