Also in the news / Pelagic agreement, letterpress exhibition and more …
SHETLAND Fishermen’s Association (SFA) has welcomed a new agreement aimed at improving data on commercial pelagic catches to help influence quota decisions.
A memorandum of understanding has been signed between Scottish Government ministers, the Scottish Pelagic Fishermen’s Association and UHI Shetland to coordinate a science data collection programme between now and 2030.
The project has been set up to collect data on commercial pelagic catches for the purposes of stock assessment and research to improve understanding of pelagic fisheries and stocks.
The SFA said the agreement was a “welcome step forward in strengthening Scotland’s pelagic science”.
“Ensuring that high quality data is gathered collaboratively is essential for safeguarding the longterm future of our fisheries, and we are pleased to see industry, government and researchers working together to deliver it,” executive officer Sheila Keith added.
UHI Shetland pelagic fisheries scientist Dr Katie Brigden said the agreement demonstrates the contribution which the industry can make to science.
MEANWHILE UHI Shetland is collaborating with the charity Whale and Dolphin Conservation (WDC) to launch a public call for photos of Risso’s dolphins around Shetland.
The joint project is inviting anyone to submit images to support ongoing research into the dolphins, which are recognisable by their tall dorsal fins and heavily scarred, pale-grey bodies.
Each carries a unique pattern of scars on their dorsal fin, which allows researchers to distinguish one dolphin from another.
“Photographs taken by the public can provide invaluable data” said Dr Emily Hague, marine mammal researcher at UHI Shetland. “Every image of a dorsal fin could help us recognise an individual dolphin and build a clearer picture of how Risso’s dolphins use waters around the region”.
The team welcomes photographs taken at any time (recent or historical) provided they were captured in Shetland, Orkney or northeast Scotland.
Images should show the dolphin’s dorsal fin, along with details of the sighting location, date, approximate group size.
Information on how to submit photographs is available here or you can directly email shorewatch@whales.org
A NEW series of letterpress works by Michael B. Wiseman is being exhibited in the outdoor space at Gaada’s Toogs workshop in Burra until 23 March.
Created during weekly workshops at Toogs and printed in striking combinations of bold orange and black, Wird Wark draws on humorous phrases, memories and oxymorons Michael has heard throughout his years living and working in Shetland.
Reflecting on the process, Michael said he liked the “routine” of letterpress and the “relay of printing”.
The team at Toogs said they were “delighted to finally host Michael’s first exhibition on home soil, on the Isle of Burra near where he lives, making this all the more special”.
The exhibition is viewable daily in the space outside the Burra workshop.
ENTRIES are now open for the 2026 Highlands and Islands Food and Drink awards, which will be hosted by Coinneach MacLeod – better known as the Hebridean Baker.
The awards return after a break in 2025, and will celebrate categories such as best restaurant, sustainability, best use of Highlands and Islands provenance and food producer of the year.
Finalists will be announced in April, with the awards ceremony held at Inverness’ Kingsmills Hotel on Thursday 7 May.
Businesses can enter the awards here.
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