As part of its Seafood Fortnight activities, Seafood Scotland hosted a knowledge building day for NEFTA skill seekers new entrant fishermen, who started their course recently at Banff & Buchan college. "The aim of the day was to highlight what happens to fish and shellfish once it has left the fishing vessel, and to stress the importance of quality along the supply chain," explained SFS Environmental and Technical Manager Jess Sparks. "By showing the young fishermen the stringent quality checks that product is subjected to during processing and giving them an idea of the demands of today's seafood markets, we hope to give them an understanding of the necessity of taking good care of the catch."

Ten recruits visited the fish market and harbour facilities in Peterhead, before enjoying a guided tour of the SFO's factory in Fraserburgh, which processes whole and tailed langoustine for the European market. They also toured International Fish Canners' premises to see the canning process from start to finish. At the RNLI Lifeboat Station in Fraserburgh, trainees met the crew, went aboard the lifeboat, and were instructed in the use of emergency pumps.

NEFTA training manager Jim Watt, who accompanied the recruits, found the trip interesting and worthwhile. "The seafood industry has changed a lot in the past decade and it has become important for fishermen to understand the role played by each part of the supply chain and to have market knowledge. The trainees enjoyed their day and learned a lot, and we are grateful to Seafood Scotland for helping with this important aspect of the business," he said.

The new recruits are: Gavin Bowie, Paul Buchan, Bruce Coull, Stuart Legge, Ryan McBride, William McDonald, Steven McGillivray, Liam Murray, John James Souter and James Thores.

 

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