Around 1600, the pilchard fishery in Cornwall, England, reached its peak, with thousands of tons of these small oily fish being caught annually and exported to markets in Europe, particularly to Catholic countries for Lenten consumption. The pilchard fishery was a vital part of the Cornish economy, supporting a network of fishing communities and related industries. The 'huer' system, where lookouts spotted the pilchard shoals from the cliffs and signaled the boats, was a distinctive feature of this fishery. The pilchard trade declined in the 19th century due to overfishing and changing markets.

The Cornish pilchard fishery is celebrated in the poetry and folklore of Cornwall, with ballads and songs recounting the excitement of the huer's cry and the labor of the fishermen. Writers like Daphne du Maurier have used the pilchard fishery as a backdrop for their stories, capturing the spirit of the Cornish coast. The pilchard became a symbol of the region's maritime heritage.