Fish landings increase

The value of fish landed by Scottish registered vessels in 2016 increased by 25% in real terms, according to the latest statistics published by the Scottish Government.

Driven by an increase in the value of pelagic species, 453,000 tonnes of sea fish and shellfish was landed by Scottish registered vessels, with a value of £557 million.

Mackerel continues to be the most valuable stock, accounting for £169 million of Scottish landings.

Compared to the previous year, the volume of landings increased by 3%.

Fisheries Secretary Fergus Ewing said:

“These latest statistics show the continuing success of Scotland’s fishing fleet and sea fisheries that play such a key role in our rural and coastal economies.

“The fishing industry contributes significantly to Scotland’s world class food and drink success story, so it is encouraging to see continued increased landings of Nephrops, shellfish and demersal fish like cod, haddock and monkfish.

“These positive figures also reflect the hard work of all those involved in the industry, and we want to continue to do all we can to ensure this success story continues.”

Background

These figures update the Provisional Scottish Sea Fisheries Statistics that were published in May 2017.

Sea fisheries statistics report on landings of three main groupings of fish: pelagic, demersal and shellfish. Pelagic fish swim in the middle of the water column, and often shoal in large numbers.  They include herring and mackerel.  Demersal fish live close to the sea bottom, and include fish like cod and haddock.  Shellfish are fish with outside skeletons and include crabs, lobsters and prawns (Nephrops).