The district office of Würzburg describes the important tasks that the Randersacker fishermen’s guild still has today in a press release, from which the following information is taken.
In the late Middle Ages, fishermen’s guilds were formed in larger cities, but also in smaller towns. For centuries, the guild members have been pursuing their main task: tending and caring for the fish. The guild still takes care of the fish stock, the bank areas, the last natural habitats – and that influences such as the cormorant, drought and the lively use of the river keep the effects on the fish population of the Main within limits.
Guilds have lost importance among the people
But today hardly anyone thinks about the long tradition. Many of the craft guilds were dissolved over the centuries, and isolated associations were formed that continue to cultivate the tradition. “It’s an old craft that unfortunately has almost died out,” says Michael Holl from the Randersacker Fishermen’s Guild association, which has existed since 1712. District Administrator Thomas Eberth wanted to get an idea of the work of the traditional guild on site. “Unfortunately, the guilds have lost some of their importance in people’s minds, although the tasks are still very important. Even I don’t know exactly what the work looks like. The on-site visit served to get to know the guild, but also the portfolio of tasks and challenges,” says Eberth.
The prince bishop used to distribute the fishing rights and also determined which guild was allocated which stretch of fish water. The Randersacker fishermen’s guild shares “their” section with the anglers and other guilds, such as the Würzburg fishermen’s guild, which claims to be one of the oldest guilds in Europe. “Of course there is no such thing as competition here, the Main is big enough,” explains Holl.
Old fishing methods are allowed
Although none of the approximately 20 members have to make a living from fishing today, the guild members meet regularly to catch fish together, several times a month during the season. Depending on the species, the closed season for the fish extends from February to the end of April/May. What distinguishes them from hobby anglers is that they can continue to use the old fishing methods of fishermen, such as fishing with nets. In the past, the fishermen’s guild was purely male, today this is different. Seven of the 20 members are women.
Another important task is releasing young animals in order to balance the fish population in the Main. “Fishing rights also mean fishing duties. What we have been given is not an exclusive privilege or gift, but is associated with responsibility and duties,” emphasizes Michael Holl. Fortunately, the members observe that the perch population – a sign of clean river water – has increased in recent years. On the other hand, the zander stock is declining. One reason: invasive species such as gobies have spread in the Main and are also eating the fish spawn of native species. The crayfish can also be found more and more often in nets. “The crayfish imported from North America are spreading to us and transmitting the crayfish plague, which is deadly for them, to their European counterparts. The ventricular cancer itself is immune to the disease,” says Michael Holl.
Edible fish for the local gastronomy
Hot summers are of course also a challenge. In order not to stress the fish even more, especially in the extremely hot months, the members do not fish in the Main during this time. In the event of natural disasters, the fishermen’s guild also supports aid workers with their boats – most recently during the flood of 2011.
Edible fish, which the guild pulls from the nets, are sold to the local gastronomy. In principle, there is no organic certification for Main fish, but it is an important pillar for regional value creation. Money raised is in turn used to buy and release new fry.
