The Scottish seafood industry is adapting to new guidelines, developing new consumer routes, and meeting increased local demand as it works to supply fresh seafood during the COVID-10 pandemic, according to Seafood Scotland.
In the last two weeks, the Scottish Government has made available three support packages for the seafood sector. These will assist fishing, seafood processing and aquaculture businesses that are facing hardship in the present market to help them maintain a critical supply for the UK market. With upwards of 80% of Scotland’s catch normally being exported internationally, the sector and the communities which depend on the sea for their livelihoods, directly or indirectly, have been particularly impacted.
Donna Fordyce, Interim Head of Seafood Scotland, said: “What we have seen over the last three weeks is an unyielding determination from the seafood sector to maintain supply. Although working at a vastly reduced capacity, the fishing sector and seafood processors have adapted their way of working to ensure that fresh seafood, which is an important part of a healthy diet, is available and delivered safely to retailers and consumers.
She said that businesses that normally export seafood are developing new distribution networks closer to home, with some delivering directly in their local communities.
Normally around 60% of the fish consumed in Scotland is imported, but COVID-19 has caused a surge in demand from Scottish consumers who want to eat ‘their own’ seafood.
Ms Fordyce said that while this trade is not going to replace the business done in international markets, noting many companies are doing less than 25% of their usual business at the moment, it is helping.
