Peterhead, the Aberdeenshire fishing town, has cemented its position as Europe’s largest fisheries port by shattering its annual record for fish landings.
By the end of November, the port had already traded catches worth a staggering £257 million, surpassing the previous year’s total of £232 million.
The port’s impressive performance was bolstered by a significant increase in pelagic landings, which reached 159,229 tonnes, up from 131,534 tonnes in the previous year.
This surge in pelagic catches has been attributed to the economic link and a modest increase in whitefish landings.
The port authority has not been resting on its laurels. In recent years, it has invested £50 million in improving harbour facilities and Peterhead’s fish market.
This commitment to enhancement is set to continue, with plans to replace the traditional “shout auction” at the market with an electronic system next year.
Peter Duncan, head of commercial fishing at Peterhead Port Authority, said: “It has certainly been a huge year for landings, with a further increase in pelagic landings due to the economic link and a more modest increase in whitefish landings.
“The port provides first-class facilities and infrastructure for both the landing and selling of fish, and we place a premium on quality.
“But we will not be resting on our laurels – we strive constantly to improve our contribution to the seafood supply chain.”
Despite the port’s success, the fishing industry faces potential challenges. In October, the Scottish Fishermen’s Federation warned that the growth of floating offshore wind farms in Scottish waters could have severe consequences for the fishing sector.
Additionally, concerns have been raised about the progress of Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) in Scotland.
A recent Scottish Government report revealed that while 17 new MPAs have been designated since 2018, implementation of management measures has been slow.
