1 May, 2008

A SIGNIFICANT increase in the number of fishing boats landing in the first three months of this year has given a boost to Lerwick harbour.

White fish landings rose by almost a third to 3,105 tonnes worth £4.5 million, with the average price per tonne up by three per cent at £1,498, compared to 2007. Pelagic landings at Shetland Catch were also higher, but fishmeal and fish oil were down.

A total of 53,098 tonnes of fish worth £26.8 million came ashore between January and March, up 17 per cent in volume and 23 per cent in value on last year.

More fishing boats and less time in dry dock for the NorthLink ferries led to a 25 per cent increase in the number of vessel arrivals, and a 3.5 per cent increase in ferry passengers with 16,289 using the boat between Aberdeen, Kirkwall and Lerwick.

Overall cargo was up by 11.3 per cent, but oil-related shipments fell by 10 per cent compared to a very busy offshore period last year, with a marked decline in diving support vessels

Lerwick Port Authority chief executive Sandra Laurenson said: “The busy start to the year is continuing into the second quarter where we are also seeing signs of higher activity in the offshore industry.”