The chief executive of the Scottish Pelagic Fishermen’s Association has been awarded a CBE in the King’s Birthday Honours in recognition of his work in the Scottish fishing industry.
Ian Gatt has spent his entire career in the fishing industry, heading up the Scottish Pelagic Fishermen’s Association for the past 14 years, a role he says he relishes.
“This award provides recognition of the importance of fishing to Scotland and the tremendous work of all its participants, both at sea and onshore,” he said.
“We must never forget that this industry provides sustainable, low carbon, healthy protein to the people of this country. And we must never forget that too many fishermen have paid the ultimate price for putting fish and shellfish on our tables.”
During his early career as a skipper Ian pioneered new fishing techniques and technology in the large vessel whitefish sector. He was at the forefront of opening new fishing grounds on the Rockall bank which had never previously been worked by the Scottish fleet.
He took up the role of chief executive of the Scottish Pelagic Fishermen’s Association in 2010 and has also been president of the Scottish Fishermen’s Federation during two terms, spanning a decade.
Ian is also influential in the charity sector, chairing both the Scottish Fishermen’s Trust and Scottish Pelagic Sustainability Group, and in his role as deputy chair of the Fishermen’s Mission.
