The Scottish allocation of mackerel quota for inshore fishing will be increased by 1,000 tonnes in 2014 and could be worth an additional £1.2m to the sector.
This increase in allocation brings the total quota to 1,300 tonnes for vessels under 10 metres and will form part of a two year trial.
This trial, which was announced after a consultation with the industry and interested individuals and organisations, will also include:
- consultation between the Scottish Government and Inshore Fisheries Groups about management of the expanded fishery
- working with Seafood Scotland as part of the Seafood Partnership Report to identify and increase markets for line caught mackerel
- any unused quota to be reallocated to the trawler fleet
- no new controls will be introduced on equipment used in the line fishery
Scottish Government officials will now communicate detailed arrangements for the management of the fishery as part of the annual management consultation on Scottish fish quota allocations.
Speaking at the Inshore Fisheries conference in Perth, Mr Lochhead said:
“Inshore fishing is vital to Scotland and to many of our coastal communities and the fleet lands fantastic, top quality, high value products that are exported all over the world. The value of the inshore catch in 2012 was almost £90 million and this significant increase in quota for 2014 should bring a real benefit to these communities.
“Our inshore fleet of some 1,500 vessels is diverse - from trawlers to creelers, dredgers to netters, and divers to hand-gatherers but the real value of our inshore fishery extends well beyond its landings. It’s about the people and the communities which make inshore fisheries such a rich part of Scotland’s tapestry.
“Inshore fishing is hard-wired into the culture and heritage of our coastal communities. The wider benefit this industry brings is vital, supporting schools, local services, and many local businesses often in the most remote, fragile parts of the country.”
Western Isles Fishermen’s Association secretary Duncan Macinnes said:
“We very much welcome this news of the additional allocation for the under 10 metre sector of the fleet.
“There is a demand by both vessels and processors in the Western Isles to develop a small, localised, selective fishery where there would be no discards and the quality is maintained. This ensures premium prices being paid to the fishermen.
“This additional quota will enable the sector to further diversify and we will continue to work with the processors in this.”
The Scottish Government published a consultation about the allocation of mackerel for inshore fishing on 5 September 2013. The consultation invited views about the possibility of an expanded allocation for inshore mackerel fishing in 2014.
68 responses to the consultation were received, representing a wide range of individuals and organisations connected to inshore fishing, fishing in general and interested communities and organisations. The Scottish Government will publish in due course an analysis of the consultation responses and a formal written response.
The consultation document can be viewed here: http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Topics/marine/Sea-Fisheries/17681/inshoremackerelconsultation
The inshore mackerel fishery is prosecuted at present by over 300 Scottish fishing vessels and it is expected that this number will increase during the trial period. Following the conclusion of recent international negotiations, it is expected that the total quota available to Scotland in 2014 will exceed 200,000 tonnes.
