The launches of two major initiatives in June to improve Scotland’s fisheries and aquaculture industries show just how much importance the Scotland government is attaching to seafood.The first is a center of excellence, to be known as Fisheries Innovation Scotland (FIS), which will focus on sustainable fishing.
FIS brings together the capture, processing and retail sectors with Scotland government and scientists, to undertake research, facilitate knowledge exchange and encourage innovation. It will also develop links with similar organisations throughout Europe. The aim is to inform and shape the future governance and management of sustainable fisheries in Scotland, which in turn will lead to a better managed and more profitable sector.
John Goodlad, chair of the board of trustees, explained that the organization would focus on areas such as education and capacity building programs, the development of improved fisheries management models and the assessment and development of new fishing gear and techniques.
FIS is supported through member subscription and competitively awarded funding that will support research projects.
“This initiative demonstrates a huge commitment by the Scottish fishing industry towards sustainable fisheries management and I believe that Fisheries Innovation Scotland offers great potential for the future,” said Goodlad.
Initial members of FIS include industry organisations, Young’s Seafood and Sainsbury’s, with Marine Scotland and Scottish Natural Heritage representing the public sector.
“Scottish fisheries are extremely important to our business, and we’re working to ensure a sustainable future for the industry and fish stocks as part of our 20x20 Sustainability Plan,” said a spokesperson for Sainsbury’s.
Young’s “Fish for Life” sustainability policy means that the company works closely with the fish farms and fisheries they buy from, and with fishermen and industry to help improve long term sustainability, so becoming a member of FIS was a natural choice.
“Young’s Seafood is very proud to be involved with Fisheries Innovation Scotland and as one of the trustees I am excited about what we’ll be able to achieve for the Scottish fish industry through this new organization. Close coordination between the different parts of this industry is key to continuing and expanding its success. Both Young’s and I look forward to turning ideas into implementation that will benefit the industry here in Scotland,” said Pete Ward, Young’s deputy CEO.
At the launch of FIS, Scottish Fisheries Secretary Richard Lochhead pointed out the importance of the industry, both to rural and coastal communities, and to the economy.
“Twenty percent of all EU landings are caught in our waters, and last year Scottish fishermen landed over GBP 400 million (USD 685 million, EUR 504 million) of fish and shellfish, so it is important that this crucial industry is protected for generations to come,” Lochhead said.
“The Scottish fishing industry has always sought to lead the way in Europe through sustainable practices. At a time of unprecedented change for the industry, this is again demonstrated by the different sectors coming together with government and the research sector to forge innovative approaches to managing our fisheries for future generations.
“FIS fulfills a Scottish government commitment to the fishing industry to establish a centre of excellence and I would like to thank everyone involved in making this happen.”
The second initiative is an innovation center for aquaculture, which will help to create jobs and support the growth, sustainability and profitability of the industry in Scotland.
Funded by industry and public sector investments, the Scottish Aquaculture Innovation Center (SAIC) will be based at the University of Stirling, with a local delivery centre on the West coast.
According to the recent report, “An Assessment of the Benefits to Scotland of Aquaculture,” the industry already accounts for 8,000 jobs and contributes GBP 1.4 billion (USD 2.4 billion, EUR 1.8 billion) to the Scottish economy. The majority of this is attributed to salmon farming, which is also the country’s largest single food export.
Research at the SAIC will focus on health and welfare, feeding, quality and nutrition, breeding and stock improvement and engineering. The overall aim is to encourage and facilitate increased production of sustainable aquaculture, with consequent financial benefits.
The ambitious targets for increased fish and shellfish production by 2020 are for a turn-over of GBP 2 billion (USD 3.4 billion, EUR 2.5 billion), and the support of 10,000 jobs. It is estimated that each additional 10,000 metric tons of salmon grown would add GBP 96 million (USD 164 million, EUR 121 million) to the Scottish economy.
Scott Landsburgh, CEO of the Scottish Salmon Producers’ Organisation, believes that it is a very exciting time for the industry.
“The creation of the Scottish Aquaculture Innovation Center will provide opportunities to help industry grow and develop sustainably, by improving efficiencies and the profitability of the sector,” he said.
