Europe’s busiest white-fish port has enjoyed another record year for landings.
While Peterhead’s full-year figures are still to be confirmed, they are expected to show 175,000tonnes of fish and other seafood worth a total of £198million landed in the Blue Toon during 2017.
In 2016, which was also a record-busting year, 165,438tonnes of fish and shellfish worth £183.3million were landed.
The total weight and value of landings during the first 11 months of 2017 – 67,655tonnes worth £187.4million – eclipse the full-year figures for 2016.
Peterhead Port Authority (PPA) interim chief executive John Wallace said: “By all accounts, the fish landings … for 2017 have been quite remarkable and are on course to set a new record.” PPA convener Gavin Thain said the 2017 figures would give further impetus to fishers looking for an industry-transforming boost from Brexit, as well as work to deepen the innner harbours at Peterhead.
The town’s fish market is also doubling in size, allowing it to handle around 10,000 boxes, as part of a near-£50million port redevelopment. Mr Wallace, who is back in his old role temporarily following the recent exit of Ian Laidlaw, said yesterday the new fish market would open on June 18.
He added: “2018/19 should see the rebirth and continued growth of a rich and proud heritage for all those who helped put Peterhead on the fishing and processing map.”
The latest record landings were driven by higher tonnages across all categories. White-fish and shellfish were also up by value, while low herring prices impacted on pelagics.