Representing all sectors of Scotland’s Pelagic Industry
Programmes
Current Initiatives, Policies & Programmes
MSC Programme
North Sea herring is part of the MSC Programme, enabling consumers to make informed choices when purchasing.
Sustainability Policy
SPSG is committed to a sustainable future for our pelagic fisheries. Find out more how we are working towards these goals.
Science Initiatives
Working with a range of stakeholders, SPSG is spearheading scientific research to enhance our knowledge of stocks.
The Scottish Pelagic Sustainability Group
The Scottish Pelagic Sustainability Group (SPSG) was established in 2007 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 (MSC) eco-label standard and is currently driving forward a number of other sustainability initiatives, including onboard data collection. The over-riding aim of SPSG is to ensure that the Scottish pelagic industry is truly sustainable.
The North Sea herring fishery was the first fishery to be certified in 2008.
As well as the MSC programme, SPSG is involved in a range of scientific initiatives to enhance our understanding of pelagic stocks and to ensure informed decisions are made with their management. To aid this process, our Chief Scientific Officer co-ordinates and participates in a range marine science projects and initiatives. This includes the pioneering Scottish Pelagic Industry-Science Data Collection Programme, which has now led to data being used in the scientific assessment process of mackerel, herring and blue whiting.
As well as catch data, pelagic vessels are also currently being used as the platform to gather an array of information by other means, including acoustic surveys and egg surveys.
Oily fish such as mackerel and herring are an incredibly important sustainable and nutritious food resource and SPSG is keen to highlight to consumers the responsible fishing methods used in their harvesting. Research has shown that Scottish caught pelagic fish have an extremely low carbon footprint compared to most other forms of protein production. The pelagic sector supports many jobs and is a significant contributor to the Scottish economy.
SPSG is funded by the Scottish Pelagic Fishermen’s Association Ltd, Scottish Pelagic Fish Processors Association Ltd, Scottish Fishermen’s Organisation Ltd, Shetland Fish Producers’ Organisation Ltd, Interfish Fish Producers’ Organisation Ltd, Klondyke Fish Producers’ Organisation Ltd and Lunar Fish Producers’ Organisation Ltd.
Recent Updates
LATEST NEWS
Scottish autumn mackerel fishery now underway
The traditional end-of-the-year autumn mackerel fishery is now underway with Scottish boats reporting good marks of fish on grounds to the east of Shetland. The size and quality of the fish caught is reported to be excellent, with there being strong market demand,...
Make mackerel your catch of the day
The following feature appeared in The Press & Journal and The Courier weekend food magazines on 19 October 2024. It is the number one UK fish catch in terms of both volume and value, and with its great flavour and high nutritional value, mackerel is becoming...
Scots pelagic fishers committed to reducing carbon emissions
In this article, Ian Gatt CBE, chief executive Scottish Pelagic Fishermen’s Association, outlines some of the work by the Scottish pelagic industry in reducing carbon emissions Whilst it is early days yet, the new Labour Government has been sending the right signals...
THE FLEET
Our Fishing Fleet
There are 21 vessels in membership of the Scottish Pelagic Sustainability Group based mainly in the Shetland Isles and the north-east Scottish ports of Peterhead and Fraserburgh.
- The boats are largely family owned.
- The boats work a clean, discard-free fishery.
- The fishery is highly regulated and monitored.
- The harvest is stored in refrigerated seawater tanks to ensure optimum quality.
- The fleet is undergoing constant investment to ensure efficiency and low carbon footprint.
- Our skippers are committed to sustainable catching.
- The fleet supports a large onshore processing sector.
