Mackerel boom continues in Scapa Flow

The mackerel boom, which has seen dozens of people and boats converge on Scapa Flow, has been continuing this week.

It is usual for the fish to come into Scapa Flow at this time of year, but this year there seems to be more fish than ever closer into the shore. As a result, the Holm and Scapa Piers have seen dozens of sea anglers and boats head for the area to enjoy the mackerel bonanza.

As well as being popular with recreational anglers, Fiona Matheson, secretary of the Orkney Fisheries Association, is encouraging local boats, who have quota, to take advantage of so many fish being caught in Orkney waters.

She said: “The current community quota that Orkney and Shetland hold jointly accounts for almost 130 tons of mackerel that can be fished against that quota figure.  With less than half having been taken to date, OFA would like to encourage boats that can, to use their quota.”