Viking fishing technique at risk

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Fishermen fight for Viking methods - 27th January 2020

We’re losing a rare method of fishing from Scotland called haaf netting. There are now only 30 haaf netter fishermen left and this skill might disappear forever.

This unique style of fishing was brought to Scotland by the Vikings around 900AD. So the Solway Firth estuary has been home to these fishermen for hundreds of years.

In 2016, the Scottish government introduced measures to protect wild salmon. Fishermen can’t take any fish out of the water so they can’t sell them or eat them themselves.

As a result, new fishermen are no longer attracted to this unique fishing method. This has resulted in a decrease in the number of haaf netters.

This method of fishing uses a net attached to a wooden beam. The structure is carried into the water and held still. Then the fishermen wait and hope for fish to swim into it.

Standing in a good position means more chances of a catch, so a game called “cast the mells” is played to decide where you stand. As the outcome is so important, people often cheat their fellow fishermen.

In an attempt to keep the tradition alive, the haaf netters are trying to gain official recognition of their methods as a historical activity. The community also want a record of their unique Viking legacy.