January started with good mackerel fishing northwest of the Butt of Lewis (west coast of Scotland). The average size of the mackerel ranged from 350-450gms and the fishermen reported a good spread of fish on the grounds.

Our main supplies have been from the Scottish vessels, Christina S, Enterprise and those from the S&S Group; Ocean Quest, Ocean Venture, Forever Grateful & Resolute.

The quality has been very good and we’ve quickly fulfilled our Far East orders. The majority of our sales have been to Eastern Europe, where the financial situation has stabilised since the autumn. This has allowed us to load several vessels for Russia and other destinations. We’ve also maintained our good relationship with African buyers and managed to load a sizeable cargo at the beginning of January, despite the port congestion in Lagos.

We expect a further 2-3 weeks of good production then the boats will stop catching mackerel until October. Some will move onto NVG herring and blue whiting at the end of February so we hope to maintain good production levels until the end of May.

On a social level, preparations for our annual Viking Festival (Up Helly Aa) are almost completed. This is held on the last Tuesday of January and celebrates the end of winter. This year, Sales Executive Billy Finnie, is a member of the Jarls’ Squad and has grown the customary beard!! We wish him and Jarl Stephen Mouat good weather & good luck for the big day.

Kindly contact us at sales@shetlandcatch.com if you have any requirements for mackerel, herring or blue whiting.

John Angus.
19.01.09.