Shetland's scallop industry shows continuous growth amid 'major declines' across Scotland

Shetland’s scallop industry is continuing to grow, even as Scotland’s wider fishery landscape faces “major declines” in key areas, according to a Scottish government report published last week. The latest national scallop stock assessment shows systemic growth in Shetland landings over a 40-year period, while other regions—such as parts of the East Coast, North West, and West of Kintyre—have seen significant drops. Shetland is described as the only exception among the seven assessment areas, accounting for 20% of total Scottish landings over the last two years. The report attributes strength to higher recruitment in the 2000s and 2010s, while noting fishing mortality continues to fall due to rising biomass. It advises “no increase in effort,” with Shetland managed by the SSMO under a six-mile inshore limit; SSMO licenses 105 boats.