A coastal MSP has urged both of Scotland’s governments to work with fishing communities to secure a strong and vibrant future for the industry after new figures revealed the largest number and highest value of fish caught in Scottish waters for a decade.
Buckie-based MSP Tim Eagle said the positive figures demonstrate the benefits of being out of the Common Fisheries Policy (CFP) amid challenges posed by the EU and the impact of offshore wind developments.
The latest Scottish Sea Fisheries Statistics 2024 revealed that vessels landed 560,000 tonnes of fish last year, worth £756 million — up 12% on the previous year and 41% higher than in 2020. The value of fish landed also rose by 5% compared to 2023 and 31% since 2020.
The number of vessels in the fleet (1,998) fell by just 1%, however, employment in the sector continues to decline, with 3,735 fishermen working on Scottish boats in 2024 — 48 fewer than the previous year and 15% fewer than in 2015.
At the Institute for Public Policy Research (IPPR) Scotland conference in Edinburgh this week, First Minister John Swinney said an independent Scotland would seek to rejoin the EU, returning the sector to the CFP. This follows the UK Government’s recent decision to extend EU access to UK waters until 2038.
Scottish Conservative fishing spokesman Tim Eagle MSP said: “These figures underline the strength and potential of Scotland’s fishing communities, but they also remind us that politicians must do far more to secure the sector’s long-term future.
“We have made substantial progress in recent years with increased landings and value since leaving the EU and CFP, but challenges remain around access and the threat of offshore wind.
“That’s why I’m determined to keep working with fishermen and local communities to deliver the support they need.
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“It’s very positive to see these figures going in the right direction and I’m keen to ensure that we further enhance both our catching and processing sectors.
“But it remains deeply concerning that the SNP want to drag Scotland back into the EU and the CFP, which for decades held our industry back.
“Surrendering our waters and allowing the EU to put directives in place that have significant impacts on our industry is not acceptable which is why Labour must look again at the damaging deal they have done.”
