Quantity of fish caught increases by nearly a third

The quantity of fish caught in Scotland increased by almost a third last year, according to new official statistics.

Figures from Scotland’s Chief Statistician show 481 thousand tonnes of sea fish and shellfish, worth £514m, were landed in 2014.  In real terms the value increased by 18 per cent and the quantity of fish landed increased by 31 per cent against 2013.

Mackerel was found to be the most valuable stock, accounting for 38 per cent (£195m) of total value. In 2014 mackerel landings increased in value in real terms by 52 per cent, with the quantity landed increasing by 79 per cent from 2013.

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There were and 4,796 fishermen – 196 fewer than last year – employed on 2,030 active fishing vessels at the end of 2014.

Cabinet Secretary for Rural Affairs, Food and Environment Richard Lochhead said: “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 per cent.

He added: “The Scottish Government has worked hard over the years to add value to these Scottish products, promoting them to markets both at home and across the world.

“We will continue to promote Scotland’s priorities on the international stage and are focussed on getting the best possible deals in fisheries negotiations, while working hard to get support from across Europe to fight off new burdens, and wherever possible increasing quotas of stocks of key commercial importance to maximise what our fishermen can catch.”