WHITE FISH CONCERNS ON AGENDA AT JOINT MEETING
PROCESSORS and fishermen got together last month when representatives of the Shetland Fish Processors’ Association met with the Board of Directors of the Shetland PO to discuss some of the problems currently afflicting the white fish processing sector.
Lack of continuity of supply on local markets has been a major concern for processors over recent months and hascontributed significantly, say processors, to what has been an extremely difficult period for the sector.
"The fact is that landings at Shetland ports are now at a level where a sustainable processing industry cannot be guaranteed," said SFPA chief executive John Simpson. "Average weekly landings are now at the 4,000 mark which is at least 2,000 boxes per week less than local processors, shipping buyers and local merchants require to remain viable."
Of particular concern for processors is the growing trend towards Shetland vessels bypassing local ports to land on the mainland often, it seems, without any material financial gain. Processors urged fishermen at the meeting to do their homework thoroughly before committing themselves to landing at mainland ports.
"We fully appreciate the problems of the fish processing industry," said PO chief executive, John Goodlad. "However, it must be realised that, after two years of very poor prices, the local fleet must land where they can get the best price. From time to time, prices in Scottish ports are better than in Shetland."
Looking to the future, Mr Goodlad said, "What we all need to work towards is a situation whereby local buyers can secure the markets which enable them to pay the market price, which in turn enables all Shetland boats to land their fish in Shetland. This was more or less the situation some 10 years ago."
Industry study
The meeting more or less coincided with the commissioning of a new report on Shetland’s white fish processing industry by Shetland Enterprise.
The study, which will be carried out by Dominique Rommel of the North Atlantic Fisheries College, will be produced in two stages. The first, an in-depth evaluation of the current state of the industry, sets out to assess the current state of the industry in Shetland and to identify particular problems faced by the sector. The second phase will look at options and recommendations for the future development of the industry and is expected to be complete by the end of the year.
Shetland Enterprise’s development manager, Martin Johnson, said, "All local processors are aware of the study and have agreed to co-operate fully. At the moment, individual processors don’t have the time or resources to undertake this kind of in-depth study themselves since they are busy dealing with day-to-day survival issues in a very difficult period. The study will provide them with a longer term view, incorporating issues such as supply and the consumer market, which will form a strategic framework for future development and hopefully long term profitability of the industry."
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