The value of fish landed by Scottish vessels in 2014 increased by 18% in real terms from 2013, according to statistics published by Scotland’s Chief Statistician.
The quantity of fish landed increased by 31% from 2013.
There were 481,000 tonnes of sea fish and shellfish landed by Scottish based vessels in 2014, with a value of £514 million. Compared to 2013 the real terms value increased by 18% and the quantity of fish landed increased by 31%. Pelagic landings values increased by 42% to £220 million; demersal landings values increased by 1% to £143 million; and shellfish landings values increased by 8% to £151 million.
Mackerel is the most valuable stock to the Scottish fleet, accounting for 38% (£195 million) of the total value of Scottish landings. In 2014 mackerel landings increased in value in real terms by 52%, driven by the quantity of mackerel landed increasing 79% from 2013. In addition, Nephrops are the most valuable shellfish species to the Scottish fishing industry, accounting for 15% (£75 million) of the total value of all Scottish landings. The value of Nephrops landings by Scottish vessels increased by 14% in real terms from 2013.
The number of active fishing vessels based in Scotland was 2,030 at the end of 2014, representing an increase of 10 vessels (0.5%) from 2013.
The number of fishermen employed on Scottish based vessels was 4,796 at the end of 2014. Compared to 2013, there are 196 fewer people employed on Scottish based vessels, representing a 4% decrease.
“I am very encouraged by today’s figures which indicate the value of fish landed by Scottish vessels in 2014 increased by 18% in real terms from the previous year – with an overall value of £514 million,” said Fisheries Secretary Richard Lochhead. “Despite the volatile weather conditions it is good to see that the overall volume of landings from the Scottish fleet held up well in 2014, increasing in fact by 31%.”
