Provisional statistics for 2025 indicate a robust financial year for the Scottish sea fish and shellfish industry, with the total value of landings reaching £960 million. This represents a significant 26 per cent increase compared to 2024 and a 27 per cent rise over the past decade, adjusted to 2025 prices.
The uplift in value occurred despite an overall four per cent decrease in landed volume, which totalled 509,000 tonnes, though this volume still marks a 12 per cent increase over the last ten years.
The pelagic sector was a primary driver of this growth, experiencing a remarkable 52 per cent year-on-year increase in landed value, reaching £582 million in 2025. This surge in value was recorded even as the volume of pelagic landings fell by eight per cent, amounting to 354,000 tonnes.
In contrast, the demersal sector observed more moderate gains, with its value increasing by four per cent to £204 million. Demersal volumes also saw a modest rise of three per cent, totalling 97,000 tonnes. The shellfish sector, however, recorded a four per cent decline in value, settling at £174 million, despite a 10 per cent increase in volume to 58,000 tonnes.
Mackerel maintained its position as the most valuable species in 2025, contributing substantially to the overall financial performance. Its landings were valued at £497 million, accounting for 52 per cent of the total landing value. The value of mackerel escalated by 68 per cent compared to 2024, largely attributed to higher prices, while its landed volume saw a five per cent reduction to 182,000 tonnes. Of the total mackerel quantity landed by Scottish vessels, 55 per cent was brought into Scotland, with the remaining 45 per cent landed abroad.
Among other key species, Haddock was the most valuable within the demersal category, generating £49 million and representing five per cent of the total value of Scottish vessels’ landings. Nephrops continued to be the most valuable shellfish species, with 21,000 tonnes landed, contributing £83 million, or nine per cent, to the overall value.
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The Scottish fishing fleet in 2025 comprised 1,993 active vessels, a slight decrease of five vessels from the previous year. Of these, 19 vessels exceeding 10 metres in length predominantly targeted pelagic species. Employment within the sector remained stable, with 3,738 fishermen working on Scottish vessels in 2025, a figure consistent with 3,735 in 2024.
Quota uptake varied across species and regions. Mackerel quota utilisation reached 99 per cent in the West of Scotland and 91 per cent in the North Sea. For Nephrops, uptake ranged from 76 per cent in the West of Scotland to 85 per cent in the North Sea. Haddock quota uptake was comparatively lower, ranging from 24 per cent in the West of Scotland areas 6a and 5b to 53 per cent in the North Sea.
These provisional statistics, published by the Scottish Government Marine Directorate, have been adjusted to 2025 prices to account for inflation. The final figures are anticipated to be released in September 2026.
