APPENDIX IV APPENDIX IV 
In summary West Germany views the degree of exclusive- 
ness of the extended economic zones as the key factor in 
determining the future of its fishing industry. The Govern- 
ment is committed to supporting the industry to the extent 
necessary to maintain a domestic market share and the exist- 
ence of the secondary sector of the industry which is an 
important econcmic base in the coastal states. 
STRUCTURE OF THE FISHING FLEET 
The West Germany fishing fleet is based-primarily in 
the four main ports of Bremerhaven, Cuxhaven, Hamburg, and 
Kiel. The structure of the fleet in terms of vessel types 
and numbers has been changing over the past few years. With 
the assistance of Government programs, including interest 
subsidies, loan guarantees, and scrapping premiums, many 
Older, smaller vessels have been withdrawn, and a few larger 
more modern ones added. The composition of the fleet at the 
end of 1974 totaled 2,563 vessels consisting of 74 deep 
sea trawlers, 7 luggers, 794 fish and shrimp cutters, and 
1,688 coastal fishing craft. 
The deep-sea trawler fleet decreased from 110 in 1971 
to 72 by the end of 1975. The lugger fleet decreased from 
14 to 7 by the end of 1974, while the cutter fleet dropped 
from 958 to 794 during the same period. The coastal fleet 
also experienced a decrease in the number of fishing boats. 
The average age of the deep sea trawlers is 10 years. 
About 71 percent of the fish cutters are over 20 years old 
compared to 34 percent of the shrimp cutters. The seven 
luggers range from 15 to 19 years old. 
Of the 74 deep sea trawlers, 32 vessels are classified 
as full freezers and 42 as wet fish trawlers. All except 14 
of the vessels are stern trawlers. Sixty-two vessels of the 
trawler fleet have fishmeal plants on board. 
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