Shetland fish landings increase

The value of fish landed in Shetland last year rose by 4% to £76.2m, according to the latest figures.

More than 300,000 boxes of whitefish - 16,306 tonnes - were landed in at quays in Lerwick and Scalloway, an increase of 8% on the previous year.

A total of 60,149 tonnes of pelagic fish were brought ashore.

The volume of shellfish landings fell in 2014, although their value increased to give a turnover of £3.9m.

Turnover from whitefish was up 8% at £27.15m, while pelagic landings rose by 2% to £45.16m.

The figures were compiled by Dr Ian Napier of the NAFC Marine Centre in Scalloway from UK Marine Management Organisation statistics.

Brian Isbister, chief executive of Shetland Fish Producers' Organisation, said many fish stocks were currently more abundant around Shetland than they had been for many years and their quality was very high.

He added: "Skippers, some of whom have been at sea for 20-30 years, are catching more good quality fish than they ever have.

"We are working together in Shetland to make sure all elements of the industry push in the same direction.

"Our shoreside facilities such as the electronic auction and community-based organisations like Shetland Seafood Quality Control, established many years ago, have been integral to our current success where we are achieving premium prices for some stocks."