UK: Resilience and innovation underpin the Shetland seafood and shellfish growing sector

Shetland seafood and shellfish growers are navigating challenges such as Brexit's impact on exports and the aging ferry fleet for transport to the Scottish mainland. Brexit has increased paperwork, costs, and delivery times for exports, especially for added value products. The industry's future relies on government support and innovation, with shellfish farming showing success and oyster production starting. The industry faces challenges like offshore wind development and potential environmental initiatives, but remains resilient and dedicated to maintaining quality and premium pricing for their products.

Resilience and innovation underpin Shetland seafood and shellfish growing sector Overcoming the ramifications of Brexit in terms of exporting product to the EU and ensuring a reliable ferry service to the Scottish mainland are two of the biggest issues facing Shetland seafood processors and shellfish growers, according to Ruth Henderson, chief executive of Seafood Shetland. She told Fish Focus that Seafood Shetland members (seafood processors and shellfish growers) have generally faced an increase in paperwork, associated costs, and delivery times for exports into Europe, after leaving the EU. In particular, members attempting to export added value products (with multiple ingredients) are finding the bureaucracy particularly difficult and time-consuming. “Overall, the larger the operator, the more resources and systems are available to overcome such hurdles. It is the smaller companies that suffer most and, as a result, may choose to focus their efforts on UK or other overseas ...