A sharp rise in fish landings at Peterhead, Europe’s top white-fish port, has been hailed as a major economic boost for the north-east.
Peterhead Port Authority (PPA) figures show a total of 157,373tonnes of fish were landed in the first 10 months of 2014, a 23% increase on a year ago.
The total value of the catch rose to just over£140million, from about £118million previously.
It is a welcome result for an industry which has endured years of sacrifice and is currently gearing up for a ban on discards at sea, which its leaders say will not work for the Scottish white-fish fleet and its mixed-species catches.
There are other major challenges on the horizon, as PPA chief executive John Wallace pointed out yesterday.
He said: “These figures are good news for the port and for the industry but there are some serious concerns that remain regarding supplies.”
Mr Wallace said the current quota allocation agreement between the four UK fisheries administrations in Edinburgh, London, Cardiff and Belfast was having negative impacts.
He added: “If a vessel switches its main office of administration, it must also change its fishing pattern.
“The net effect of this I some cases has forced vessels to land their catch outwith the UK.
“This must be addressed immediately so that both fishermen and processors can source UK supplies domestically.”
Banff and Buchan MP Eilidh Whiteford said the increased landings at Peterhead were a “welcome development” for the whole north-east.
She added: “An increased catch means more money coming into the Banff and Buchan economy, maintaining a virtuous cycle of jobs and growth.
“Fishing still accounts for a major percentage of employment locally.
“That’s why I and my SNP colleagues at Westminster will continue to do our utmost to secure the best possible deal for the industry.”