Scotland’s whitefish sector has struggled during 2024 due primarily to the low price of small haddock, which was once a staple of the Scottish industry. However, the price of prime, larger fish has remained strong, providing some relief, SWFPA chairman Davy Milne said in his annual note to members.
He commented that the prawn sector faced difficulties earlier in the year, with a higher than usual number of vessels travelling to the southwest of England to fish in areas like Jones Bank. A good showing of prawns on the Fladen Grounds over the last few months has helped many vessels recover some of their losses.
‘We must also acknowledge the impact of the early closure of Area 7D in the English Channel on our scallop vessels, which significantly affected the market,’ he said, commenting that this year, it’s particularly challenging to evaluate the fortunes of the sector, given the rising operational costs and the shrinking profit margins.
‘Commercial fishing has always been a volatile industry, with its fair share of highs and lows. But it feels like the sector’s ability to absorb economic shocks has diminished over time. The resilience that once existed seems to have weakened, a consequence of several factors, including reduced profitability, increasing regulatory requirements, and the growing scrutiny from environmental NGOs. These pressures on skippers, owners, and vessel managers are harder to bear than ever,’ he said.
‘Becoming a fisherman is a lifestyle choice, and today’s new entrants must weigh up the benefits it offers, from home time and working conditions to the financial rewards. As a sector, we’ve become increasingly reliant on a non-UK workforce, and while this is manageable for now, it is only a temporary solution. The bigger issue is the lack of interest from school leavers in pursuing a career in commercial fishing. While I understand the shifting career aspirations and the rise of other marine-related professions, I firmly believe that we can offer a lifestyle that will appeal to the next generation. We just need to keep working to make that a reality.’
Davy Milne said that fishermen are, by nature, optimists, and while he’s now ashore, he maintains that optimism.
‘I firmly believe that if we continue to fish sustainably and improve our access to markets – whether through stock certification or electronic platforms – the industry has a bright future. The fishing sector will continue to exist, and while it will evolve, I am confident that the changes ahead will be positive,’ he said and added that as SWFPA chairman, one of his main responsibilities is to ensure that the fleets have adequate catch opportunities in the year ahead.
‘With the hard work of our negotiating teams, I believe we’ve made good progress, even though these negotiations are often complex and challenging,’ Davy Milne told members.
‘It has certainly been a long and difficult year, with numerous obstacles to overcome. However, I am optimistic about the agreements we’ve reached for 2025 with Norway, the EU and hopefully Faroe. That said, there are still other issues that need to be addressed in the year ahead, and I hope that by this time next year, we can look back with a sense of accomplishment.’
