New seafood strategy for Shetland

The strategy for a successful and sustainable seafood industry was drawn up by representatives from industry bodies and local government agencies over the last two years, the local news source Shetland Marine News reported. The aim is to help the various sectors of the industry develop, to survive in an increasingly competitive market place, and to target niche markets where higher prices can be achieved for a prime product. The isles seafood industries is made up of a pelagic fishing and processing sector, aquaculture and processing sector, which is now strongly developing into organic salmon and new species, and a strong mussel farming industry, as well as large fleet of smaller vessels targeting high value species such as scallops or langoustines. The director of the NAFC Marine Centre, an island based research and education facility, Peter Dryburgh said that the wellbeing of the islands was largely depended on the future prospects of its seafood industries. Chief executive of HIE Shetland, Dr Ann Black said it was clear that the various sectors had to work in partnership to answer to challenges of large global markets: “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,” she told Shetland Marine News..