Fish feasts for Scots on the menu
Posted by patpa on November 4, 2009
By Patricia Pereira
Fish and chips are supposed to be one of the most typical take away dishes consumed by Scots. However, fewer than half of the population in Scotland eat the recommended two portions of fresh fish a week.
Fish and shellfish are Scotland’s top exports, with a value of some £700m annually. But although Scotland is one of the top fishing nation within the European Union, the consumption of it is down 8% during the last few years.
People in Scotland consume much less fish than in other countries. For instance, citizens in Spain, Portugal and Norway eat twice as much fish.
Few months ago the Scottish Government and Seafood Scotland launched a media campaign called “Eat More Fish” to promote fish as good value for money, as an essential part of our diet to deliver health benefits and as well as giving a boost to Scotland’s fishing and fish-farming sectors.
“Eat More Fish“ won a Gold and Silver award last 23rd October at the Chartered Institute of Public Relations (CIPR) awards held in Glasgow.
Fisheries Secretary, Richard Lochhead, said: “This campaign has highlighted the huge potential for increasing demand both at home and abroad for our delicious, healthy seafood.
Photo courtesy of Google images
If more people are made aware of the benefits of eating fish then they can help our fishing industry at the same as improving their health.”
There are few reasons that could explain the fact of this lack of fish consumption among the Scottish population. However, high prices and weather seem to be the main impediments.
According to Danny Chalmers, Senior Communications Officer for the Scottish Government, research conducted by Seafish on consumption levels suggests that the campaign has started to have an impact rising both the volume and value of fish sales.
