Fixing the scientific shortfall lifts monk quota
A substantial increase in the monkfish quota for 2025 demonstrates clearly the value of improved scientific efforts in assessing marine stocks, as monkfish is no longer a data deficient species.…
Shetland’s inshore cod stocks looking strong
Survey catches of cod in the inshore waters around Shetland last year were at their best for five years, according to scientists at UHI Shetland. Alongside the strong cod stock,…
Squid at record levels around Shetland
Record volumes of squid are being seen in the waters around Shetland, according to an annual independent survey. While haddock continues to be the most abundant stock, more than three…
Industry position vindicated by North Sea cod quota increase
The 63% increase in the North Sea cod quota under the deal between Norway, the EU and the UK vindicates the position taken by the industry that drastic cod quota…
Scotland’s stocks hit record levels
Official assessments put Scotland’s key commercial fish species, notably haddock and cod, are at their highest level for decades. Contrary to claims by environmental NGOs that these stocks are facing…
Quota cuts based on uncertain advice
Shetland fishermen warns that the financial viability of their fleet is under threat as they face quota cuts to their most valuable catch, based on advice that scientists have admitted…
Frustration prompts fishermen to fund their own science
The Shetland Fishermen’s Association (SFA) and the Scottish White Fish Producers’ Association (SWFPA) are to fund additional surveys of North Sea stocks as anger grows over the failure to tackle…
Recycled pelagic gear supports charity’s local and international activities
Seventy tonnes of fishing gear from Shetland’s pelagic fleet have been donated to the Oor Bairns Charitable Trust, which takes them apart for recycling and uses the proceeds to help…
Shetland fishermen have criticised the fisheries agreement reached between the EU, Norway and the UK. Image: Shetland Fishermen
Shetland fishermen slam EU-Norway-UK fisheries deal
In a reaction to the outcome of the EU-Norway-UK fisheries deal that sets total allowable catches for 2021 for six jointly managed stocks, Shetland Fishermen’s Association criticised the flawed basis…
James Anderson is the new SFA chairman. Image: SFA
SFA pledges to hold government to account
‘The deal is significantly worse than what was pushed for, and promised to us, by the Government. It was agreed on Christmas Eve, denying us the opportunity to examine the…