Our Research Library is open by appointment to visiting researchers.

Alternatively, you can submit an enquiry by e-mail, post or telephone. We will respond to enquiries within one month. Significant research may incur a fee but we will contact you on advance to advise you of this.

In our Research Library visitors can access a wide range of material from primary sources (e.g. newspapers, Government reports, and boat registers dating from the 19th century to the present) to secondary sources (books and journals written on various aspects of the industry).

Also available is the Museum’s large (16,000) collection of photographs and slides showing fisherfolk, boats and harbours around the coast from the 19th century to the present. Additionally we have archive material relating to individuals and businesses linked to the industry.

The library is open by appointment and is usually staffed on Tuesdays, Please let us know if you would like to make a visit.

For those unable to visit in person we operate an enquiry service open to all. Curatorial staff or volunteers will undertake specific research, based on any information that you can provide. Please download an Enquiry form or contact us.

Please give as many details as you can to help us find the information you are looking for.

In addition, we publish various information resources for researchers. You can find information on our factsheets and resources in the learning pages.