168084 .pdf

Photographic Survey
13/5/2015
Greyabbey Bay, Bootown
MRD 168:084 Stone Fish Trap
Description On File
A sickle-shaped fish trap, 224.5m overall in length, lies on the eastern shore of Greyabbey Bay, at
the junction of the gradually sloping boulder foreshore and flat expanse of intertidal sand. It curves
round from an orientation of 2900 north-west to 3300 at the north-western end. The first 100m from
the landward end appears to be a low boulder bank 40cm high and 4.0m - 5.0m wide. Traces of a
kerb-and-fill wall 1.1m wide survive in places, with a spread of boulders 2.1m wide on either side.
A small sub-rectangular indentation 2.5m wide and 2.0m long adjoining a length of wall-core in
the bank is of uncertain significance. The bank gradually tapers to a width of 2.5m and becomes
lower, being interrupted by several gaps, some of which may be original. Parts of this section are
formed by a single line of stones. A wooden stake lying horizontally, partly buried in sand, was
found in a gap towards the north-western end. It is round in section and visible toolmarks indicate
that it had been artificially sharpened. Whether this was in situ or deposited by tidal action is unknown. No further post-stumps were uncovered.

Taken from the foreshore looking due west showing the main body of the fish
trap and the associated possible kelp grid.

Looking obliquely across the main wall of the trap with the Portaferry Road in
the background.

Taken looking due east showing the transition from the main wall to the upward
tick.

Taken looking southeast showing the upward tick.

There are several breaks in the tick the largest being nearly 30m.

The largest gap, the pile of stones in the mid ground are on the
next page.

A distinct concentration of stones.

A piece of fishing net has been pulled up by the tide thanks to the attached kelp.

A closer view of the net, the colour variation would suggest that it has an organic
component which has been stained.