Pressures on the pelagic fleet

The pelagic fleet in north-east Scotland faces several major pressures that affect both its short-term operations and long-term viability. One of the most significant challenges is the ongoing tension around quota allocation for key species such as mackerel, herring, and blue whiting. Disputes between coastal states and the use of unilateral quota-setting have led to catches that exceed scientific advice, creating uncertainty for Scottish vessels that depend on sustainable stock management. The fleet also faces regulatory and structural pressures: Scotland’s licensing system limits vessel capacity and has encouraged consolidation within the sector, making it harder for smaller operators to remain competitive. Economic pressures add further strain, including rising fuel and operational costs and post-Brexit trade barriers that complicate exports to EU markets, particularly for perishable pelagic products.

Mackerel catch limits have tightened significantly between 2020 and 2025 (Table 1). In 2020, low-level mackerel fishing was permitted throughout most of the year, with 50 kg limits from January to April and 2-tonne limits from May to October before closing in mid-November. By contrast, the 2025 rules are far more restrictive, the fishery is entirely closed from January to April, reopening only on 4 May with a 3-tonne limit that continues through to September, before closing again from 19 October until year-end. These changes indicate a substantial tightening of regulatory pressure on mackerel availability (Fishing vessel quota limits tables, 2025).

For 2026, scientists recommend a drastic 70% cut to the North East Atlantic mackerel Total Allowable Catch (TAC) to just 174,357 tonnes, down from ~577,000 tonnes, due to severe overfishing pushing stocks towards collapse. This scientific advice faces strong opposition from Scottish fishermen and industry over its methods and economic impact (ICES Advice, 2025) . Final Scottish limits depend on complex EU/UK negotiations, but the ICES advice signals severe restrictions for fleets, impacting jobs and processing.

Pelagic landings across north-east Scotland, particularly in Peterhead, have risen steadily from 2020 to 2024 (Table 2). Total pelagic tonnage increased from just under 100,000 tonnes in 2020 to more than 154,000 tonnes in 2024, and the total value rose from £82.5 million to around £145 million. Peterhead is the dominant landing centre, with strong growth in blue whiting, herring and mackerel landings over the period. Fraserburgh shows more variable but overall increasing landings, while Aberdeen contributes only very small quantities (Scottish Sea Fisheries Statistics, 2024). The market value of pelagic fish has also increased dramatically over the past few years, particularly for mackerel and blue whiting (Table 3).