UK: Inshore sector a keys strength of Shetland fleet

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Published Feb 1, 2024

Tridge summary

The Shetland fishing industry's inshore sector, consisting of approximately 200 full and part-time vessels, is a vital part of the fleet. These vessels, half of which are licensed by the Shetland Shellfish Management Organisation, support local communities and supplement the offshore whitefish and pelagic fisheries. An independent survey by UHI Shetland revealed a significant presence of haddock and cod, with cod levels at their highest since 2018. Some vessels also target mackerel during the summer and autumn seasons.

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Original content

Inshore sector a key strength of Shetland fleet. A key strength of the Shetland fishing industry is the broad mix of boats working different fisheries – and no more so than the vitally important inshore fleet. The inshore component comprises around 200 full and part-time vessels, working work for both fish and shellfish. About half these vessels are licence holders in the Shetland Shellfish Management Organisation, catching lobster, crab and scallops. Sheila Keith, executive officer of the Shetland Fishermen’s Association, told Fish Focus: “The small-scale inshore sector provides a vital role in supporting local communities, and neatly complements the offshore whitefish and pelagic fisheries carried out by larger vessels. “There is plenty of haddock and cod on the inshore grounds at the moment, which is great news for this sector,” she says. This is borne out by an independent survey of commercial fish species 2023 carried out by UHI Shetland. The annual Shetland Inshore Fish ...

Source: Fish Focus