This thesis contains a detailed study of the activities related to fishing from the Yorkshire coast. It further outlines the broader development of the English Fishing industry, together with the role of the State, whilst tracing its relationship and interaction with other areas of the economy and society during the years under review.In contrast to the trawling industry based on Hull and Grimsby, the Yorkshire coast communities were long established fishing stations. This thesis seeks to examine the way that the traditional activities of these communities altered, adapted and developed in response to the forces of rapid change that were then prevalent. It looks in particular, at changes in fishing and marketing practices and at alterations in the structure of ownership amongst the fishing fleet, whilst outlining the development of port and harbour facilities for the industry.An analysis of the causes behind the rapid spread of trawling along the North Seacoast- has been undertaken together with an assessment of the value of the Silver Pits to the first smack fishermen. The initial problems and benefits associated with the carriage of fish by rail have also been dealt with in some detail as has the later development of steam fishing.The work also charts the associated development of the Yorkshire coast herring fishery. It furthermore, seeks to explain the causes of decline which afflicted all sectors of the local industry from the 1880s onwards.In all areas of this thesis, the research work undertaken has utilised a wide variety of primary sources including records of both local and national organisations.