The annual UK Sea Fisheries Statistics 2012 report has been published by the Marine Management Organisation (MMO) today.
The report includes key figures on the UK fishing fleet, including the number of fishermen, the quantity and value of landings, international trade and the state of key fishing stocks.
The reports has found that the quantity of fish has increased, while the value has decreased, primarily due to a reduction in the average price of pelagic fish, driven by a fall in the market prices of mackerel.
Report highlights:
- UK vessels landed 627,000 tonnes of sea fish (including shellfish) into the UK and abroad with a value of £770 million - a 5% increase in quantity but a 7% decrease in value compared with 2011.
- Landings of demersal fish increased by 1% between 2011 and 2012, although the quantity has fallen by 24% since 2002. Haddock was the highest caught demersal species landed by UK vessels.
- Shellfish accounted for the largest share in terms of value (39%).
- Shellfish also had the majority of landings by the UK fleet into England, Wales and Northern Ireland, while pelagic fish had the highest share of landings into Scotland.
- The UK fishing fleet remained the sixth largest in the EU in terms of vessel numbers, with the second largest capacity and fourth largest power.
- 69% of the quantity landed by the UK fleet was caught by vessels over 24m in length.
- Around 12,450 fishermen were reported as active in the UK. Of these, around 2,200 were part-time.
- Scottish vessels accounted for 58% of the quantity of landings by UK vessels while English vessels accounted for 30%.
- Imports of fish and processed fish rose to 754,000 tonnes, a 5% increase from 2011
To view the full report please click here.
