Scottish Pelagic Fishermen’s Association chief executive Ian Gatt made an appearance on the King’s Birthday Honours, awarded a CBE in recognition of his work for Scotland’s fishing industry.
‘I am honoured and humbled to be awarded a CBE and I am fortunate during my career to have represented the interests of fishermen throughout Scotland. This award provides recognition of the importance of fishing to Scotland and the tremendous work of all its participants, both at sea and onshore,’ Ian Gatt said.
‘We must never forget that this industry provides sustainable, low carbon, healthy protein to the people of this country. And we must never forget that too many fishermen have paid the ultimate price for putting fish and shellfish on our tables.’
He has a lifelong career in the fishing industry behind him, initially as a fishing skipper during which he pioneered new fishing techniques and technology in the large vessel whitefish sector. He took part in opening new fishing grounds on the Rockall Bank, 200 miles west of the Hebrides which had never previously been worked by the Scottish fleet.
Since coming ashore in 2010, Ian Gatt has undertaken a number of high-profile industry roles. He has been chief executive of the Scottish Pelagic Fishermen’s Association for the last 14 years and has served two terms as President of the Scottish Fishermen’s Federation (SFF).
He is chairman of the Scottish Fishermen’s Trust, a charity established by the Scottish Fishermen’s Federation to support projects that benefits the fishing industry and the wider marine environment. He is also deputy chairman of the Fishermen’s Mission, and chairs the Scottish Pelagic Sustainability Group.
