Shetland Shellfish Management Organisation (SSMO) has welcomed Wednesday’s ruling that the judging process for the renewal of MSC status for Shetland king scallops had been carried out correctly.
‘Firstly, we are naturally pleased that the sustainable nature of this fishery has been recognised by the award of MSC status for the second time,’ said SSMO inshore co-ordinator Carole Laignel.
‘We have worked extremely hard, supported by scientists from the NAFC Marine Centre, to ensure that the supply of high-quality scallops for which Shetland is renowned can continue for generations to come. This is a unique, well-regulated and well-managed fishery which has a minimal impact on the marine environment around these islands that we all treasure,’ she said.
‘Consumers can, therefore, continue to purchase Shetland scallops secure in the knowledge they are harvested in a responsible and sustainable manner.’
The Shetland king scallop fishery was first granted MSC status in 2012, the first scallop fishery in Europe to achieve MSC certification.
