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The
fishing industry represents the core of
the local economy in the County Down Network
region concentrated in the southern part
of the County around the settlements of
Ardglass,
Annalong,
Kilkeel
and Portavogie.
These three ports of landing are the main
ports in Northern Ireland.
Some fish landings mainly by part-time fishermen
are also made at various small ports around
the coastline of Counties Down, Antrim and
Londonderry. |
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Fish
Landings
In 2000, 14,159 tonnes of fish were
landed in the three fishing villages of
Kilkeel,
Ardglass
and Portavogie
accounting for 60% of all Northern Ireland
landings in tonnes. The value of landings
was worth £14,804,584 representing
83% of the total Northern Ireland value
of fish landed. |
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Fish
Species
The
most popular species of fish caught are
pelagic species of Herring and Mackerel,
demersal species of Haddock & Cod and
shellfish including Nephrops, and Mussels.
Combined these species account for 74% of
total landings in tonnes and 71% in value
terms. Other fish caught include Haddock,
Hake, Dogfish, Sole, Plaice, Escallops &
Crabs. Nephrops account for the highest
recorded fish landings in the in tonne and
value terms. In 2000 5,191 tonnes of Nephrop
landings were recorded resulting in a value
of £8,192,610.
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Number
of Vessels
There are a total of 169 vessels over
10 metres in the key County Down ports
representing 94% of the entire Northern
Ireland Fleet (over 10 metres). These
depend heavily on fishing opportunities
in the Irish Sea and North Channel. As
the majority of vessels are 24 metres
or less in length, it is commonly referred
to as being an inshore fleet depending
mainly on fishing opportunities in the
Irish Sea and North Channel.
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Employment
2,025
people are employed in fishing in the
County Down network region accounting
for 1,674 full time and 351 part time
jobs, and representing 91% of total employment
in the Northern Ireland Fishing Industry.
650 are employed in the catching sector,
1015 in processing and marketing and 182
in related ancillary sectors including
oils, chandlery etc.
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Processing
And Marketing
Local fish processors are based primarily
in Kilkeel,
Ardglass,
Portavogie
and Annalong
where the provide an important source
of employment. There are some 39 companies
with an estimated gross turnover of £70
million. The majority of firms use locally
landed fish and activities range from
filleting to breaded scampi and preparing
cooked fish products.
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Great Britain is the main market outlet accounting
for about 52% of the production. The home market
accounts for about 19% of sales with the remainder
predominantly being sold to other EU Countries
and further afield. |
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