Documents | Seafish

Scottish Seafish Advisory Committee Minutes - November 2022

Minutes from Scottish Seafish Advisory Committee (SSAC) meeting held on 10 November 2022

Certifying marine ingredients for aquafeeds

Seafish Summary - Global picture of fish stock status June 2014

Seafish summary showing the global picture of fish stock status based on the United Nations Food and Aquaculture Organisation report: The State of Fisheries and Aquaculture 2014. Published May 2014.

Business Study - N.E. Coast

The report presents a regional objective study of all aspects of the fishing industry within the NE coast region, from Whitby to Eyemouth (inclusive). This report has been produced from a scanned original and may therefore contain some formatting and other inaccuracies. In cases where this affects the technical content, a paper copy of the original report can still be obtained from Seafish

Economic Impact Assessment for proposed levy changes

Economic Impact Assessment which details the impact that levy changes will have on seafood businesses, new and old levy payers.

Seafish Regulation Alert Monitor 02/04/2016 – 08/04/2016

Brussels update of seafood legislation developments, including: Sustainable growth and jobs in the marine and maritime sectors Bluefin tuna recovery plan: EU Presidency reaches deal with European Parliament AGRIFISH Council - Provisional agenda

Cambered Trawl Door Trials 1983

A report of further trials with cambered trawl doors to assess their performance. Still some problems of board stability during shooting and when turning.

Hall Test Research on Blue Whiting

A series of Hall Tests were held in 3 locations (Greater London, Leeds and Walsall) in February/March 1976 using Blue Whiting caught by the MAFF freezer trawler Artic Privateer in 1975. Although it was an exploratory voyage, the fish were caught under commercial conditions and did not represent the pride of an outstanding catch. The fish reflected simply the best quality obtainable from an average catch at that time of the year. For each Hall Test approximately 200 housewives were served samples of hand filleted Blue Whiting crumbed and pan fried and grilled the order of presentation was rotated, and responses to the appearance, flavour and texture of the fish were recorded. This report has been produced from a scanned original and may therefore contain some formatting and other inaccuracies. In cases where this affects the technical content, a paper copy of the original report can still be obtained from Seafish.

Risk Assessment for Sourcing Seafood (RASS) Scoring Guidance Version 2

The UK Sea Fish Industry Authority’s Risk Assessment for Sourcing Seafood (RASS) Scoring Guidance Version 2 revised April 2024.

On-Board Fuel Flowmeter Systems for Use on Fishing Vessels

The report describes a typical fuel flowmeter system and lists the practical and technical requirements of the system. Use of a flow meter for trials purposes is described and the techno-economic benefits discussed. A list of known manufacturers is provided. This report has been produced from a scanned original and may therefore contain some formatting and other inaccuracies. In cases where this affects the technical content, a paper copy of the original report can still be obtained from Seafish

UK Seafood Trade Report: July to September 2023

This report cover the key trends in the UK seafood trade for a calendar year on a quarterly basis. The analysis focuses on emerging changes to seafood trade flows in and out of the UK covering July to September 2023 compared the previous year.

Design Characteristics of Middle Water Trawlers: Study of Machinery Requirements

This is the first in a series of reports on the Authority's study of design requirements for future middle water trawlers. This report describes the studies made and conclusions reached on the current and future vessels in the class.

Exploratory Voyage for Blue Whiting - 'Arctic Privateer'

This report describes a voyage made in March-April 1975 on the stern freezer trawler ARTIC PRIVATEER to catch blue whiting to the north-west of the British Isles. The voyage was a joint venture undertaken by the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, the Department of Agriculture and Fisheries for Scotland the White Fish Authority. This report has been produced from a scanned original and may therefore contain some formatting and other inaccuracies. In cases where this affects the technical content, a paper copy of the original report can still be obtained from Seafish.

Hall Test Research of Blue Whiting (1976 Catch)

A second series of Hall Tests were held in a further 3 locations (Bristol, Glasgow, Manchester) in July 1976 using Blue Whiting from the Hebridean and Shemara catches of spring 1976. Because the fish were landed chilled, the resulting fillets were considered to be of sufficient quality to allow them to be displayed raw. For each Hall Test approximately 200 housewives were shown raw fillets and then tasted two samples – one crumbed and pan fried, the other grilled. The order of presentation was rotated, and responses to the appearance (cooked and raw), flavour, texture, and colour were recorded. This report has been produced from a scanned original and may therefore contain some formatting and other inaccuracies. In cases where this affects the technical content, a paper copy of the original report can still be obtained from Seafish.

Market Insight Factsheet: Tuna - March 2024

This Market Insight factsheet provides a full picture of tuna in the retail, foodservice and trade markets.

