Russia’s decision to lift ban on the UK fish imports has been joyously received by the Scottish fishing companies as this is expected to immensely benefit the struggling industry. The fishing industry is confronted with likely restrictions from the EU as well. Russia is one of the largest markets for the Scottish fish exporters and the market size is estimated at about $60mn.
The restrictions were imposed in April stating fishes including herring and mackerel did not maintain food safety standards at processing plants. Russia’s fish ban was imposed on all barring a few UK processors of pelagic fish after they raised concerns about veterinary standards in processing plants. During the eight month period of the ban, the Scottish fishing industry witnessed huge job losses, and many companies which exported fish to Russia also had to be satisfied with very low revenues.
Robert Duthie managing director of Denholm Seafoods Ltd, the leading processors of mackerel and herring in the UK said they were very delighted to hear the news that Russia had lifted the ban on their fish. Especially, in a time when Russia has stepped up restrictions against the EU fishes by introducing stringent standards to pass the import laws of that country. He commended First Minister Alex Salmond for working towards a favourable decision from Russia to resurrect the troubled fishing industry.
Salmond said the ban had adversely affected Scottish fishing industry, and what had happened was a temporary blip since they had traditionally maintained excellent trading relationship with Russia. He further added, the moment they received information about the lifting of restrictions, they got down to work to ward off the serious implications of a permanent ban. It should be recalled, in 2001, Russia had imposed a ban on the UK fish due to foot and mouth disease.