www.stateofthecoast.scot
Fishing Vessel Make-up and Numbers
2006 to 2023
Key Findings
- Between 2021 and 2023 there has been a reduction of in the size of the sub 55 metres fleet while numbers of larger vessels increased by one. Fraserburgh saw the bulk of the reduction in smaller vessels. See Table 1 for more information.
- Between 2006 and 2021, the number of vessels has remained broadly stable with a small increase in Fraserburgh, small decrease in Peterhead, and a more significant decrease of 10% in Aberdeen. See Table 2 for more information.
- Most vessels are in the small 'under 10 metres' category, representing inshore vessels that work close to the shore. Boats from 15 to 40 metres generally represent the white fish and nephrops fleet. Boats over 40 metres represent the pelagic fleet.
Notes
2006 represents the data used in the 2009 State of the East Grampian Coast report.
Fraserburgh (including the ports of Fraserburgh, Gardenstown, Macduff, Pennan, Portsoy, Rosehearty, Sandhaven and Whitehills)
Peterhead (Peterhead, Port Errol and Boddam)
Aberdeen (Aberdeen, Catterline, Gourdon, Johnshaven, Stonehaven, Montrose and Arbroath)
Linked Information Sheets
Seafood Landings by Value into the North East of Scotland - Employment in the fishing industry offshore- Employment in the fishing industry onshore- Markets for Seafood - Fraserburgh Harbour, Peterhead Harbour - Aberdeen Harbour - Small Harbours north of Aberdeen - Small Harbours South of Aberdeen – Status of key commercial species – Numbers of fishing vessels – Training - Employment - Mackerel line catch value
Key sources of Information
Supporting documents - Scottish Sea Fisheries Statistics 2023 - gov.scot
Supporting documents - Scottish Sea Fisheries Statistics 2021 - gov.scot
State of the East Grampian Coast Report 2009
Reviewed on/by
Status
Live - Next update 08/01/2026
To report errors, highlight new data, or discuss alternative interpretations, please complete the form below and we will aim to respond to you within 28 days
Contact us
Telephone: 07971149117
E-mail: ian.hay@stateofthecoast.scot