Seafood Week 2016

Seafood Week is an annual, eight-day, industry-wide promotion and celebration of fish as food. The nation-wide consumer marketing campaign, run by Seafish, is an opportunity for the whole industry to encourage more people to eat more fish more often. This fact sheet provides results on Seafood Week 2015 and outline information on Seafood Week itself. Last published April 2016.

Development of an Improved Non-Returnable Wet Fish Fillet Expanded Polystyrene Box

The report describes trials which formed part of the SFIA's static gear investigations. The overall aim of these trials has been to obtain information which will enable comparisons to be made of the catching characteristics of gill nets rigged in different ways. This report has been produced from a scanned original and may therefore contain some formatting and other inaccuracies. In cases where this affects the technical content, a paper copy of the original report can still be obtained from Seafish

Double Rig Trawl Fishing for Nephrops Norvegicus

Initial trials with double rigged gear on a SW beam trawler in 1982 had demonstrated the feasibility of working this rig in UK waters. In 1983 trial fishing was carried out successfully on Celtic Sea nephrops (prawn) stocks. Increased catch rates in comparison with single trawl rigs were recorded and gear handling was further refined. Problems highlighted included the shorting effort required with increased catches of prawn and limited market in the SW. This report has been produced from a scanned original and may therefore contain some formatting and other inaccuracies. In cases where this affects the technical content, a paper copy of the original report can still be obtained from Seafish

Comparison of Results in Dover Sole Research and Development to November 1978 with Previous Performance Forecasts 1975 & 1977

This report has been written to present in abbreviated form the progress made with the fish hatched in 1977 and 1978. About a quarter of the 1977 stock has exceeded the minimum size (250g) at which maximum market unit price is achieved; the majority of the remainder should achieve harvest weight at an age of 22 months. The 1978 stock, some are now nine months old, due to successful early spawning by photoperiod control, are growing more strongly. This report has been produced from a scanned original and may therefore contain some formatting and other inaccuracies. In cases where this affects the technical content, a paper copy of the original report can still be obtained from Seafish.

Ambient Seafood in Multiple Retail (2023)

Ambient remains in decline but compared to 2016, ambient seafood has attracted older and significantly more affluent ABC1 shoppers; perhaps driven by the recent demand for premium imported tinned seafood

Degritting of King Scallops

Dredged scallops are known to contain ‘grit’ in the form of sand, silt, mud or broken shell. Although washed out in processing, this contamination limits the marketability of these scallops as a ‘live’ product and detracts from their value in comparison with scallops landed by divers. The initial part of this work has confirmed the considerable extent of grit contamination of commercially harvested scallops and that it is effectively removed in the production of a processed product by shucking and washing the meat, but it has also shown that the eating quality of ‘gritty’ scallops deteriorates rapidly if held unprocessed in the shell. This report has been produced from a scanned original and may therefore contain some formatting and other inaccuracies. In cases where this affects the technical content, a paper copy of the original report can still be obtained from Seafish.

Board Minutes - 27 September 2023

Minutes from the Seafish board meeting held on 27 September 2023.

Haddock Factsheet - January 2024

This Market Insight factsheet provides a full picture of haddock in the retail, foodservice and trade markets.

A Steady State Control Program to Minimise Fuel Consumption for a Vessel Using a Controllable Pitch Propellor

This study shows how the correct settings of propeller pitch and engine speed may obtain the minimum fuel consumption for a required propellor thrust and ship speed. The possible fuel savings are investigated using an optimising steady state control system based on a specific fishing vessel. This report has been produced from a scanned original and may therefore contain some formatting and other inaccuracies. In cases where this affects the technical content, a paper copy of the original report can still be obtained from Seafish

A Report on the UK Herring Fisheries in the 1980s

The British herring fishery has declined dramatically since the early part of the century. The ban in 1977 was a result of indiscriminate overfishing by all fishing nations in the post war period. Now that the ban has been eased, the Common Fisheries Policy sets out the UK quota clearly and in this there are opportunities for development of a more stable UK herring fishery. This report has been produced from a scanned original and may therefore contain some formatting and other inaccuracies. In cases where this affects the technical content, a paper copy of the original report can still be obtained from Seafish

Blue Whiting Processing Trials Stornaway 1977

The almost universal adoption of 200 mile fishing limits has resulted, to a large extent, in the exclusion of our distant water fishing fleet from their usual fishing grounds, and consequently in a shortage of traditionally acceptable fish such as cod and haddock. This shortage has caused a predictable series of price increases, and shown a need to exploit non-traditional species such as blue whiting, which can be caught in large quantities around our own coast and within the EEC controlled fishing areas. Blue Whiting (Micromesistius poutassau) is a small white fish, a member of the cod family, which congregates in large quantities to the north west of the UK during its springtime spawning season. Throughout the remainder of the year the blue whiting stock disperses throughout the north Atlantic. Estimates of the stock vary between 8 and 12 million tonnes, of which 2 million tonnes could be harvested annually without damaging the stock. Despite increasing fishing activity by foreign vessels, fishing mainly for fishmeal, the stock still remains virtually unexploited. This report has been produced from a scanned original and may therefore contain some formatting and other inaccuracies. In cases where this affects the technical content, a paper copy of the original report can still be obtained from Seafish.

