Shetland Wild Fish

Shetland is situated in the heart of Europe’s best fishing grounds.  Fishermen are able to land their catch hours after the fish are caught, ready for instant distribution across the UK and the Continent.

The modern fleet of boats working alongside SSQC (Shetland Seafood Quality Control) have developed working practices that ensure fish maintain their best possible condition.  Rigorous quality checks at new fish markets in Lerwick and Scalloway, guarantee supply chain integrity and provide peace of mind for the customer.

Sustainability 

At the start of the twenty first century many families made the painful decision to decommission their boats and leave the industry.  For centuries these fishermen along with others from across Europe, had depended on the wild seas around Shetland for their livelihood.  The sacrifice has been worth it, with healthy fish stocks providing a sustainable living for local communities.

In addition to the much reduced fleet, the UK government as an Independent Coastal State is now in control of its own waters.  Decisions can now be made for the long term sustainability of rural communities and the preservation of fish stocks for future generations. 

Data built up over past decades have enabled a number of species including haddock, plaice, coley and hake to achieve MSC (Marine Stewardship Council) accreditation and more species are due to follow.  MSC accreditation not only analyses data of fish stocks but also how the fishery is managed, and whether it can be certified as sustainable.  The fishing grounds around Shetland are home to a huge variety of species:

The inshore fishery (up to 6 miles) is managed by a special regulatory order, the first of its kind, where administration of shellfish licenses and regulations are carried out locally.  Delegating authority from central government to the SSMO (Shetland Shellfish Management Organisation) has proven to be a blueprint for an effective, sustainable management of a fishery. In addition to regulating the fishery, the SSMO also promote stock stock enhancement measures for long term growth.

The Fleet

Shetland has one of the most advanced and modernised fishing fleets in Europe.  For many families fishing is not just a job, it is a way of life.  A unique feature of the local fishing effort is that each vessel is owned by the families who work on them.  From the small inshore boats, to the large pelagic trawlers, local fishermen have an interest in the long term viability of the fishing for the benefit of their children and grandchildren.

The fleet can be categorised into three: Firstly, the small inshore vessels, which operate up to six miles offshore and fish line caught Mackerel (June to October), cod, pollock and squid plus crab (brown and velvet), lobsters and scallops (kings and queens).  Secondly, the seine net and trawl vessels (demersal fishing) fish cod, haddock, monk, whiting, hake, megrim, witches, lemon sole, ling, coley, plaice, halibut, turbot, john dory, squid, pollock, skate, catfish, dogfish, tusk, gurnard, eel.  Finally, the pelagic trawlers who fish mackerel (October to March) and herring (June and July).

The Shetland markets have continuity of supply, with local boats utilising quota purchases by the SFPO (Shetland Fish Producers Organisation). 

The markets take place Monday to Friday and fish is landed either at Scalloway or at the Lerwick fish market.  Shetland boats fish in all weathers this makes our markets a reliable source all year round.

If you are not sure how severe the weather can get then click on this video:

Quality

It is no surprise that the Shetland market attracts interest from buyers across Europe.  From Germany to Spain, Shetland fish ends up at some of the most prestigious eateries.  All fish is fresh when it comes out of the sea, but the proximity of Shetland to the fishing grounds enable fishermen to land their catch in prime condition.

Onboard handling is paramount and strict guidelines are monitored by SSQC. Inspectors check each boat to ensure: accurate size grading, that the fish are not overpacked, and the boxes are well iced.Even the small inshore boats ensure ice is taken to sea to bring fish temperatures down immediately to 3 °C. This is critical in the control of histamine, natural in all fish but especially oily fish such as mackerel.

Delivery

2020 saw the opening of two new state-of-the-art fish markets, one in Scalloway, for boats fishing West of Shetland, and the other in Lerwick for boats fishing on the East.  These temperature-controlled environments are spacious,  which allow fish to be laid out clearly for inspection by buyers and Quality Control officers.  

Sample weighing is done for all boats and a report is produced prior to each market, to furnish customers with accurate information of each boats catch.  The sale of the fish is auctioned through an internet based system, so buyers from anywhere in the world can purchase and have it delivered direct to their premises.  The packed and chilled fish travels overnight to Aberdeen, where it is organised for onward delivery to the UK and the Continent, for the following day.

Fisheries Management

Changes in environmental factors have altered the migratory patterns of wild fish, so increasing stocks of cod and haddock are now found in the northern North Sea, although stocks have decreased in the southern area of the North Sea.  This information has been instrumental for scientists such as Dr Ian Napier of The North Atlantic Fisheries College in Shetland, who can now confidently affirm the health of the stocks around Shetland.  For more information check out this report.

One of the weaknesses of the CFP (Common Fisheries Policy) was that European policy makers treated North Sea cod as one entity.  However a number of scientists view three distinct stocks of cod in the North Sea.  Fisheries management can now be based on more informed and effective decisions.  This is essential for fishery leaders such as Simon Collins, Executive Officer of the Shetland Fishermen’s Association (SFA), who are drafting policies to reflect this. 

It has been essential for Britain to take back control of its own fisheries management to enable a more robust scientific approach not one based on politics.  As an independent coastal state, UK waters can be managed effectively for long term sustainability of the stocks and to support fragile rural economies.

New Brexit rules require a significant amount of supporting paperwork for fish to clear customs.  Shetland’s Finest is fully registered with all the relevant authorities and can supply fish Delivered Duty Paid (DDP inclusive of VAT).  This eliminates the need for single market customers to either pay VAT, or process a VAT claim. 

If you have any questions relating to the catching or the purchase of our fresh fish,  please get in contact with a member of the Shetland Finest team.