Scotland’s fishing fleet landed 480,400 metric tons (MT) of fish and shellfish last year, an increase of 31 percent on the previous year. The value of its catch increased by 19 percent to GBP 513 million (EUR 709.4 million; USD 809.9 million), setting a new record, according to the latest statistics published by the Scottish Government.
Mackerel continued to be the most valuable stock last year, accounting for GBP 195 million (EUR 269.7 million; USD 307.9 million) of Scotland’s landings, up from GBP 126 million (EUR 174.2 million; USD 199 million) in 2013.
The value of its whitefish landings — led by cod, haddock and monkfish — achieved a total value of GBP 143 million (EUR 197.7 million; USD 225.8 million), up from GBP 140 million (EUR 193.6 million; USD 221.1 million) in 2013, despite a decrease in the volume of landings.
“These figures bring confidence for the future and I’m hopeful that we can see revenues grow further, adding to fishermen’s bottom line and creating further good quality jobs,” said Richard Lochhead, Scotland’s fisheries secretary.