Investigations on Non-Returnable Box Properties

This report details the experimental results of thermal and handling trials carried out on the present range of non-returnable wet fillet box materials used in the UK. A general survey of the packaging distributions environment is also included. This report has been produced from a scanned original and may therefore contain some formatting and other inaccuracies. In cases where this affects the technical content, a paper copy of the original report can still be obtained from Seafish

Blue Whiting Processing Trials at Stornaway, Spring 1976 (draft only)

This report describes blue whiting processing trials carried out at Stornoway in the Outer Hebrides in the Spring of 1976. The exercise was a joint project between the Highland and Islands Development Board, Torry Research Station, and the White Fish Authority. The main objective was to test the feasibility of landing blue whiting in fresh condition at a port close to the fishing grounds, processing it for human consumption and supply processors and friers with frozen fillets for trial work and marketing. This report has been produced from a scanned original and may therefore contain some formatting and other inaccuracies. In cases where this affects the technical content, a paper copy of the original report can still be obtained from Seafish.

A Survey of Current Research on the Selectivity of Fishing Gear

The selectivity of fishing gears has become an important issue in recent years as a consequence of greater awareness of the necessity to conserve fish stocks, and to take only those species and sizes of commercial value. This report summarises current research work in this field and the ‘state of the art’ of different selectivity investigations. Research is being carried out by several international research organisations and among the leading authorities are the DAFS Aberdeen Laboratory and MAFF’s Lowestoft Laboratory. This report has been produced from a scanned original and may therefore contain some formatting and other inaccuracies. In cases where this affects the technical content, a paper copy of the original report can still be obtained from Seafish.

Exploratory Voyage by DET 'Swanella'

In the Autumn of 1973 the diesel electric stern trawler SWANELLA was chartered on behalf of the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food for an exploratory fishing voyage in deep water to the West and North West of the British Isles. The areas in question have not hitherto been exploited by commercial fishing vessels but in the twelve months prior to SWANELLA’s voyage they had been surveyed in part by fishery Research Vessel CIROLANA. This report has been produced from a scanned original and may therefore contain some formatting and other inaccuracies. In cases where this affects the technical content, a paper copy of the original report can still be obtained from Seafish.

Market Test of a Range of Pacific Oyster Products

Six frozen Pacific oyster products, the most promising of those developed in earlier White Fish Authority trials, were test marketed in two stages in 1974 and 1975 under the brand name, Oyster Bay. It was unfortunate that the timing of the campaign, although logical in the progression of the project, coincided with the onset and early stages of the economic depression, as one of the main reasons put forward for lack of interest by the caterers was that of price. Perhaps the major reason for the disappointing level of acceptability, however, was the overall lack of familiarity with cooked oyster products although it was encouraging to note the response to the products when this was overcome. It was also encouraging to record that fresh oysters in the shell are regarded favourably and until the quantity of UK-grown Pacific oysters increase substantially to bring production costs down in order that the processed products become economically viable, the White Fish Authority recommend that growers concentrate their efforts into stimulating demand for Pacific oysters sold in the shell in local restaurants and hotel, particularly during the holiday season. This report has been produced from a scanned original and may therefore contain some formatting and other inaccuracies. In cases where this affects the technical content, a paper copy of the original report can still be obtained from Seafish.

Operation of Blue Whiting Surimi Plant - Stornoway April/May

Industrial Development Unit staff working in conjunction with technologists for the Japanese company, Nippon Suisan Kaisha Limited (NSK), have recently completed a trials programme in which Blue Whiting (Micromesistius Poutassau) was processed into Surimi, using specialised equipment installed in the Rolf Olsen fish processing plant at Stornoway. The product has since been sent to Japan for marketing trials (which will be attended by IDU staff) during 1978. This report has been produced from a scanned original and may therefore contain some formatting and other inaccuracies. In cases where this affects the technical content, a paper copy of the original report can still be obtained from Seafish.

