SPFA

FISHERIES

FISHERIES

A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) and Data Sharing Agreement has been signed between Scottish Government Ministers acting through the Marine Directorate, the Scottish Pelagic Fishermen’s Association (SPFA) and UHI Shetland to coordinate the Scottish Pelagic Industry Science Data Collection Programme (SPISDCP).

10th February 2026

MoU agreed for Scottish pelagic data collection

10th February 2026

SEAFOOD

SEAFOOD

A new pilot project has shown how Scottish pelagic fisheries could significantly strengthen traceability by digitally linking catch data from individual fishing hauls through to onshore processing and distribution.

20th January 2026

Scottish pelagic sector pilots end-to-end traceability system

20th January 2026

FISHERIES

FISHERIES

The Scottish Pelagic Fishermen’s Association (SPFA) has updated its Science Data Strategy, saying the new revision reflects current and future objectives for ensuring that science plays a fundamental role in the pelagic…

7th January 2026

Scottish Pelagic Fishermen’s Association updates Science Data Strategy

7th January 2026

FISHERIES

FISHERIES

Scotland’s pelagic fishermen have given a pointed response to the extended sharing agreement for the Northeast Atlantic mackerel stock coupled with a total allowable catch (TAC) of 299,010 tonnes in 2026. 

17th December 2025

Scottish fishers welcome new mackerel sharing deal but call for comprehensive agreement

17th December 2025

BUSINESS & FINANCE

BUSINESS & FINANCE

Scotland’s pelagic fishing and processing sectors have heavily criticised the new advice from the International Council for the Exploration of the Sea (ICES) that recommends a 70% cut in the Northeast Atlantic…

2nd October 2025

Mackerel quota cut would have devastating impact on Scotland, warns industry

2nd October 2025

FISHERIES

FISHERIES

Giving EU fishing vessels continued access to British waters through to 2038 is a betrayal of the UK’s fishing industry and the communities it supports, according to the Scottish Pelagic Fishermen’s Association…

20th May 2025

New EU deal ‘a betrayal to fishing sector’, says SPFA

20th May 2025

FISHERIES

FISHERIES

The Scottish Pelagic Fishermen’s Association (SPFA) has criticised the Marine Conservation Society (MCS) for downgrading its rating for Northeast Atlantic mackerel in its latest Good Fish Guide update.

10th April 2025

Scottish fishers criticise mackerel rating downgrade

10th April 2025

FISHERIES

FISHERIES

The Atlanto Scandian herring season for the Scottish fleet is now underway, with the quota this year marginally up by 3%, although the UK has only 2% of the overall total allowable…

10th February 2025

Atlanto Scandian herring season gets underway for Scottish fleet

10th February 2025

FISHERIES

FISHERIES

Scotland’s January mackerel fishery is progressing well, with the fleet reporting productive marks of high-quality fish.

21st January 2025

Scottish mackerel in high demand

21st January 2025

FISHERIES

FISHERIES

The comprehensive way members of the Scottish Pelagic Fishermen’s Association (SPFA) have embraced the industry-science data collection initiative is testament to the industry’s commitment to sustainability and ensuring better stock management, According…

27th August 2024

SPFA: Data collection scheme will help ensure a sustainable future

27th August 2024

INTERVIEWS

INTERVIEWS

Richard Williamson, new chair of the Scottish Pelagic Fishermen’s Association (SPFA), said he is honoured to take on the new role and build upon the excellent work of the previous long-standing chair,…

7th August 2024

New SPFA chairman keen to address challenges facing sector

7th August 2024

FISHERIES

FISHERIES

After 15 years of dedicated service, Alex Wiseman has retired as Chair of the Scottish Pelagic Fishermen’s Association (SPFA). Former Vice-chair Richard Williamson has been elected as the new Chair, while Alexander…

26th June 2024

Scottish Pelagic Fishermen’s Association names new leaders

26th June 2024

INSIGHT

INSIGHT

Investment in new vessels and the latest state-of-the-art fish handling technology has ensured that the Shetland pelagic fleet is at the forefront of catching premium mackerel, herring and blue whiting where carbon…

4th March 2024

Shetland pelagic fleet investments net green benefits

4th March 2024

FISHERIES

FISHERIES

The collaborative approach now adopted between the pelagic industry and science bodies on data collection represents a major sea-change in fisheries management that sets the standard for others to follow, according to…

21st December 2023

SFPA: Scottish pelagic data collection scheme paving the way for a sustainable future

21st December 2023