An invaluable web-based seafood information tool for European seafood buyers, retailers, consumers and journalists, was launched at the European Seafood Exposition (ESE), today, Wednesday 23rd April 2008, by Rt Hon Alex Salmond MSP, First Minister for Scotland.

It was developed by Seafood Scotland (SFS) with financial assistance from government and national agencies, to provide everyone in the seafood supply chain with up to date information on the most important commercial fish stocks for the Scottish fishing industry.

Its translation into French, Italian, German, Spanish, and Russian, will assist European buyers to understand that in choosing seafood from Scotland, they are making an environmentally sound buying choice.

Following the launch, the First Minister took part in a short Q&A session on the Scottish Industry and its efforts to become No 1 in fisheries conservation management in the EU.

The website is a mine of information on the latest stock and quota information, plus biology and management methods. It explains catching techniques and sets out the environmental impacts of fishing, together with mitigating factors employed by industry. Information is also available about the fisheries research institutes that work with Scottish industry, while a section on accreditation schemes summarises the methods and routes that fisheries and vessels can take to gain Marine Stewardship Council and Responsible Fishing Scheme certification.

Market information and seasonality are covered in detail, and an eco news section provides up to date information on the work being done by industry to provide environmentally improved sources of seafood.

Speaking at the launch, the First Minister said: Seafood Scotland's new responsible sourcing website will help us turn our assets into economic advantage. By translating information that highlights the standards Scotland's fishing fleet adhere to, buyers can be confident that Scottish product – in any language – is quality, sustainable produce."

SFS Chairman Iain MacSween congratulated the organisation on the breadth of detail included in website. "This useful tool was put together in response to frequent requests from seafood buyers, processors and the media, to provide information on the sustainable status of Scottish seafood. The result is a wealth of facts, figures and information that will be updated on a regular basis, to ensure that it remains current and useful," he said.

"This is an excellent example of collaborative working between fisherman, suppliers, scientists, government, environmentalists and ultimately consumers. The website provides a wealth of information on the sustainable status of Scottish seafood and its translation into key European languages takes account of Scotland's huge export market," stated Libby Woodhatch, CEO of SFS.

Further information from: Nicki Holmyard +44 7711 272637 . Diese E-Mail-Adresse ist gegen Spambots geschützt! JavaScript muss aktiviert werden, damit sie angezeigt werden kann.

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