Ling assessment funding ‘extremely welcome’

A “PIONEERING” fisheries science project aimed at improving the assessment of northern shelf ling is to move forward after receiving government funding.

UHI Shetland was recently awarded nearly £74,000 from the Scottish Government’s Marine Fund Scotland scheme for the project.

Ling is described as an economically important species for Scotland’s fishing industry.

Working in partnership with the Shetland Fish Producers Organisation and the Scottish Fishermen’s Organisation, the project will further develop an innovative stock assessment model that combines scientific survey data with industry-generated information.

UHI Shetland said the work will help to provide a more accurate understanding of ling stock abundance, supporting sustainable fisheries management, more evidence-based quota setting and long-term benefits for fishing businesses and coastal communities.

It is said that the project will also strengthen UHI Shetland’s fisheries research capacity and reinforce its role in delivering collaborative, industry-focused marine science.

Daniel Lawson from the Shetland Fishermen’s Association said: “Fishermen face real economic consequences when important species such as ling are classed as data deficient and trapped in a quota-reducing cycle of scientific uncertainty.

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“This project – backed by industry, the UK Government and now the Scottish Government – has huge potential to change that, leading to evidenced-based annual assessments and quota levels that better reflect the abundances fishermen see around Shetland.”

Lawson said the funding support is “extremely welcome and will help UHI Shetland take this innovative project through towards completion.”

Scottish Fishermen’s Organisation’s Dr Paul Macdonald said the funding award “recognises the value of industry-led science and will allow the project to build on the progress already made, delivering the improved evidence base that fishers and managers need”.

“The Scottish Fishermen’s Organisation and the Shetland Fish Producers’ Organisation have been backing this work with UHI Shetland because a robust and reliable stock assessment for ling is vital for the industry and for the sustainable management of the stock,” he said.

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As previously reported, UHI Shetland also received £387,000 from the fund for a new hybrid training boat.

Principal and CEO of UHI Shetland Laura Burden said the investment will “help us build on our expertise, strengthen collaboration with the marine sector and support the development of innovative solutions that benefit Shetland and Scotland’s blue economy”.