SCOTTISH MACKEREL SEASON IN FULL SWING

Scottish mackerel season in full swing. The Scottish mackerel season is now well underway with fish located in waters east of Orkney, and very close to Shetland and Peterhead, with the short steaming times to port resulting in excellent quality fish.

Mackerel average sizes are around 430/460 grams at the moment and all Scottish processing plants are in full production.

Meanwhile, the prospects for next year are looking good, with the stock in great shape, and the EU, Norway and the Faroe Islands agreeing a quota increase for 2020 in line with the scientific advice.

Robert Duthie of the Scottish Pelagic Processors Association, said: “With a healthy stock and our fleet working a sustainable fishery, mackerel makes a great purchasing choice for the consumer. It is packed full of heart-healthy Omega 3 and essential minerals. Mackerel also tastes great, whether fresh, smoked or canned.”

About  the Scottish Pelagic Processors Association

The Scottish Pelagic Processors Association (SPPA) has a close working relationship with UK pelagic fishermen, who land directly into our processing facilities, thus supporting a vital segment of the Scottish economy.

The Scottish onshore pelagic processing industry supports over 2,000 direct jobs, plus a large number of other jobs in associated support sectors.

Members of the Scottish Pelagic Processors Association (SPPA) supply a wide range of mackerel, herring and blue whiting products, including fresh, frozen, smoked and canned fish to UK retailers and wholesalers, as well as to major export customers.

Export sales alone are worth around £150m a year to the Scottish economy – and the processing sector – along with the pelagic fleet – is continually investing in new equipment, infrastructure and vessels to ensure it remains competitive in the global market.

The Scottish Pelagic Processors Association (SPPA) was established in 1976 (under its former name as the Herring Buyers Association) following the set up of Scottish Producer Organisations, with the aim of supporting and representing buyers and processors of pelagic species.

The SPPA is a founding member of the Scottish Pelagic Sustainability Group (SPSG). Through SPSG the Scottish industry has obtained certification from the Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) on all its herring fisheries.

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