Information Bulletin
10 November 2005
Sustainable future for Shetland's Seafood Industry
Shetland Islands Council will, today (Thursday 10 November), publish research, undertaken by Seafish. The publication of the research is a significant milestone in the Seafood Development Project, which began in October 2004.
The research consists of analysis of the catching, aquaculture and processing sectors of Shetland's seafood industry and is based on interviews with Shetland seafood businesses and UK customers.
Hazel Curtis, Chief Economist of Sea Fish Industry Authority will present the main findings of research at the Economic Development Forum today. She said: "This is the first time that the whole seafood industry in Shetland has taken part in research of this kind. The research findings lay a foundation to take the industry forward in the 21st century. They give the industry a lot to think about as they highlight the potential opportunities that could help them to achieve a successful and sustainable future."
The project, managed by the Economic Development Unit, is supported by Shetland Development Trust, Shetland Enterprise, North Atlantic Fisheries College, Seafood Shetland, Shetland Aquaculture and Shetland Fish Producers Organisation.
The next phase of the Seafood Development Project will identify project that will assist with the sustainable development of the industry in Shetland. It will build on the research undertaken and use the knowledge of people in the local industry to develop ideas and provide guidance for future public investment. An industry group is to be created to drive forward industry led research and development in the Shetland seafood industry with the support of the public sector.
Industry spokesperson, David Sandison, general manager of Shetland Aquaculture said: "The proposed creation of an industry group as part of the Seafood Development Project is the perfect opportunity to establish an expert team that has the best interests of the entire seafood industry at its heart.
It will, for the first time, bring together representatives from the entire seafood industry - catching, aquaculture and processing - to work towards the common good of all sectors. Developing a strong time that can make informed decisions and advise and influence future policies that affect the industry as a whole will be a valuable resource not only locally, but also on a national and international level.
"We also want to encourage everyone operating in a seafood sector in Shetland to bring forward their ideas, which will be crucial in planning the future of our industry."
The ongoing development of the seafood industry in Shetland is crucial to the economic and social health of the islands. A third of private sector employment is dependent upon the seafood industry and dependency is higher in some of the more peripheral and fragile areas of Shetland.
Drew Ratter, Shetland Islands Council's Chair of Economic Development said: "Modernisation is the key to this, and it is easy to read that between the lines of this excellent piece of work. We must look for development activity that secures a long-term and sustainable future. It's essential for Shetland that we get it right. This project will help define the direction we should be taking and will guide our policies and investment.
"I am confident we can do it, and that a rejuvenated and sustainable industry in Shetland is more than possible."
Notes:
The industry group will consist of nominees from Shetland Aquaculture (formerly Shetland Salmon Farmers' Association), Shetland Fish Producers Organisation, Seafood Shetland and a representative of LHD Limited.
The Group will work closely with and be supported by Economic Development Unit of Shetland Islands Council, North Atlantic Fisheries College, Shetland Enterprise and Shetland Development Trust. The research was jointly funded by Shetland Islands Council, Shetland Development Trust and Shetland Enterprise.
For further information contact:
Jennifer Anderson, Economic Development Unit, Shetland Islands Council - E-mail: jennifer.anderson@sic.shetland.gov.uk Tel: 01595 744940.
William Ancell, Communications Executive, Seafish - E-mail: w_ancell@seafish.co.uk Tel: 0131 524 8667.
Both the summary report and the full report from phase one of the project can be found under Council Documents at: www.shetland.gov.uk
Summary report: http://www.shetland.gov.uk/council/documents/SSIRKeyFindings.pdf
Full report: http://www.shetland.gov.uk/council/documents/SSIR2005.pdf
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