Föhrer Walfang: zur Wirtschafts- und Sozialgeschichte einer nordfriesischen Insel in der Frühen Neuzeit - Teil 2

Abstract

Ships' journals provide insight into whaling procedures and thus into the working conditions encountered by the natives of Föhr within the context of their employment on whaling ships. One aspect on which ships’ journals shed light is the effect of the incentive wage system on the decision-making processes on board. The opportunity of taking over a share of the entrepreneurial risk led to the share-holding sailors’ financial interests being reflected in their participation in decisions concerning whale hunting. They had a say, for example, in whether or not an expedition was called off, and in decisions concerning the conclusion of profit/risk-sharing agreements with other ships. It can thus be established that whaling provided the seamen of Föhr with a wide range of opportunities for contributing their knowledge to the attainment of good catch results not only as commanders but also as officers, and for sharing the profits thus gained. Success was not guaranteed, however, and even those bearing the rank of officer could not count on a secure income, to say nothing of a retirement free of financial worries. Despite the high proceeds which could be earned by successful whaling expeditions, the island society profited from the industry only indirectly by way of wages and bonuses, since ownership of whaling vessels and within the context of the outfitting trade played only a minor role. For the seamen of Föhr, participation in arctic whaling meant life as seasonal migrant workers who left the island in large numbers in the springtime, not to return until late summer or autumn. While their transportation to and from the departure ports was relatively inexpensive, it involved the great danger of being shipwrecked. In the nineteenth century, the number of whaling vessels outfitted at those departure ports that were of importance to the inhabitants of Föhr diminished substantially. As a result, the significance of the whaling industry of Föhr dwindled and eventually died out entirely.