Ebbing Tide

‘Ebbing Tide’, the fourth and final volume in the ‘Tide’ series has been difficult to complete. The earlier books were a pleasure to write as I related some extremely funny and zany moments while growing up and making my career in the North Sea fishing industry. In this volume I’ve continued with the humour, but have also narrated the long, slow death of the way of life I was born to.


In 1971 the UK joined the Common Market and control of our national waters and fish stocks (but not oil) was surrendered to Europe. Since that day, year on year our industry has been in decline. Annual quota reductions, and more recently the number of days in which boats can take this meagre allowance, have led to the demise of this wonderful, vibrant industry.


Despite numerous decommissioning schemes, reducing the Yorkshire fleet to a shadow of its former strength, the cuts have been unabated The few remaining fishermen are struggling to survive. Most of the renowned fishing families of my youth are now gone. This book relates to the end of an era.