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Scottish fishermen netting benefits of leaving CFP, says north MSP





Fishermen continue to net the benefits of being out of the Common Fisheries Policy (CFP) after seeing sales incomes rise by 10 per cent over the last year, an MSP has claimed.

New figures obtained by the Scottish Conservatives in a written parliamentary answer show fleets made an average monthly income of £14,329 over the last recorded year, a rise of £1300 when earnings were £13,020 in 2022.

Scottish fish landings have risen by 10 per cent over the course of the last year, figures have revealed. Inset: Tim Eagle MSP.
Scottish fish landings have risen by 10 per cent over the course of the last year, figures have revealed. Inset: Tim Eagle MSP.

In 2021, the figure stood at £12,293.

For 2023, fishermen landed £652,000 of fish, a rise from £644,000 for the previous year, and a four per cent rise from £626,000 in 2021.

The rise in income and sales contrasts with the number of fishers at sea, which has dropped from 4241 to 3793 over the last three years.

It comes after Peterhead Port Authority (PPA) recorded its highest ever annual fish landings total last year.

More than £257 million-worth of catches were traded across the quaysides by the end of November, surpassing the £232 mil total for the whole of 2023.

Buckie-based Scottish Conservative shadow secretary for rural affairs and fishing, Tim Eagle MSP, said: “The rise in income being generated by fishermen is excellent and shows our fleets are reaping the rewards of being out of the EU and the detrimental Common Fisheries Policy.

“These figures should send a strong message to Labour Prime Minister Keir Starmer that in no way shape or form should he sacrifice our UK waters by offering up access when the EU-UK fisheries deal expires in 2026.

“At a time when the number of fishermen at sea are declining, it’s vital the industry continues to have full access to our fish stocks so we can take advantage of our position outside the EU to independently negotiate in our fishing fleets best interest.

“We now have a far stronger voice at the table than we ever did before compared with when we were just one of 28 EU member states.

“It’s vital the fishing industry continues to flourish which is why Keir Starmer and the Labour UK Government must protect livelihoods by not selling out the sector to EU fishing boats.”


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