Orkney fisheries projects gain backing

Two projects have received the backing of a local fund designed to support the development of the local fisheries sector and community.

The Orkney Fisheries Local Action Group (FLAG), which is responsible for administering a grant from the European Maritime and Fisheries Fund and the Scottish Government, has awarded a total of just over £179,000 to the two projects.

The Orkney Shellfish Research Project, being run by Orkney Sustainable Fisheries, will see the continued development of locally led fishery research work through the employment of full-time marine scientists with fishermen at the centre of the process.

Collection of robust local data will help fishermen lead decisions on the future management of Orkney’s inshore fisheries.

Orkney Fisherman’s Society acquired funding to look at developing ‘added-value’ products from small scale fisheries around Orkney. This will support the diversification of fishing efforts to other species and the enhancement of the supply chain.

Stewart Crichton, chairman of Orkney Sustainable Fisheries and the managing director of OFS says: “The work of Orkney Sustainable Fisheries over the past 7 years has helped strengthen the Orkney brand in the UK retail sector, for brown crab products from our local co-operative factories in particular but increasingly for lobster also.

“Taking local research to the next stage will help keep Orkney to the forefront of inshore fisheries management on a national level.

“There are other marine species in Orkney which we feel are underutilised at present, line-caught mackerel being a good example. OFS will employ a development chef for a 12 month initial contract period to look at these species and try to enhance the financial return both to fishermen and the local community generally.”

Francesca Couperwhite is chair of the action group. She said: “The FLAG is pleased to be able to support these two very different but worthwhile projects. One project will look at the management of shellfish stocks while the other will develop new products from the underutilised and less commercial species in Orkney waters. Together they demonstrate the range of opportunities that this fund can support.”