Friday 29 March 2024
 5.9°C   SSE Gentle Breeze
Ocean Kinetics - The Engineering Experts

Marine / Fishing industry shows signs of recovery

The Defiant is one of the boats due to land fish tomorrow. Photo: Ivan Reid

THE WHITE fish industry is starting to get back on its feet although the delayed opening of two new fish markets is proving a bottleneck for landings.

Shetland Fish Producers’ Organisation chief executive Brian Isbister said that he expected the industry to be back to normal by August, when, he hoped, final work would be concluded at Lerwick’s new fish market and at Scalloway, which just needs floor markings to be laid out.

He said that landings were presently at the limit of what was workable with social distancing measures in place at the much smaller old markets at Lerwick and Scalloway and coming close to last year’s weekly average of 7,700 boxes.

According to Isbister, quota uptake is slightly down on last year while the reduction in this year’s cod TAC has made things administratively easier for that species.

Provision is there for some species quotas to be rolled over until next year, if need be, but with uncertainties still looming over Brexit, he said that the industry would be aiming to catch as much of this year’s quotas as possible.

SFPO chief executive Brian Isbister. Photo: Shetland News

Isbister said: “The last couple of weeks we have been getting 7,000 to 7,500 boxes – getting near to the average of last year. But we are at the limit of what we can land now.

“What would make the biggest change to us is access to the new markets. If phase two can allow construction to start up, we are a couple of months away from the markets being ready.”

In the case of Scalloway, only layout grid markings remained to the painted. This contract has gone to a mainland firm who are not yet able to travel north to complete the job because of Covid-19 restrictions.

Become a supporter of Shetland News

 

Isbister said that fish sales had been decent throughout the coronavirus period, even if prices had been suppressed. He said that the larger UK processors had continued in operation, with smaller operators more likely to shut down their lines.

Isbister said that it had been encouraging that the continental market had “held fairly well” with species like megrim, monkfish, saithe, whiting and to some extent cod, all finding buyers.

Aside from that, the Spanish demand for fresh seafood had remained, in spite of the closure of the restaurant trade.

France had been more unpredictable with periods of fluctuating demand for fish, while Italy, which had suffered heavily from lockdown had been a smaller, but still important market.

Isbister said that while he expected substantial recovery within three months, overall prices for the year would be down, with less money about affecting demand for fish.

Become a supporter of Shetland News

Shetland News is asking its many readers to consider start paying for their dose of the latest local news delivered straight to their PC, tablet or mobile phone.

Journalism comes at a price and because that price is not being paid in today’s rapidly changing media world, most publishers - national and local - struggle financially despite very healthy audience figures.

Most online publishers have started charging for access to their websites, others have chosen a different route. Shetland News currently has  over 600 supporters  who are all making small voluntary financial contributions. All funds go towards covering our cost and improving the service further.

Your contribution will ensure Shetland News can: -

  • Bring you the headlines as they happen;
  • Stay editorially independent;
  • Give a voice to the community;
  • Grow site traffic further;
  • Research and publish more in-depth news, including more Shetland Lives features.

If you appreciate what we do and feel strongly about impartial local journalism, then please become a supporter of Shetland News by either making a single payment or monthly subscription.

Support us from as little as £3 per month – it only takes a minute to sign up. Thank you.

 

Newsletters

Subscribe to a selection of different newsletters from Shetland News, varying from breaking news delivered on the minute, to a weekly round-up of the opinion posts. All delivered straight to your inbox.

Daily Briefing Newsletter Weekly Highlights Newsletter Opinion Newsletter Life in Shetland Newsletter

JavaScript Required

We're sorry, but Shetland News isn't fully functional without JavaScript enabled.
Head over to the help page for instructions on how to enable JavaScript on your browser.

Your Privacy

We use cookies on our site to improve your experience.
By using our service, you agree to our Privacy Policy and Cookie Policy.

Browser is out-of-date

Shetland News isn't fully functional with this version of .
Head over to the help page for instructions on updating your browser for more security, improved speed and the best overall experience on this site.

Interested in Notifications?

Get notifications from Shetland News for important and breaking news.
You can unsubscribe at any time.

Become a supporter of Shetland News

We're committed to ensuring everyone has equitable access to impartial, open and quality local journalism that benefits all residents.

By supporting Shetland News, you play a vital role in ensuring we remain a pivotal resource in supporting the community.

Support us from as little as £3 per month – it only takes a minute to sign up. Thank you.