Some 453,000 metric tons (MT) of sea fish and shellfish were landed by Scottish-registered fishing vessels in 2016, representing an increase of 3 percent compared with the previous year. The total first-sales value, meanwhile, increased by 25 percent to GBP 557 million (USD 744.2 million, EUR 632.8 million), Scotland’s Chief Statistician has confirmed.
The rise in value was mainly driven by an increase in value of pelagic species, though shellfish and demersal species landings also experienced an increase in value and quantity of landings.
According to the new Scottish Sea Fisheries Statistics 2016:
• Pelagic landings jumped 36 percent in value to GBP 222 million (USD 296.7 million, EUR 252.1 million) while the volume increased 1 percent to 294,000 MT
- Demersal landings increased 16 percent in value to GBP 169 million (USD 225.8 million, EUR 191.9 million) and the volume was up 5 percent to 95,000 MT
- Shellfish catches increased in value by 21 percent to GBP 166 million (USD 221.8 million, EUR 188.5 million) and increased in quantity by 10 percent to 64,000 MT
Mackerel continued to be the Scottish fleet’s most valuable stock last year, accounting for 30 percent or GBP 169 million of the total value. In 2016, the value of mackerel landings increased in real terms by 27 percent, while the volume landed decreased by 6 percent. The average price of mackerel increased by 35 percent.
Nephrops remained its most valuable shellfish species, accounting for 14 percent or GBP 77 million (USD 102.9 million, EUR 87.4 million) of the total value. In 2016, nephrops landings increased in real terms by 24 percent and the quantity increased by 27 percent, but the average price decreased by 3 percent.
Scottish Fisheries Secretary, Fergus Ewing, said the statistics showed the continuing success of Scotland’s fishing fleet and the sea fisheries that play a key role in 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,” he said.
The number of active fishing vessels registered in Scotland was 2,033 at the end of 2016, representing an increase of 19 vessels or 0.9 percent from 2015.
