Aberdeenshire represented at international fisheries event – Fishupdate.com

ABERDEENSHIRE Council will represent local fishing interests at Europe’s leading annual fisheries event this week.

The authority is heading to the international Fishing Exhibition at the Scottish Exhibition and Conference Centre in Glasgow from May 24-26.

Representatives from the harbours and economic development services within Aberdeenshire Council will share a stand with Peterhead Port Authority.

The Fishing Exhibition is the only commercial fishing event in the UK dedicated to the needs of the commercial fisherman, attracting visitors from around the world.

Industry representatives travel from over 35 countries, all coming to see the latest products and innovations in the industry.

Fishing 2006 included over 120 exhibiting companies from around the world. This year, exhibitors are signed up from as far away as New Zealand.

Aberdeenshire Council’s Fishing Industry Co-ordinator, Malcolm Morrison, said: “We are very conscious of the importance of the fishing industry to the local economy, with three of the top five UK fish landing ports being in north-east Scotland.

“A presence at Fishing 2007 is an important part of maintaining the high profile of the north-east fishing industry throughout Europe.”

Peterhead Port Authority Chief Executive, John Wallace, said: “We have a couple of main themes to promote at Fishing 2007.

“Firstly, last year recorded the highest ever value of fish handled through Peterhead, or any other port in the UK, breaking the £100,000,000 barrier.

“Peterhead also had the highest throughput in the UK for both white fish and pelagic species.

“Secondly, plans are under way for a £25 million expansion of the port, which will provide a new 200metre-long deepwater quay and adjacent backup land.

“This will greatly assist in expanding capacity for handling both white fish and pelagic vessels at Peterhead and improve the efficiency of the port.”

Aberdeenshire Council plays an important role in the fishing sector and fisheries dependent communities, offering support and advice on potential sources of funding.

It also gives access to a variety of networks and provides the secretariat to the North Sea Regional Advisory Council.

The authority also has direct responsibility for several local harbours, including Banff and Macduff.

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