HIGH LEVELS OF INSHORE SQUID BOOST CASE FOR PILOT FISHERY

High levels of inshore squid boost case for pilot fishery

Extraordinary amounts of squid are being found in Shetland’s inshore waters, strengthening the case for the introduction of a pilot fishery for the species.

Shetland Fishermen’s Association is highlighting the finding, part of the results of the Shetland Inshore Fish Survey (SIFS) 2025, published by UHI Shetland.

The annual survey uses a standardised survey trawl fitted with a small mesh cod-end in 27 different locations around the islands, supplemented by 25 additional hauls in known nursery grounds.

Lead author of the report, Dr Shaun Fraser, said: “The 2025 results indicated that the squid catch rate (by weight) on shallow grounds was the highest yet recorded, surpassing the record levels recorded in previous recent years.

“The high squid catches this year were again concentrated in specific nearshore areas and were more patchily distributed elsewhere in the survey.

“This result is particularly relevant given the current pause on the targeted inshore squid fishery and the ongoing discussions about a potential inshore squid fishery pilot project.”

SFA executive officer Sheila Keith said: “SFA is working hard to support the Scottish Government to meet its requirements to re-establish the inshore squid fishery, which is an important diversification opportunity.

“We hear a lot about how ministers support the industry, and here is a very clear practical example of a step that can be taken to show that they do.”

In general, the Shetland inshore fish survey results confirm that scientific data are now closely mirroring what local fishermen have been reporting, demonstrating the value of the survey exactly as it was originally intended.

The long-running independent survey, now spanning 15 consecutive years, shows clear alignment between fishermen’s on-the-water experience and measured changes in catch rates, species composition and recruitment patterns in Shetland’s inshore waters.

Despite lower relative abundance for some traditional gadoid species in 2025, the survey confirms that Shetland’s inshore waters continue to function as important spawning and nursery grounds for key North Sea stocks including cod, haddock, whiting and plaice. Juvenile fish were consistently recorded in shallow and inshore areas around the coastline, reinforcing the strategic importance of these waters for stock sustainability.

These findings underline the importance of protecting inshore habitats and ensuring management decisions are informed by locally collected data rather than broad offshore trends alone.

The 2025 survey also provides welcome evidence of increased recruitment for megrim, with catch rates at their highest levels in nearly a decade and a clear reversal of the declining trend observed in recent years.

This improvement suggests strengthening year-classes and highlights the role of Shetland’s waters in supporting recovery for species that have previously been under pressure.

The survey also shows that skate species remain relatively abundant, with cuckoo ray in particular being widely distributed across inshore grounds. This robust dataset provides valuable independent evidence to support ongoing discussions around skate management, conservation designations and proportionate access for the local fleet.

Overall, the SIFS 2025 results demonstrate that sustained, locally focused scientific monitoring delivers exactly what it was designed to do: confirm fishermen’s experience, detect changes early, and provide credible evidence for smarter fisheries management.

Main Image © Shetland Fishermen’s Association

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