The Scottish pelagic fleet fishes for three main species – mackerel, herring and blue whiting.

Mackerel

Mackerel is Scotland’s most important fishery in terms of volume and value, representing well over a third of the total value of Scottish landings. The mackerel is in high demand both domestically and abroad, with market demand in the Far East showing especially strong growth in recent years. The main mackerel catching periods are October, November and January.

Herring

The North Sea herring fishery operates during the summer and was first MSC certified on 15th July 2008 and remains so to this day. In the early part of the year, some boats also fish for a short period for Atlanto-Scandian herring off Norway. Herring is an iconic fish in Scottish heritage and the foundation stone of many fishing communities in the 19^th century.

Blue whiting

Belonging to the cod family, yet which behaves like a midwater swimming pelagic fish, blue whiting is targeted by some boats in the fleet to the west of Scotland and Ireland from February to early April. The catch is mainly processed for fishmeal and oil, yet there is a human consumption market which is dependant on the size of the individual fish, which the Scottish industry is keen to develop further.