The Cod Wars Revisited

When a country unilaterally takes back control of its waters, the results are dramatic.

The modern cod wars were a series of disputes between Britain and Iceland over fishing rights in the waters of the North Atlantic. Each started when Iceland extended its territorial waters, claiming more of the seas that had been traditionally fished by the British. The final cod war started in 1975 when Iceland extended its territorial waters to 200 miles. It ended one year later with Britain capitulating to Iceland's demands.

While they lasted, the cod wars were nightly news. British fishing boats and Icelandic coast guards clashed at sea. The Royal Navy was called in to protect the fishing fleet and take the brunt of the Icelandic aggression. Fishing lines were cut, sending vast trawler nets to the bottom of the North Sea. Their crews' fortunes sank with them. There were shots fired and arrests made.

At the time, Hull and Grimsby on England's east coast were two of the biggest fishing ports in Europe. The local families who sent their men to sea went back generations. It was a way of life that formed the heart of a whole community. The cod wars put an end to all of it.

In this programme, Julia Langdon brings this history to life through archive and new interviews with key figures from both sides.

• Producer: Freddy Chick
• A Made in Manchester Production for BBC Radio 4

Publicity contact: IP