Associate feature: Securing the future of Scotland’s seafood

Scotland’s rural and coastal communities have a lot to be proud of.

Despite having to navigate post-Brexit regulatory changes and disruption to the supply chain and workforce, they have upheld Scotland’s global reputation for high-quality, sustainably sourced seafood through dedication and hard work. 

The seafood sector is worth well over £1 billion to Scotland’s economy, so it is imperative that – as the custodians of trade and skills for the industry - we continue to support it and help it grow. But this growth must not come with added pressure to the environment or local communities. We must ensure the industry is sustainably safeguarded for future generations. 

As part of our commitment to a more sustainable marine economy, Seafood Scotland drew inspiration from Iceland. We watched as the Iceland Ocean Cluster helped reduce waste and increase the market value of one fish from $12 to nearly $5,000. Encouraged by what this could mean for Scotland, we partnered with organisations including Zero Waste Scotland and the Industrial Biotechnology Innovation Centre (IBioIC), to develop the Scotland Ocean Cluster. 

The cluster will facilitate cross-sector collaboration to create new opportunities from the fish and shellfish already being harvested. Materials such as mussel beards and fish skin – once considered waste – have a use in industries like pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, manufacturing, construction and even fashion.

For example, CuanTec is using langoustine shells to extract premium grade chitin to create the highest possible return. And Seastex is turning mussel byproducts into “seawool”, an eco-friendly and naturally fire-resistant material for use in the construction and textiles sectors. 

By turning these side stream products into high-value goods, we will reduce waste while creating new opportunities within the seafood sector, without adding pressure on our natural resources. 

This will put Scotland at the forefront of a global movement towards a more sustainable use of marine resources. More importantly, it will enhance the industry’s resilience by diversifying our seafood-based exports far beyond traditional categories, creating new revenue streams.

But, of course, the traditional categories remain essential. They are the heart of the countless rural and coastal businesses which have supported communities for generations. 
While salmon might be our most famous food export, Scotland also plays a pivotal role in bringing nephrops to plates across the globe: we supply more than two-thirds of the world’s langoustine.

To enhance the reputation of Scottish langoustine and give consumers worldwide the same confidence we have in its quality, we recently launched the Scottish Quality Langoustine (SQL) scheme. Developed in collaboration with fishers and processors, the scheme sets a new standard for best practice in handling, processing and traceability. 

In many ways, the SQL formalises the aspects of good practice that many catchers demonstrate already. But by providing a trusted, recognisable promise of quality assurance we can give both consumers and trade partners greater confidence in Scottish langoustine. This will further bolster Scotland’s reputation for delivering responsibly sourced, premium quality seafood. 

Crucially, the scheme will also reduce waste and protect markets for Scottish langoustine – both of which are essential to ensure resilience and futureproof the sector. 

Supporting the seafood industry is not just about enhancing Scotland’s economy, though its importance there is undeniable. It’s about supporting the rural and coastal communities for whom this industry is a way of life. These initiatives will build resilience and profitability throughout the industry – not only fostering stronger local economies, but also supporting innovation and skills development to create careers of choice for future generations. 

This article is sponsored by Seafood Scotland.

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