Record Fish Landings at Peterhead
Peterhead Port Authority, formed by the merger of Peterhead Harbour Trustees and Peterhead Bay Authority on 1st January 2006, recorded a landmark first year of business and consolidated it's position as the UK’s top fishing port in 2007.
For the first time in its history the port recorded fish landings worth in excess of £100 million in 2006. This was bettered in 2007 with total throughput values of £114 million. Peterhead was the top port in the UK for both white and pelagic fish species. Whitefish accounted for half of the total. Shellfish values increased by nearly 50% to £9'million, and pelagic species were almost unchanged, despite deep cuts to the UK quotas.
The consistently high prices paid at Peterhead market has, some would say, at last rewarded fishermen with a return they deserve for their product. There are concerns however, that some processors have been forced out of the industry. This reduces the sectors ability to compete and thereby lowering capacity. Sustainability is the key objective for all those involved and this will mean efforts to match supply and demand.
“There can be no doubt that the record results achieved in 2007 are a great boost for the port as it strives to bring forward major expansion plans. These have only been possible because of the fantastic services and facilities at Peterhead, delivered through past investments and the quality of service provided by our highly trained, dedicated and professional staff ” said John Wallace, Chief Executive of Peterhead Port Authority. |
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