New Shetland fish company aiming high

SHETLAND Fish, which opened its doors on May 14 as the Islands’ latest seafood supplier, is aiming high on the European market.
Run by Gideon Ward and Hansen Black, who both have several decades’ experience in the fishing and wider seafood industry, Shetland Fish is offering a full-service package for companies wishing to source fish from the Shetland Isles.
‘We buy to order each weekday from the markets in Lerwick and Scalloway, check each fish individually, then pack, ice and palletise, ready for onward transport to the UK and further afield.
‘We have excellent transport links to France through Boulogne sur Mer, and Germany through Bremerhaven, with fish reaching its destination within 48 hours of landing to market,’ said Black.
Shetland is renowned for the quality of its fish landings, with North Sea species such as cod, haddock, whiting, white ling, coley (saithe), monkfish, plaice and megrim in high demand. Three of these species, cod, haddock and saithe, are MSC accredited.
The company’s new offices, overlooking Lerwick harbour, are already taking orders from fish buyers, wholesalers and processing factories, keen to take advantage of the new service.
‘We have a vibrant industry in Shetland, which sits in the heart of the fishing grounds, and has become an important hub for the seafood trade.
‘New-build boats are joining the modern fleet, and both fish markets are due to be replaced by state of the art facilities, to cope with the predicted increase in landings over the next few years.
‘All these are positive signs that the Islands are going from strength to strength. Our aim is to play a large part in this success by offering a first class, professional service to seafood buyers all over Europe,’ said Black.