ATLANTIC TRAWLER BRITISH FISHING VESSELS IN WWII

During WWII, the British Admiralty requisitioned many civilian Atlantic trawlers for naval service, particularly for minesweeping and anti-submarine patrols, significantly reducing the available fishing fleet and fishing power. These vessels served under the Royal Naval Patrol Service (RNPS), which at its peak operated thousands of small craft, including trawlers and whalers. While most large, efficient trawlers were requisitioned, some vessels were returned for inshore fishing, and the fishing effort for the war effort reduced the available fleet for civilian use, resulting in a substantial decrease in overall fishing power from pre-war levels.