Navigating the Seas: Insights from Scottish Fishermen
As the largest Fish Producer Organisation (PO) in the UK and one of the most significant in Europe, the Scottish Fishermen’s Organisation (SFO) plays a pivotal role. We are dedicated to assisting our members in maximizing the value of fisheries resources across the entire value chain. Our aim is to support fishermen, the broader industry, and coastal communities in realizing a profitable and sustainable future.
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As the largest Fish Producer Organisation (PO) in the UK and one of the most significant in Europe, the Scottish Fishermen’s Organisation (SFO) plays a pivotal role. We are dedicated to assisting our members in maximizing the value of fisheries resources across the entire value chain. Our aim is to support fishermen, the broader industry, and coastal communities in realizing a profitable and sustainable future.
As the largest fish Producer Organisation (PO) in the UK and among the largest in Europe, the Scottish Fishermen’s Organisation (SFO) holds a crucial role. Our primary objective is to assist our members in optimizing the value of fisheries resources across the entire value chain. This endeavor aims to foster profitability and sustainability for our fishermen, the broader industry, and coastal communities.
With approximately 160 members, the SFO represents a significant portion of the Scottish fishing fleet, encompassing all sectors such as demersal, pelagic, shellfish, offshore, and inshore operations across most fishing regions within Scotland. In 2018 alone, SFO members collectively landed around 137,000 tonnes of fish and shellfish, valued at approximately £174 million.
Distinguished as one of the few European POs actively engaged in market interventions for the benefit of its members, the SFO operates two onshore processing facilities in Scotland. These facilities not only provide employment opportunities but also generate substantial economic benefits for the local and broader Scottish economy.
Our operations encompass two primary areas:
Fisheries Management:
We oversee a significant portion of the fishing opportunities allocated by the EU to the Scottish fishing industry under the Common Fisheries Policy (CFP). Within the SFO, we manage over 40% of the entire Scottish demersal quota, including key species like nephrops, North Sea cod, and North Sea haddock. Additionally, one-third of the Scottish pelagic quota, primarily consisting of mackerel and herring, is managed within our organization.
All catches are carefully regulated to stay within quota limits established by the EU and based on current scientific advice. Monitoring and management of quota uptake and landings are conducted throughout the year by POs and Marine Scotland. The latest quota management data is accessible on the Scottish Government website. The SFO plays a pivotal role in ensuring that fishing opportunities are available to our members when needed, enabling them to meet market demand.
Processing and Marketing:
Through our wholly-owned subsidiary, Braehead (SFO Enterprises) Ltd, we conduct our marketing activities. We operate two specialized shellfish processing facilities in Scotland, focusing on producing high-quality langoustine for both domestic and export markets in Europe and the Far East.
The catches of SFO members, comprising whitefish and shellfish, are either auctioned in ports across Scotland, sold in European ports, or supplied to buyers, including the SFO itself, through pre-arranged agreements with individual vessels. Pelagic species are landed in a limited number of factories located in Scotland and other ports across Europe.
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