The Scottish seafood industry is rigorously managed and regulated to ensure responsible fishing practices are employed, with minimal impact on the marine environment.
Scotland holds more Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) accreditations than most EU countries and has been a pioneer in alternative approaches such as the Conservation Credits system. Scottish fish farmers and fishermen consider themselves to be custodians of the sea, proud to invest in sustainable practices that secure a continued living for themselves and future generations.
As an independent coastal state, the UK Fisheries Act 2020 enables Scotland to support and fully manage fisheries and infrastructure and to tackle new objectives on climate – a significant progressive shift from the EU’s Common Fisheries Policy.
An additional way to control fishing pressure is to set the amount of time vessels are allowed to spend at sea.
Almost all Scottish commercial stocks have minimum sizes for landing and selling.
A large number of regulatory measures restrict the type, design, construction or amount of fishing gear that Scottish fishermen can use. This helps to control fishing pressure and assists in targeting species more selectively.
To maintain the environment, local conservation measures limit or prevent types of fishing activity. Scotland has a network of Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) which conserve and protect species, habitats and marine features of the seas.
Scottish fishermen are active in gaining independent verifications and engage in internationally recognized programs. This has served to enhance Scotland’s reputation as a leader in responsible fishing methods with a commitment to supplying sustainable products.
is an international non-profit organization that recognizes efforts to protect oceans and safeguard seafood supplies for the future.
is an independent non-profit organization and labelling organization that establishes protocol on farmed seafood while ensuring sustainable aquaculture. The ASC provides producers with a certification of environmental sustainability and social responsibility.
The Royal Society for the Protection of Cruelty to Animals (RSPCA), founded in 1824, awards its ethical food label assurance program, dedicated to farmed animal welfare.
certification is a comprehensive end-to-end evaluation. BAP provides traceability assurances along the stages of the production chain from hatcheries, farms, feed and plants, by focusing on environmental responsibility, animal health and welfare, food safety and social accountability.
identify agricultural products, raw or processed, for their quality, reputation or other characteristics which are linked to their geographical origin.