58 arrivals for the period
Whitefish totalled 6,800 boxes from four Scottish trawl, one Anglo longline and one freezer netter landing. The catching sector was blighted in October by very stormy weather which combined with the highest ever fuel price of £1.02 per litre. Despite markets holding up, fishermen are barely breaking even when faced with fuel bills in excess of £50K for a 10-day trip. It’s really sad to see such an honest hard-working industry being brought to its knees by nonsensical global events.
Shellfish arrivals also dwindled as a result of the October storms. Seventeen prawn trawl landings combining with the efforts of the local inshore fleet. In the main shellfish fishing has been pretty good across all species this year but skippers are also struggling to make ends meet given the rise in fuel, stores and all other expenses.
Non-fishing activity consisted, as ever, with aquaculture arrivals. Thirty-two vessels of all shapes and sizes visited for fuel, crew, stores, fish and at times shelter. Additionally the MCA tug Ievoli Black called in for her monthly crew change, the Hebridean Princess made the last cruise call of a busy season and the Irish pelagic vessel Aine called in for a layover.
Harbour projects are progressing more slowly than hoped. The fender repair contract has finally been awarded to Jifmar, the anode replacement contract is almost over the line and the Caley Building is still in the hands of the planning and building control departments. The intention is to have a simple walk-through exhibition space in a beautifully restored harbour building but it seems building control has other ideas.
It’s been a sad time for many with the bereavement of loved ones – not least the tragic loss of three young Lewis-men when their fishing boat sank off the Butt of Lewis in atrocious conditions. Our thoughts are with the families in these difficult times and our thanks go out to the volunteer lifeboat crews who battled the storms without hesitation.