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A dynamic strategy to increase the value of Shetland seafood is to be launched today (Tuesday 25th September) at the NAFC Marine Centre in Scalloway. ’Successful and Sustainable: A Strategy for Shetland Seafood’ has been developed by an inclusive partnership of Shetland's aquaculture, fish catching and fish processing sectors working together with the islands' training, research and economic development bodies. "Shetland is almost uniquely reliant on the seafood industry for its current and future prosperity. The strength of the strategy is that all sectors have come together to maximise Shetland's skills and facilities for To increase the value of Shetland's seafood, five key drivers of success have been identified to strengthen, sustain and develop the industry. Priority actions include adding value locally, targeting higher value Ann Black, area director of HIE Shetland commented, "Shetland produce has long been recognised for its quality and this provides opportunities to find higher value niche markets. "The seafood sector supports almost a quarter of the jobs throughout Shetland, with an estimated output of £200m per year and accounting for 65% of the islands' exports. "To take advantage of the rapid global expansion of the seafood industry and meet increasing demand, it is clear that the industry in Shetland has to work together to maintain the high quality of its produce." The industry is characterised by diversity, with an extensive range of species being landed or farmed in the islands. A mix of production methods are used and processing activity varies in both scale and nature, from Sustainability and good management of the marine environment lie at the heart of the strategy with the seafood industry acknowledged as a cornerstone of Shetland's economic health of for years to come. David Sandison of Shetland Aquaculture said: "We need to oversee a range of options to enhance the sustainable management of local seafood resources around Shetland. "One of the ways we can do this is to ensure the seafood trade, customers and consumers know all about the very high standards we operate to. We are fully committed to a continuous strive to retain our reputation in the marketplace." Ends Additional quotes: Brian Isbister, chief executive of Shetland Fish Producers Organisation, commented: "The industry needs to target higher value markets, increase the value of its produce to remain competitive and ensure sustainability." Ruth Henderson, chief executive of Seafood Shetland: "Shetland is already synonymous with high quality seafood and we need to make sure that the world knows about it. One of the ways to do this is by working together and understanding and prioritising our activities to reach, what is, the same ultimate goal: to increase the value of Shetland's seafood industry." Neil Grant, interim head of economic development at the Shetland Islands Council said: "The key to Shetland's social and economic well-being is deeply rooted in the seafood industry. Most households make a living from the sea, with many employed directly by the industry. Many others work to support the industry in a range of activities from education and research services to net mending and specialist engineering." Note to newsdesks: The Highlands and Islands Enterprise network (HIE) is responsible for economic and community development in an area which covers more than half of Scotland, from Shetland to Argyll. HIE's headquarters are in Inverness and most of its services are delivered through local enterprise companies. The Network employs around 550 people and last year invested more than £100 million to help people living in the Highlands and Islands realise their potential. For further information on HIE, log onto www.hie.co.uk For further information on this release contact: Rachel Hunter more news articles...
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Argyll & Bute
