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Atlantic Herring: A Historic Legacy in Lowestoft and Great Yarmouth

Writer's picture: Duncan HolmesDuncan Holmes

The Atlantic herring (Clupea harengus) once played a vital role in the cultural and economic fabric of the East Anglian coastal towns of Lowestoft and Great Yarmouth. For centuries, these communities thrived on the seasonal herring runs, which brought these silvery fish in vast numbers to their shores. The rich herring tradition has left a lasting legacy in the region, where fishing methods, culinary traditions, and even the towns' cultural identities were shaped by the herring’s annual migration down the North Sea.


A Historic Fishery: From Sandbank to Prosperity

The connection between Great Yarmouth and herring fishing stretches back nearly a thousand years. Around 1000 AD, a small sandbank formed from the sea, providing the land that would eventually become Great Yarmouth. Fishermen initially used the area to dry their nets, and as the sandbank grew, so did the fishing settlement. By 1086, Yarmouth was recorded in the Domesday Book, and its population began to flourish around the annual herring migrations.


Dutch Siling Boats
In the mid 13th Century, Dutch fishermen influenced the developing herring fishery

These migrations brought vast shoals south along Britain’s East Coast, peaking off the shores of East Anglia each autumn. By the mid-13th century, herring had become a staple food across England, enjoyed by everyone from kings to peasants. Yarmouth's prosperity grew in step with the thriving herring trade, and by 1330, the town had become the fifth wealthiest in England, thanks largely to the bountiful herring.


Each autumn, fishermen and merchants flocked to Great Yarmouth as the herring filled the Southern North Sea. The town’s importance as a fishing hub increased with the arrival of Dutch fleets, whose superior curing methods made herring a valuable export across Europe. The Dutch influence on the town’s economy was so significant that "Dutch Sunday," celebrated on 21st September, marked the beginning of the fishing season. This partnership continued until the late 1800s, after which Scottish fleets took over, bringing innovations such as pickled herring, which became a major export to markets in Germany and Russia.


Great Yarmouth Herring
Millions of herring per day were landed during the early 20th century. (credit www.broadlandmemories.co.uk)

By the early 1900s, Great Yarmouth, along with Lowestoft, had become one of the most important herring ports in the world. The autumn herring run, which brought fish in prime condition—fat, full of flavour, and perfectly suited for salting or smoking—produced vast catches. Fishermen from both towns hauled in millions of fish each season, with the peak year of 1913 seeing 12 million tonnes of herring landed in just three months. Much of the catch was salted, smoked (producing the famous kippers), or pickled, and then exported across Europe.


Lowestoft and Great Yarmouth buzzed with maritime activity in the 19th and early 20th centuries. The herring industry spurred the growth of supporting industries such as fish curing houses, smokehouses, and barrel-making businesses, which thrived on the shores. The fish, affectionately known as "silver darlings," became an integral part of the region's identity and economic success.


Export and Overfishing

The export of herring from the East Anglian coast became a booming industry, feeding demand both at home and abroad. As European markets expanded, so too did the fleets chasing the herring. Overfishing, however, became a growing concern. By the mid-20th century, declining herring stocks were evident, exacerbated by advances in fishing technology and an increasing number of boats exploiting the North Sea's resources.


In 1977, herring fishing in the North Sea was banned for several years to allow the species to recover. The ban effectively destroyed the industry and while stocks have now started to recover, the fishing industry along the East Anglian coast is a shadow of its former self. The days of massive fleets chasing the "silver darlings" have largely passed, but herring remain a seasonal catch, albeit on a more modest scale.

herring in nets
Even a bumper catch for small boats remains sustainable (credit Gavin Watling)

Natural Predators and Their Return to UK Waters

Herring are not only important to the fishing industry but also play a crucial role in the marine ecosystem. They are a key food source for many larger predators, including seabirds, seals, cetaceans and larger fish such as sharks and cod. Historically, the North Sea was also visited by the Atlantic bluefin tuna, a powerful predator that would chase schools of herring across the waters. Known as tunny fish in the UK, these massive creatures disappeared from British waters in the mid-20th century due to overfishing and changing ocean conditions.


However, in recent years, bluefin tuna have made a remarkable return to UK waters. Their resurgence is linked to the recovering herring stocks and improvements in marine ecosystems. As a top predator, their presence indicates a healthier food chain, with herring once again abundant enough to support these magnificent fish.


Herring as Fishing Bait

Herring is highly valued as fishing bait, particularly by anglers along the East Anglian coast. Its oily, fat-rich flesh makes it an ideal bait for attracting predatory species like bass, cod, and rays. Pike fishermen also understand the value of these oily, blood-rich fish when trying to lure the largest pike from the Norfolk Broads.  During the East Anglian autumn run, the herring are in prime condition—fat, full of flavour, and packed with oils that create a strong scent trail in the water, making them exceptionally effective for both recreational and commercial fishers. Indeed, much of the autumn catch goes for this purpose.


The quality of herring as bait declines after the spawning season. When the fish return in the new year, they are leaner and in poorer condition. With significantly lower fat content, post-spawning herring produce less oil, reducing their effectiveness in attracting predators. Anglers know that while these leaner herring can still be used, they are far less desirable than the rich, oily specimens of the autumn run.

Herring Boat
For over 1,000 years, small beach-launched boats have set out from the shores of East Anglia to net herring. (credit Gavin Watling)

Sustainable Fishing and Beach-Launched Boats

Today, while the large fleets of yesteryear are mostly gone, a tradition of small-scale, family-run fishing businesses continues. Along the beaches of Norfolk and Suffolk, fishers use beach-launched boats, which are smaller and more environmentally friendly than the industrial trawlers of the past. These families practice sustainable fishing methods, targeting herring and other local species in a way that respects the ocean’s limits and ensures future generations can continue to enjoy the rich bounty of the North Sea.


This artisanal approach, with small boats setting out from the shore, is a far cry from the intense industrial fishing practices of earlier centuries. Indeed, it’s a model of sustainability, keeping the spirit of East Anglian fishing alive while also protecting the herring population from overexploitation.


Herring is prized not only for its rich flavour but also for its impressive nutritional profile. Its taste is often described as oily and savoury, with a delicate sweetness that intensifies depending on how it's prepared. Fresh herring has a milder taste, while smoked or pickled herring offers a deeper, more robust flavour that pairs well with various accompaniments.

Nutritionally, herring is a powerhouse. It is rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which are essential for heart health, brain function, and reducing inflammation. In addition, herring is a great source of high-quality protein, vitamin D, and B vitamins, all of which contribute to overall health. Regular consumption of herring may help lower cholesterol, improve cardiovascular function, and support bone health, making it not only delicious but also a highly beneficial addition to any diet.


herring on a plate
Herring is not only delicious—it’s sustainable and packed with nutrients!

Herring are still smoked locally in traditional ways, with delicious kippers and bloaters available from the White Swan. These timeless delicacies keep the rich heritage of East Anglian herring alive, offering a flavourful taste of history right from the heart of the region. Be sure to try these local favourites for a genuine culinary experience!


As our cod and haddock stocks remain under serious fishing pressure, perhaps the sustainable "silver darlings" will make a strong return to our plates. Keep your eyes on social media, with pages like Big Nippers and Caister Fish offering herring straight from the net —a fresh taste of the North Sea ready for your table.

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