Important Fish Species
Of the many sea fish species found in Scottish waters there are 7 species that are considered as being the most commercially important to Scotland (when judged by a combination of volume and value of landings from Scottish vessels). These species are:
- Herring and mackerel (pelagic)
- Haddock, cod, monkfish and whiting (whitefish)
- Nephrops (Scottish Langoustine), crab and scallops (shellfish)
Herring and mackerel landed in Scotland usually undergo initial processing before being exported overseas in the global pelagic market. In contrast the whitefish species of cod, haddock and monkfish landed in Scotland are primarily destined for the UK domestic market, particularly the retail and foodservice sectors. Of the shellfish species, nephrops (also known as Scottish langoustines) are destined for both domestic and export markets with the live export market being the most lucrative. Scallops, like nephrops, are destined for domestic and overseas markets.