The UK and Scottish governments will today unveil joint plans to open up lucrative new fish markets to north and north-east trawlermen affected by Russian sanctions.
Industry chiefs have warned that Vladimir Putin’s ban on European food could have “extremely serious” implications for Scotland’s mackerel fleet and processors.
Skippers at ports including Lerwick, Fraserburgh and Peterhead could lose vital sales in what is one of their biggest markets.
It is estimated exports of frozen pelagic fish to Russia – which includes mackerel and herring – are worth £17million a year.
UK Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Elizabeth Truss will meet mackerel fishermen in Peterhead today to offer her “full support”.
She will announce a joint Scottish, UK and EU effort to open up new markets for high-quality British mackerel, especially in the Far East and West Africa.
Westminster and Holyrood will also examine what support can be provided to meet the cost to fishermen of storing frozen mackerel while alternative markets are sought.
“This ban is totally unjustified and I share the concerns of Scotland’s fishing industry about the possible impact on their business,” Ms Truss said.
“I want Scotland’s fishermen to be assured the UK Government stands ready to support them throughout these sanctions.
“We will continue to use our clout to lobby hard in Brussels on behalf of Scotland’s world-class fishing industry.”
Ms Truss says she will also work with the fishing industry to manage supplies of mackerel during the new fishing season – which runs from October to March – to help keep prices stable.
Scotland’s Cabinet Secretary for Rural Affairs, Food and the Environment Richard Lochhead said: “Although Russia only accounts for 1% of Scottish food and drink exports, the trade embargo will pose challenges for our pelagic fishing sector in particular.
“Up to 20% of the mackerel processed in Scotland is exported directly to Russia and so it is essential the UK Government understands the disproportionate effect the Russian sanctions will have on this important Scottish industry.
“Earlier this week I unveiled a five-point plan aimed at protecting our pelagic industry and I am keen to explore further what levers the UK may have available to help us achieve this aim, such as export insurance.
“It is clear that there is no one solution to this complex situation, and that is why it is so important that the Scottish and UK governments, together with pelagic fishermen and processors, work together to protect this sector from any significant impact.”
The tit-for-tat food ban, introduced by Russia to retaliate against countries which imposed sanctions on it over the conflict in Ukraine, represents 0.2% of the UK’s £18.9billion food exports.
Products covered by the sanctions include poultry, pork, fish, dairy and vegetables.
Ms Truss added: “While we do not anticipate a significant overall impact to business, Scotland’s mackerel industry is expected to be the most affected.
“We will continue to work closely with trade associations and the wider food industry to help them monitor the impact of this ban.”
Sinclair Banks, boss of north-east fishing and fish processing firm Lunar, said it would have “a big impact on business”.
The firm, which is based in Peterhead, exports 16% of its mackerel and herring to Russia.
Mr Banks added that Lunar had cancelled a boat exporting herring because of the sanctions.
A spokesman for the Scottish Fishing Federation said: “We welcome the support indicated by both the UK and Scottish governments in taking steps to identify and implement joint actions to help alleviate the impact this Russian action will have on our important fish catching and processing sectors.”