The sharp decrease in prices obtained for foreign landings led to prices for mackerel landed abroad being lower in 2010 than prices for mackerel landed into the UK, in contrast to the picture in 2009. In reflection of this, there was a large decrease (24 per cent) in the volume of mackerel landed abroad and the proportion (by volume) of mackerel landed into the UK increased from 62 per cent in 2009 to 68 per cent in 2010.
The value of whitefish landed by Scottish vessels was very similar to the value landed in 2009 for most of the major species; the two per cent overall increase in value landed was due to a seven million pound increase in the value of cod landed, reflecting partly an increase in the volume landed due to an increase in quota but also an increase in the price obtained.
The six per cent overall increase in the value of shellfish landed generally reflected a recovery in the prices obtained for these species. Prices increased for all of the major species except for lobster, scallops and queen scallops, where they remained roughly stable. The increases in price generally led to an increase in the value landed, except for nephrops where a 12 per cent recovery in prices was offset by a 12 per cent decrease in the volume landed.
In spite of the fall in the value of mackerel landings, mackerel remained the most valuable species to the Scottish fleet in 2010, at £109 million. Similarly, in spite of a small (one per cent) decrease in value landed, nephrops remains the second most valuable single stock at £76 million in 2010.
Mackerel Prices In 2010
SCOTLAND, UK - Prices obtained for mackerel landed abroad fell 19 per cent in 2010, while prices obtained for mackerel landings into the UK fell slightly (three per cent), resulting in a fall of nine per cent in overall prices.
