SCOTTISH PELAGIC SECTOR DEEPLY DISAPPOINTED OVER YOUNG’S STATEMENT

Scottish pelagic sector ‘deeply disappointed’ over Young’s statement

The Scottish Pelagic Sustainability Group says it is ‘deeply disappointed’ at a statement issued by Young’s via the North Atlantic Pelagic Advocacy Group (NAPA) over the ongoing Coastal States shared-stock management negotiations for mackerel, Atlanto-Scandian herring and blue whiting for 2022.

In their statement, Young’s said that if the issue of some countries setting unilateral quotas is unresolved, and catches continued to be in excess of ICES advice, ‘Young’s would cease sourcing from these fisheries’.

Ian Gatt, chairman of the SPSG said: “In this statement, Youngs’ appear to be making no differential on sourcing from those countries doing the right thing, such as the UK, who continue to fish sustainably and within historic shares and all fished within our own waters. This compares starkly with some of the northern countries who have set huge quotas, aren’t fishing all their quota and are doing so unregulated in international waters.  Given this background of disparity, SPSG is deeply disappointed by the Young’s statement, and we urge that the company, along with other seafood suppliers who may shortly be deciding upon their sourcing policies, give due recognition to those nations who are fishing responsibly.”

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The Scottish Pelagic Sustainability Group (SPSG) was established in 2006 and represents all sectors of Scotland’s pelagic industry, including catching, processing and marketing. SPSG was established to oversee the certification of its main fisheries to the Marine Stewardship Council eco-label standard and is currently driving forward a number of other sustainability initiatives. The over-riding aim of SPSG is to ensure that the Scottish pelagic industry is truly sustainable.