The only Marine Stewardship Council-certified herring fishery in the north-east Atlantic is about to get under way.
Boats from the north-east of Scotland and Shetland will be heading to the North Sea fishing grounds in search of the ‘silver darlings’, an iconic fish in Scottish heritage and the foundation stone of many fishing communities in the 19th century.
Oily fish such as herring, sardines and mackerel is high in omega 3, which helps keep hearts healthy.
“Scottish herring is a superb tasting fish, perfect for the outdoor summer barbecue, or in the kitchen, simply grilled or fried in a pan. Herring offers great value for money as a shopping basket item,” said Robert Duthie, chair of the Scottish Pelagic Processors’ Association.
Ian Gatt, chair of the Scottish Pelagic Sustainability Group, an industry organisation created to promote sustainable fishing in Scottish herring and mackerel fisheries, says Scottish fishermen are committed to sustainability and have spearheaded several initiatives.
“Such initiatives have included the pioneering Scottish Pelagic Industry-Science Data Collection Programme, which has now led to data collected by fishermen being used in the scientific assessment process of herring and mackerel, which aids sensible and pragmatic fisheries management,” he said.
UK health experts recommend that people should eat two portions of fish per week, one of which should be an oily fish such as herring. The UK’s quota of North Sea herring is 103,500 tonnes, the bulk of which will be caught by Scottish boats.
