Huge fall revealed in the size of Scotland's fishing fleet

Published on Sunday 7 June 2009 22:07

THE number of Scottish fishermen has fallen by more than a quarter in the past 12 years, a new report on the industry reveals.

The latest figures show there are now only 5,448 fishermen fishing in Scottish waters, a drop of 26 per cent since 1997. The statistics are part of a new report on the Scottish fishing industry by seafood authority Seafish.

The body claimed the drop showed pressure on fishing stocks around Scotland had eased and that it now had a fishing fleet that was proportionate to the catches available.

The report claimed Scotland was "leading the way" in sustainable fishing, with one quarter of its mid-water fleet now part of the Seafish Responsible Fishing Scheme, while 90 per cent of its pelagic landings, such as mackerel and herring, were certified under the Marine Stewardship Council – which monitors and protects fish stocks.

Scottish Government Cabinet secretary for the environment and rural affairs, Richard Lochhead, said: "The Scottish fleet's sustainable fishing practices mean that consumers can buy Scottish fish safe in the knowledge that they are doing their bit to preserve our pristine marine environment."