The Cod Wars
The Cod Wars were three disputes between Iceland and Britain over fishing rights between 1958 and 1976. A small nation without an army prevailed against one of the world's great powers – and in doing so helped shape the international law of the sea.
Background
Fishing has been the lifeblood of the Icelandic economy for more than a century. After the Second World War, Icelanders feared overfishing by foreign trawlers, especially British ones. In 1952 the fishing limit was extended to four nautical miles and fjords and bays were closed, which led to a British ban on landing Icelandic fish.
The First Cod War 1958–1961
On 1 September 1958 Iceland extended its fishing limit to 12 nautical miles. Britain refused to recognise it and sent warships to protect its trawlers. Coast Guard vessels tried to arrest trawlers, and collisions were frequent. The dispute ended with an agreement in 1961 in which Britain recognised the 12-mile limit in return for temporary fishing rights.
The Second Cod War 1972–1973
In 1972 the limit was extended to 50 nautical miles. The Icelandic Coast Guard then began using net cutters, which cut the warps of British trawlers so that their nets sank to the bottom. The cutters proved a highly effective weapon. Britain again sent frigates to the fishing grounds. The dispute ended with an interim agreement in November 1973.
The Third Cod War 1975–1976
In October 1975 the fishing limit was extended to 200 nautical miles. This was the fiercest of the Cod Wars: frigates repeatedly rammed the Icelandic patrol vessels Þór, Týr, Ægir and Óðinn, and in February 1976 Iceland broke off diplomatic relations with Britain – the first time this had happened between two NATO members. Iceland also threatened to leave NATO and close the military base at Keflavík, which was of great strategic importance during the Cold War. With Norwegian mediation, an agreement was reached in Oslo on 1 June 1976, and Britain in effect recognised the 200-mile limit.
| Year | Limit | Main events |
|---|---|---|
| 1901 | 3 nautical miles | Treaty between Denmark and Britain |
| 1952 | 4 nautical miles | British landing ban |
| 1958 | 12 nautical miles | First Cod War |
| 1972 | 50 nautical miles | Net cutters introduced |
| 1975 | 200 nautical miles | Diplomatic break with Britain in 1976 |
Consequences
Iceland's victory in the Cod Wars gave it full control over rich fishing grounds and laid the foundation for decades of economic prosperity. At the same time, the 200-mile exclusive economic zone was recognised in the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea, adopted in 1982. To protect fish stocks, a quota system was later introduced, which is still controversial. In British fishing ports such as Hull and Grimsby, however, the outcome had serious consequences, and thousands of fishermen lost their jobs.
Frequently asked questions
How many Cod Wars were there?
There were three: 1958–1961, 1972–1973 and 1975–1976.
Were weapons used in the Cod Wars?
Mostly ramming and net cutters were used. Warning shots were fired a few times, but it was not a war in the true sense.