16 February, 2008

FISH LANDINGS in Shetland continue to break records with last week seeing the highest number of boxes since the introduction of the electronic auction six years ago.

Shetland Seafood Auction recorded 7,445 boxes of whitefish landed at Lerwick and Scalloway between Monday and yesterday (Friday). The previous record stood at 6,379 boxes and was achieved in March 2006.

The dramatic rise in fish landings reflects the booming whitefish industry in the isles which has seen several new vessels joining the fleet since last summer.

The high number of boxes landed coincides with good prices being paid for whitefish across the board.

Last year, saw record landings with a total of 216,000 boxes. This year, however, is set to break even that record.

Since the start of the year there have already been 31,163 boxes landed, compared to 26,768 at the same time last year.

Shetland Seafood Auction manager Martin Leyland said he was delighted to have had a record week since the electronic auction began in July 2003.