Commenting on the publication of provisional statistics on Scottish fish landings Fisheries Secretary Richard Lochhead said that the report shows a 3 percent rise in the value of fish landed by Scottish vessels in 2008. According to Lochhead these provisional landing figures highlight the importance of the fishing sector to Scotland’s rural economy and vibrant food industry.
Lochhead told that the figures demonstrate how the forward looking Scottish industry has reaped the benefits of their own innovation and the strong support of the Scottish Government. However they don’t take into account the full impact of the economic downturn in the latter part of 2008 and thus don’t reflect the very real difficulties currently facing some of our fishermen.
He further said that the financial crisis has decreased the market value for many of their higher value species although others are faring better. The industry is adapting to changing consumer behaviour and a challenging business environment and we have taken measures to accelerate payment of EFF funding to help the industry invest for the future.
It is opined that Scottish seafood has great potential and the authority wants to be in a position to realise that potential when we emerge from the economic downturn. Lochhead explained that the current challenges have underlined the need to ensure financial resilience within the industry.
