Seafood Shetland and SSMO

LEADER funding was used for a pre-assessment if rope-grown mussel production in Shetland, a first step towards achieving the independent sustainable label from the Marine Stewardship Council (MSC)

SEAFOOD SHETLAND AND SSMO

Seafood Shetland represents companies involved in all aspects of fish processing and shellfish growing in Shetland. It received a LEADER award of £3,200 in 2009 for a pre-assessment of rope-grown mussel production in Shetland, a first step towards achieving the independent sustainable label from the Marine Stewardship Council (MSC). Shetland is responsible for producing 65% of the Scottish mussel farming output, worth £5m to the local economy. The funding helped 22 micro businesses, directly employing 107 individuals.

For decades, catching crabs, lobster and scallops has been a useful sideline for the day-boat fishermen of Shetland, which helped boost their income. Today the sector is worth £9m to the local economy and is managed by the Shetland Shellfish Management Organisation (SSMO), representing 120 fishermen. The SSMO received £3,031.50 of LEADER funding to start the process of achieving the coveted MSC sustainability award.

Both organisations have since achieved full accreditation for rope-grown mussels, scallops, brown and velvet crabs - a world first! The certification to the MSC environmental standard assures everyone concerned that the fisheries are sustainable and well managed. It gives a competitive edge in the marketplace as buyers demand traceability of sustainable fish from the sea to plate.

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