Russia’s restrictions on fish imports from Scotland have been removed, delivering a significant boost for the Scottish economy.
Several fish processing companies in Scotland are now able to resume exporting the likes of herring, mackerel and other species to Russia.
The Russian market is vital for the Scottish seafood industry. In 2007 the UK exported over 48,000 tonnes of pelagic fish, worth in excess of £42 million, to Russia, the vast majority coming from Scotland.
First Minister Alex Salmond said:
“This situation had been having a serious effect on Scottish companies since last April. I am pleased that this breakthrough can now be announced.
“We have traditionally enjoyed an excellent trading relationship with Russia and I am confident this was simply a temporary blip. We have worked with the industry and all relevant authorities to ensure that the restrictions were removed.
“As soon as we were informed that exports of fish and fish products from the UK to Russia had been suspended we immediately got to work to overturn it and see off the serious implications of a permanent ban. ”
Fisheries Secretary Richard Lochhead said:
“For many Scottish fish processors Russia is their biggest export market – worth around £40 million a year.
“Scotland’s seafood is the best in the world and our fishing industry is recognised for its sustainability and high quality produce world-wide. I am therefore delighted that Russian consumers will no longer be denied access to our wonderful seafood.
“During the tough economic climate we are determined to take even more decisive action to help hard-pressed businesses and families.
“We are supporting the farming, fishing, forestry and food & drink industries that are the lifeblood of the rural economy and of rural communities.”
Companies who stand to benefit include Denholms Seafoods, a major pelagic processor based in Peterhead. Managing director Robert Duthie said:
“Russia is an important market for the Scottish industry and we are absolutely delighted that the restrictions have been lifted. We greatly appreciate the efforts of the First Minister in achieving this breakthrough.”
Before the restrictions came into effect over 10 Scottish processing companies exported mainly herring, mackerel and other species to Russia. The Russian market is vital for the UK seafood industry, the majority of which is located in Scotland. In 2007 the UK exported over 48,000 tonnes of pelagic fish, worth in excess of £42 million, to Russia, the vast majority coming from Scotland.
Exports of fish and fishery products from the UK to the Russian Federation had previously been closed to all apart from a small number of processors. The processors unable to export were being prevented access to an important market. Those processors are now able to resume trade with Russia.
Other Scottish companies that are now able to resume trading with Russia include: Lossie Seafoods Ltd, SCAF Limited and Lunar Freezing.
