The North Atlantic Fisheries, 1100-1976 - University of Hull

the subject in depth. 18 However, this work only covers the period
1920-1931 and is confined to trawler operation out of Reykjavík.
IV. Foreign Fisheries off Iceland and Fishing Limits
More has been written on this subject than any other aspect of Icelandic
fishing history. The only work covering the period from the Middle Ages
until modern times is B. Þorsteinsson’s Tíu þorskastríð. 19 This is a
survey of the history of Iceland’s fishing limit from the times when
foreign fisheries began off Iceland until 1 December 1976 when the last
British trawlers left the Iceland grounds. The author discusses disputes
arising over fishing rights and simultaneously records some of the main
facts regarding the character of foreign fishing activities in Icelandic
waters.
Icelandic lawyers have written extensively on the issue of fishing
limits but these works can hardly be deemed fishing history. For
instance, G. Þórðarson discusses the Icelandic fishing limit prior to its
extension to four nautical miles in 1952, 20 while H. Jónsson is unique in
covering all the Anglo-Icelandic ‘Cod Wars’ and discussing them from
the juristic point of view. 21 A further publication on this theme is J. Th.
Thór’s short survey of the fishing limit during the three-mile period,
1901-1952, and the Icelanders’ attempts to get the limit changed. 22 Also
by the same author is an article on the extension to four miles in 1951-52
and the British reaction. 23
Foreign fisheries off Iceland in the period prior to 1800 are covered in
some detail by J. Jónsson and B. Þorsteinsson. 24 An examination of
French fisheries off Iceland during the age of sail is the concern of E.
Pálmadóttir’s history of the Breton fishermen in Icelandic waters from
the eighteenth century until 1938. Based on extensive research in French
archives, the book tells the story of the so-called “Iceland fisheries” and
18 B. Guðmarsson, ‘Togaraútgerð í Reykjavík 1920-1931’. Landshagir 173-97.
19 B. Þorsteinsson, Tíu þorskastríð 1415-1976.
20 G. Þórðarson, Landhelgi Íslands með tilliti til fiskveiða.
21 H. Jónsson, Friends in Conflict.
22 J. Th. Thór, Landhelgi Íslands 1901-1952.
23 J. Th. Thór, ‘The Extension of Iceland’s Fishing Limits in 1952 and the British
Reaction’, 25-43.
24 J. Jónsson, op. cit.; B. Þorsteinsson, op. cit.
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