Trials with Monofilament Longline Gear

A Cornish cove boat of 6m length was fitted out with 10 Norwegian monofilament lines, a liner hauler and shooting chute. Trials carried out on 19 fishing days allowed the crew to gain expertise in the working of this gear. Further trials are recommended to enable the baiting crew to gain experience and to confirm the catch potential of monofilament lines compared with thicker lines. This report has been produced from a scanned original and may therefore contain some formatting and other inaccuracies. In cases where this affects the technical content, a paper copy of the original report can still be obtained from Seafish

Production and Marketing Assessment of Farmed Composite Fillets/Portions made from Small Gadoids

This report reviews progress in the use of small Gadoids in the manufacture of composite fillets/portions It further assesses the product and its market potential by trials in sectors of the market and by consumer test. This report has been produced from a scanned original and may therefore contain some formatting and other inaccuracies. In cases where this affects the technical content, a paper copy of the original report can still be obtained from Seafish

Scale Modelling of Trawl Gear

The relationship between model and full scale results for underwater flexible structures such as nets is far less well understood than for surface vessels. For the latter the empirical formulae developed over many years enable the full scale performance of a vessel to be predicted with a very high level of confidence. Recent work at the SFIA Flume Tank in Hull is promoting a greater understanding of theory for model trawls by comparison with full scale sea trials. This report, as well as describing the basic modelling theory involved, describes the trials work by reference to the performance of two full scale trawls. This report has been produced from a scanned original and may therefore contain some formatting and other inaccuracies. In cases where this affects the technical content, a paper copy of the original report can still be obtained from Seafish

Assessment of Blue Whiting Acceptability in Institutions

These acceptability trials were commenced in September 1975 using blue whiting from the catch off the Artic Privateer which were processed into block fillets in Aberdeen (AIS Report 146). They were continued in 1976 using block fillets processed in Stornoway (AIS Report 171) and extended in 1977 to include single skin-on fillets processed in Stornoway. In each case the blue whiting block fillets were battered and deep fried – the normal method of preparing fish in the hospital or school concerned. Unless specific questions were asked neither the hospital staff nor the school children participating in the trials were informed that the fish species being served to them was blue whiting. The results obtained suggest that provided the fish are suitably size-graded, blue whiting prepared in this way represents an acceptable product to institutional diners who would normally choose fish. This report has been produced from a scanned original and may therefore contain some formatting and other inaccuracies. In cases where this affects the technical content, a paper copy of the original report can still be obtained from Seafish.

Commercial Development of Marine Fish Farming - Turbot

Improvements in the controlled hatching of plaice by the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (MAFF), in 1963, provided the opportunity to launch the WFA fish farming R & D programme. Initially work was conducted with plaice (Pleuronectes platessa) at Port Erin, Isle of Man, jointly between MAFF and WFA (Ref 1). A survey of other marine fish likely to become candidates for farming is given in (Ref 2). By the early 70’s it was apparent that plaice farming, although technically feasible, could not be undertaken economically. Therefore since 1970, trials have concentrated on two of the most highly valued species. This report has been produced from a scanned original and may therefore contain some formatting and other inaccuracies. In cases where this affects the technical content, a paper copy of the original report can still be obtained from Seafish.

Report of an Investigation into the Design and Stability Characteristics of Bute Slipdocks Vessel No. 485

The Chief Marine Surveyor (Scotland) of the White Fish Authority approached the Industrial Development Unit, on behalf of the Caley Fisheries Ltd., and Mr Peter Strachan, to carry out an independent investigation into the design and general stability standards of the vessel being built at the Bute Slip Dock under their yard number 485. This action was the result of the loss at sea of the MFV Trident which was built by Bute Slip Dock and which was of a similar design and style to yard No. 485, although it was understood that there were significant differences in hull form between the two vessels. This report has been produced from a scanned original and may therefore contain some formatting and other inaccuracies. In cases where this affects the technical content, a paper copy of the original report can still be obtained from Seafish.

An Analysis of the Hull Fish Industry in 1983

The report defines the state of the Hull Fish Industry in early 1983 showing little prospects exist for the catching sector but that the processing sector remains buoyant by its dependence on fish from all over the UK as well as imports. A geographical analysis shows that Hull and Humberside have all the locational advantages of retaining their position as the most important processing centre in Europe.

ACIG. Notes on bite-size meeting. Funding innovation in UK aquaculture. 30 June 2022.

This meeting looked at how investment is helping to fund innovation in UK aquaculture.

Introduction of the Marine Laboratory Designed 4 Panel Bottom Trawl to the British Distant Water and Inshore Fishing Industries

Detailed studies of the design, construction and performance of traditional trawls and experiments investigating those factors controlling the geometry of trawls have been made by the staff of the Marine Laboratory, Aberdeen. Techniques allowing observation of the behaviour of fish in these fishing gears have been developed and consequent understanding of the way in which fish are caught has grown over a similar period. The knowledge accumulated from these studies has been applied during the last three years to the development of a family of 4 panel trawls. The aims of this development have been to produce a practical fishing gear having the same or preferably a higher catching power than the traditional trawls but with greater mechanical efficiency and ease of handling. This report has been produced from a scanned original and may therefore contain some formatting and other inaccuracies. In cases where this affects the technical content, a paper copy of the original report can still be obtained from Seafish.

Search results

Filter search results