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
Operations Officers vacancies – The Scottish Government Marine Directorate
The Scottish Government Marine Directorate is looking to recruit four new Operations Officers. More information on these roles and how to apply at https://tinyurl.com/4wew62t8
The reasons why canned mackerel is such a great food choice
Prominent American online food site – Chowhound – recently posted an article on why canned mackerel makes such a great ingredient for pepping up salads and is a fabulous alternative to tuna. Chowhound is a site for food aficionados and for people who want to know the...
Eating Scottish caught herring and mackerel could help health and climate
Scientists who have calculated the UK's "lost" nutrients from fish exports for the first time are calling for a big push to get more people eating local seafood. Research by the Rowett Institute, University of Aberdeen published in Nature Food, found oily fish such as...
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.
