Last April, the Russian government imposed widespread restrictions on the export of pelagic fish from the UK, referring to its concerns about veterinary standards in processing facilities.
A Russian veterinary audit of UK exporters at the beginning of 2008 confirmed that only two firms in Britain – Shetland Catch and Peterhead-based Fresh Catch – had passed their inspection and thus they became the only processing companies the Russians would collaborate with.
The Russian market is vital for the UK seafood industry. In 2007, Britain exported over 48,000 tonnes of pelagic fish, worth around £40m (€44.8m) to Russia. The bulk of those exports came from Scotland, with up to ten Scottish processing companies exporting mainly herring, mackerel and other species to Russia before the ban came into effect.
Scotland’s first minister Alex Salmond said he began negotiations with the administration’s Russian counterparts to overturn the ban on Scottish fish and fish product imports from the moment of its imposition, and eventually managed to persuade the Russian audit team to inspect the Scottish factories again.
Scottish fish processors who stand to benefit from the lifting of the restrictions include Denholms Seafoods, a major pelagic processor based in Peterhead, Lossie Seafoods, SCAF and Lunar Freezing.
According to Scottish Fisheries Secretary Richard Lochhead, the Scottish fishing industry is recognised for its sustainability and high quality produce worldwide.
He added that the Scottish government was determined to take decisive action to help hard-pressed businesses during the tough economic climate: "We are supporting the farming, fishing, forestry and food and drink industries that are the lifeblood of the rural economy and of rural communities."
According to media reports, the Russian ban will remain in place for the rest of the UK.
Russia had previously placed restrictions on the import of fish from the UK in 2001, following the foot and mouth crisis.