The Herring Buyers Association Ltd. has changed its name to the Scottish Pelagic Processors Association Ltd.
When the association formed in 1976, herring constituted a majority of the pelagic catch.
“For a company to be a member it had to purchase herring, but the supply situation has now changed, and, in volume and value, mackerel is the largest catch for members,” said Ian McFadden, the association’s chairman. “They also process and market other types of pelagic fish including blue whiting, sprats and sardines, so the directors felt it was more appropriate to make this clear in our name.”
The association represents the member interests in discussions with government agencies and is represented on the board of Seafood Scotland. It also works with the fishing sector, including membership of the Scottish Pelagic Sustainability Group, which spearheaded Marine Stewardship Council certification for herring and mackerel.
Membership of the SPPA is wholly based in Scotland, as is the majority of the UK pelagic fleet. It includes all major Scottish pelagic fish processors: Caley Fisheries, Croan Seafoods, Denholm Seafoods, Fresh Catch, International Fish Canners, Lunar Freezing, Macrae, Nor Sea Foods, Shetland Catch, Shetland Fish Products and United Fish Industries.
